Chicken hatched but appeared not to eat or drink then died at day 2/3

ejohnf61 · Nov 11, 2015

Hi , very new to this.

We have had only 2 silkie eggs actually hatch. Turning was stopped on day 18, humidity increased to around 65%. Prior to that the temp was 37.6C and the humidity 55%. The eggs hatched, the chicks were moved to the brood box. The chicks appear normal but won't drink or eat and slowly deteriorate and die.

We have tried showing them the water, dipping their beaks in it but to no avail. Theses were from 2 different hatches but were the only 2 fertile eggs. Long story and the eggs were from different sources.

Any hints anyone? Its got me tricked.

Thanks in advance

JOhn

Yorkshire Coop · Nov 11, 2015

Hi

I'm sorry to hear you have lost your chicks :hugs

For me 55% humidity during the first 18 days is a bit high. I shoot for 45% as an average over the 18 days, some do dry hatches too at about 30%. When you candled had your air sacs grown big enough? Humidity can play a factor in hatch results. Also did you double check your temps and humidity?

When you moved them to the brooder did you tap your finger in the crumb as a mother hen would do to show them the food? Did you dip their beaks on more than one occasion? Sometimes they take a bit more showing what to do. Was your crumb fine enough? Sometimes if the crumb is a little big they struggle to eat it. What was the temp in the brooder like? Too hot or too cold can play its part.

Chicken hatched but appeared not to eat or drink then died at day 2/3

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ejohnf61

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Yorkshire Coop

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