DANGER.... Do not feed your Guinea keets or baby chicks Black Fly Larvae from China... POISON

[Ozarkchick23]

I have 4 Guinea Keets about a month old. I thought it might be a good idea to supplement their feed with ground up Black Fly Larvae since it has a lot of protein.
I bought Coohgrubs from Chewy. I did not realize it until now that Goohgrubs comes from China.
Two of my keets have died and one is now sick, exhibiting the symptoms of poison contamination. I asked Grok and have attached the response to my concerns. Please do not feed your hens, chicks or guinea keets Black Fly Larvae coming from China. I am heart broken to what I have done. Please read the attached file.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Sorry this has happened! Anyone in the Chewy reviews experiencing the same thing? You sure it was the larvae and not something else they got into? Did they have grit to digest the larvae?

I am not going to click on the attachment. Can you paste the contents in this thread?

 

[StinkyAcres]

BTW, Chewy will very likely refund your money. They are a good company.

 

[Ozarkchick23]

The Black Fly Larvae was the only food that I added to their regular food. Everything else is organic.
I'm going to call Chewy tomorrow. I'll look to see if I can leave a review with Chewy.
Here is the answer from Grok. My keets exhibited all those symptoms before they died. So upsetting.

Here is the response from Grok:

Treating a guinea keet that has consumed grubs contaminated with pesticides requires prompt action, as young keets are highly sensitive to toxins, and pesticide poisoning can be life-threatening. Since I don’t have specific information on the type of pesticide or the keet’s symptoms, I’ll provide a general protocol based on poultry toxicology and veterinary recommendations for treating pesticide poisoning in chicks. Always consult a veterinarian for a precise diagnosis and treatment, as they can perform tests (e.g., bloodwork or necropsy) to confirm poisoning and tailor treatment. Below is a step-by-step guide to help stabilize the keet and mitigate the effects of pesticide exposure.
1. Recognize Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
Pesticide poisoning in guinea keets may present with:

• Neurological Signs: Tremors, seizures, incoordination, or paralysis.
• Digestive Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly watery or bloody), or reduced appetite.
• Respiratory Distress: Labored breathing or gasping.
• General Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, drooping wings, or sudden collapse.If you observe these symptoms, assume toxicity and act quickly.

2. Immediate Actions

• Remove the Keet from the Source: Isolate the sick keet from the area where it consumed the contaminated grubs to prevent further exposure. Check other keets for symptoms, as they may also have been exposed.
• Provide a Warm, Quiet Environment: Place the keet in a clean, warm (90–95°F for keets under 2 weeks, slightly cooler for older keets), and quiet brooder to reduce stress. Use a clean towel or soft bedding to keep it comfortable.
• Stop Access to Contaminated Food: Remove any remaining grubs or foraged material from the keet’s environment. Ensure all keets have access only to clean, uncontaminated water and high-quality starter feed (24–28% protein).

3. Supportive Care

• Hydration: Offer fresh, clean water immediately. If the keet is too weak to drink, use a dropper or syringe (without a needle) to gently administer small amounts of water or an electrolyte solution like Sav-A-Chick (available at feed stores). Avoid forcing fluids, as this can cause aspiration.
• Activated Charcoal: If you suspect recent ingestion (within 1–2 hours), activated charcoal can help absorb toxins in the digestive tract. Mix 1–2 grams of activated charcoal powder (available at pharmacies or vet supply stores) per kg of body weight with water and administer via a dropper (consult a vet for exact dosing). This is most effective if given soon after exposure.
• Nutritional Support: If the keet is not eating, provide a high-energy supplement like Nutri-Drench for poultry (a vitamin and electrolyte solution). Follow package instructions for dosing, typically a few drops for a keet.

4. Veterinary Intervention

• Contact a Vet Immediately: Pesticide poisoning requires professional diagnosis and treatment. A veterinarian can:
  • Identify the specific pesticide (e.g., organophosphates, carbamates, or pyrethroids) through history or testing.
  • Administer antidotes if applicable (e.g., atropine or pralidoxime for organophosphate poisoning, though these are less common in poultry).
  • Provide supportive care like IV fluids or oxygen if the keet is in critical condition.
• Provide Details: Inform the vet about the keet’s symptoms, the type of grubs consumed, and any known pesticides used in the area (e.g., lawn treatments, garden sprays). If possible, collect a sample of the grubs for analysis.
• Necropsy for Others: If other keets are affected or die, a necropsy can confirm the pesticide type, helping to treat survivors and prevent further issues.

