3 week chicks, acting fine but suddenly dying

[GuineaMania]

Other than the high temperatures, I think your brooder looks great. Are they eating their bedding? Do they have grit? Raise the heat lamp until temps. are about 80-85. If they look cold then adjust it as needed.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

We use a heat lamp and have a thermometer inside to keep an eye on the temp (stays between 90-95).

I agree, I'd lower the temperature.

What is the wire rack/barrier on the cool side of the brooder? I'd take that out, so the chicks have more space to roam and get away from heat if necessary.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We are not on well water but our filtered water is not the best (even we don't drink it due to boil noticed frequently) we use filtered water from a water cooler(thinking maybe lack of minerals now that you mentioned this too).

Specifically asked about well water as that's been a possible cause of death before. The filtered water, is that the same water you drink? If so, then that shouldn't be the issue...

They are in our kitchen which is the safest place for them (kid free, draft free and animal free). I'll be having hubby get chick electrolytes tomorrow though as well to help boost that if it's heat related.

Electrolytes wouldn't be a bad idea as this could be stress related. Not seeing anything obvious with the brooder though other than the higher temperatures as previously mentioned.

 

[Slater0805]

Other than the high temperatures, I think your brooder looks great. Are they eating their bedding? Do they have grit? Raise the heat lamp until temps. are about 80-85. If they look cold then adjust it as needed.

They dig at their bedding and get some of the fallen medicated feed but I haven't seen any eating it. I have been wanting to introduce grit though to give treats, but I was seeing most wait until 4-5weeks before treats

I agree, I'd lower the temperature.

What is the wire rack/barrier on the cool side of the brooder? I'd take that out, so the chicks have more space to roam and get away from heat if necessary.


View attachment 4083061

It's an old soda rack for the fridge we had laying about and they actually have been roosting on it for enrichment(they do use it) but if its causing more harm than good ill remove it. They usually end up walking under it too.

 

[GuineaMania]

They dig at their bedding and get some of the fallen medicated feed but I haven't seen any eating it. I have been wanting to introduce grit though to give treats, but I was seeing most wait until 4-5weeks before treats

Hmm... Maybe get them grit even if you don't introduce them to treats yet. I slowly introduce mine to dirt and give them a dirt clump as a source of grit.
Edit: Okay so maybe they don't need grit if they don't have treats.

 

[Slater0805]

Specifically asked about well water as that's been a possible cause of death before. The filtered water, is that the same water you drink? If so, then that shouldn't be the issue...

Electrolytes wouldn't be a bad idea as this could be stress related. Not seeing anything obvious with the brooder though other than the higher temperatures as previously mentioned.

It is the same water we drink, yes. He's getting some for them tomorrow. I really appreciate the help here and will keep yall updated on the temperature change and electrolytes being added!

 

[Slater0805]

Hmm... Maybe get them grit even if you don't introduce them to treats yet. I slowly introduce mine to dirt and give them a dirt clump as a source of grit.

I'm not sure if our dirt would have enough grit in it, I know we have pretty clay like soil here, but if soil is good enough for grit introduction I may try that out. If I post a picture tomorrow would that help visualize if it'd be enough or if I should have him pick some chick grit up too?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They dig at their bedding and get some of the fallen medicated feed but I haven't seen any eating it. I have been wanting to introduce grit though to give treats, but I was seeing most wait until 4-5weeks before treats

It's an old soda rack for the fridge we had laying about and they actually have been roosting on it for enrichment(they do use it) but if its causing more harm than good ill remove it. They usually end up walking under it too.

They can have Chick Grit at hatch...

If they play on the soda rack that's fine. In both photos it looks like they are avoiding the area, so had wondered if they thought it was a barrier.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They dig at their bedding and get some of the fallen medicated feed but I haven't seen any eating it. I have been wanting to introduce grit though to give treats, but I was seeing most wait until 4-5weeks before treats

It's an old soda rack for the fridge we had laying about and they actually have been roosting on it for enrichment(they do use it) but if its causing more harm than good ill remove it. They usually end up walking under it too.

I'd introduce grit now, it'll help with any bedding they might ingest.

The "roost" does kind of eat up space but a larger brooder would fix that issue. They are a bit packed in there considering their age. Do you happen to have the coop ready or something that could work as a larger brooder. If the coop is ready, can you run electricity to it and what are the ambient high/lows like in the coop?

Again none of that is the cause of death, but might as well give the rest the best chance of making it to adulthood.

 

[GuineaMania]

A picture of your dirt tomorrow sounds good.