My chicks are dropping like flies, anyone?

[Remudamom]

The heat is right, the water and food are right, every day I find 1-3 more dead chicks. Should I move them into a different coop? Clean out everything and start over.


I am just sick. These were silkies and d'uccles in colors I did not have and they are dying every. single. day.

 

[kandyg_99]

Do they have any symptoms? Are they inside or out? More info might help.

 

[leadwolf1]

How old are these chicks? Do they have access to ground? If so, I would treat for coccidiosis...

 

[Remudamom]

They were shipped May 23 from Ideal poultry. 10 were hatched from my own silkie eggs. Never been outside. They look fine, then get lethargic, then are dead within 12 hours. Not pasty butt.

Any ideas welcome. I'm getting desperate not to lose all the babies. I started out with about 50. Down to 28

 

[Remudamom]

We have Corid here, should I put some in the water?

 

[Becci]

Treat for cocci immediately. I'm currently treating my eight rhode island red chicks for it, it's not a fun thing.

 

[Remudamom]

I haven't seen any bloody droppings but I'll treat anyway.

It's so discouraging to walk in and find dead chicks every single morning.

 

[leadwolf1]

Bloody poop is the end stage symptom of coccidia. If you wait to see bloody poop, they will all be dead. Bloody poop means that the coccidia has eaten away at the intestinal lining until so much damage is done that the intestines are bleeding. Most times it is then too late to treat. Babies can come from the hatchery with coccidia...they can get it from each other's poo. Treat now with Corid.

 

[JML72]

Does coccidia go from asymptomatic to death that quickly?

 

[Remudamom]

Okay, everyone is on the Corid now. I made my baby chick space smaller for just a while so there's no chance anyone will miss getting a drink asap. I'll go give them more room in about 15 minutes.

I dumped out all the water they drink everywhere on the farm and put out waterers with Corid in them. Even moved the dog and cat water bowls. I hope this solves the problem. Thanks for all the help.