2 Dead Chicks: Dehydration?

[Salt and Light]

Woke up this AM to two dead chicks. Actually 1 dead chick and 1 dieing chick. They had water when I went to bed but it was empty this morning. Is it probable that the chicks died from dehydration?

 

[Salt and Light]

Another dead chick. That's 3 this morning. At what point do I call the hatchery?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

They are most likely not dead from dehydration overnight only. You don't give enough info to venture any other guesses.

 

[tornado8070]

Are they overcrowded, and bunching up and or to stay warm? How many do you have in the bunch? Not uncommen to have some loss in baby chicks.

 

[ranchhand]

Wow, a lot of questions need answering, but first, much sympathy!

How old?
What temp?
How long without water?
What bedding?
What food?
How long was shipping time?
What condition were they in upon arrival?
Did they travel through any areas of extreme cold on the way?


There are many things that can cause death in shipped chicks. Be sure your conditions for brooding are perfect before calling the hatchery.
Hope the rest will be okay.

 

[Salt and Light]

27 Freedom Ranger chicks. Kept in the garage in a very large storage bin. Plenty of room for them to roam from one end to the other. A 100 watt heat lamp in over head. The chicks were not bunched together when I walked out this morning. I've had the chicks for 1 week and 1 day. They eat 20% starter from the feed mill. They are on pine shaving bedding

Nothing is different about the way I'm raising these chicks as compared to the last 3 batches EXCEPT THE FOOD. This is the 1st time using fresh ground feed from a mill.

 

[tornado8070]

Ok. I beleive this may be out of your control? Looks like you know what your doing. Hope things straighten for your little guys. I can get very dishearting.

 

[Salt and Light]

Thanks "Tornado"; It is disheartening. At first I blamed myself for letting them run out of water. But when two chick died later in the day, I knew it couldn't be the water. It was sad because I was holding one when he died, right in my hands. I don't know why it's sad because one day I'm going to kill them all, but I guess just because they are babies. I hope no others die. So far they are all doing good. It just seem weird that I would lose 3 in one day.....

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

it is kind of weird to loose three in one day suddenly. for precaution I would give a dose of PVS in the water.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

wait a minute, I see you are in Florida, how hot is it there? what are thetemps in your garage and under the light?