5. Monitor and Prevent Further Exposure

• Observe the Keet: Monitor for improvement or worsening over 24–48 hours. Keep detailed notes on symptoms, food/water intake, and droppings to share with the vet.
• Check Other Keets: Inspect the flock for signs of poisoning, as multiple keets may have eaten contaminated grubs.
• Clean the Environment: Remove any potentially contaminated soil, plants, or organic matter from the foraging area. Avoid letting keets forage in areas treated with pesticides or herbicides.

6. Long-Term Prevention

• Safe Foraging Areas: Ensure keets only forage in pesticide-free zones. If you use lawn or garden treatments, check product labels for poultry safety and wait out the recommended withdrawal period before allowing access.
• Supervised Foraging: For keets under 8 weeks, limit foraging time and supervise to prevent consumption of harmful substances. Provide a secure, clean run for young keets.
• Dietary Balance: Feed keets a high-protein starter feed (24–28% protein) as their primary diet, with insects as a supplement only after 4–6 weeks of age.
• Educate Yourself: Learn about common pesticides in your area (e.g., slug pellets, ant baits, or lawn chemicals) and their risks to poultry. Organic or poultry-safe pest control methods are preferable.

Important Notes

• Time-Sensitive Action: Pesticide poisoning can progress rapidly in keets due to their small size and fast metabolism. Delaying treatment may reduce survival chances.
• Unknown Pesticide Type: Without knowing the specific pesticide, treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Common culprits in grub-related poisoning include organophosphates (e.g., malathion), carbamates (e.g., carbaryl), or pyrethroids, all of which are toxic to poultry in varying degrees.
• Limitations: Some pesticides have no antidote, and severe poisoning may be fatal, especially in young keets. Early intervention is critical.

If You Need Further Help
If you can provide details about the specific pesticide (e.g., product name, active ingredient), the keet’s age, or observed symptoms, I can refine the advice. I can also search for additional resources or analyze specific information if you have it (e.g., a photo of the grubs or pesticide label). For immediate help, contact a local avian or poultry veterinarian or an emergency vet service. If you’re in a rural area, cooperative extension services or poultry specialists (often linked to universities) can offer guidance.
Would you like me to search for local veterinary resources or specific pesticide toxicity information based on your location or situation?






Try DeepSearch to research wider

 

[Ozarkchick23]

BTW, Chewy will very likely refund your money. They are a good company.

I'm so upset, the keets were so active and healthy. I thought I was helping them and they declined right in front of my eyes. It took a few days to figure out what happened. Two passed away, then it hit me the only thing I changed was adding the Black Fly Larvae to their meal.

 

[nuthatched]

What were the symptoms of poison you were seeing?
90% of dried bugs come from China, unfortunately but even when they're not, they can still be contaminated.

 

[Ozarkchick23]

The symptoms Grok described is exactly what I saw happen to each chick that got sick and died.

I'm never going to buy anything from China that goes into an animal or poultry ever again.

1. Recognize Symptoms of Pesticide Poisoning
Pesticide poisoning in guinea keets may present with:

• Neurological Signs: Tremors, seizures, incoordination, or paralysis.
• Digestive Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea (possibly watery or bloody), or reduced appetite.
• Respiratory Distress: Labored breathing or gasping.
• General Symptoms: Lethargy, weakness, drooping wings, or sudden collapse.If you observe these symptoms, assume toxicity and act quickly.

 

[Ozarkchick23]

What were the symptoms of poison you were seeing?
90% of dried bugs come from China, unfortunately but even when they're not, they can still be contaminated.

I first noticed that the sick chicks stopped being active and just stood there, wavering as they stood, eyes closed. Stopped eating and drinking. Then stood off to the side and hid if possible. Their wings dropped. One fell over grasping for breath, short breaths. Sitting with wings out.
I've attached a photo of two of the chicks. One has the dropped wing the other in the background is showing no symptoms yet.