6:56am Help Quicik-sick Peachick

[RedBrush Farm]

Got 5 new chicks yesterday afternoon (4p.m.) They are 3 weeks old. Was told they were no longer under lighting. They were outside in a wire cage off the ground. They all seemed in great condition. It was 98 degrees at that time with a heat index of 105. It took 25 min. get home but I made most of the trip with very little air condition as not to chill them. They were all fine at 10p.m. but thismorning at 6am one of them is setting and won't stand, fells a little cool, and does not seem extremely alert. One other is up and moving but appears sluggish. The temp dropped to 77 last night. I have hooked up a light and placed over them and they all went to the light. I know they are drinking as there is a little food particulate in the tray. I am now making them some egg yellows. Is there anything I can do? Did I do something wrong? I lost the two that I had purchased Sat. a day apart. I am following everyone's advise as closely as possible. Please help me. It hurts to see them die and feel I should do something.... Also it is to be 100 degrees again today. Do I leave the light on?

B. Keister - Southeast Missouri

 

[9farmgirl9]

I had the same thing happen to one of my peas. I still dont know what wa wrong but i gave him some wormer and poly-vit-sol. And he is now fine. Is the light your using a heat bulb? This is what i do but these are my first peas. In the evening right before dark i turn there heat bulb on---it gets kinda chilly. Then in the morning when it turns 90 outside i turn it off. Mine seem to be doing fine.

 

[RedBrush Farm]

Thanks for the information. When I went back to the barn, he was all but dead. He was already getting stiff. I tried sugar water for energy, but it did not help. The second chick is looking pretty good after the sugar water and egg yolk. Am still unsure how long to leave the light on. It is 9am and 90 degrees. They are still huddling under the light. I have room for them to go to a corner with out light. I am thinking they will go to the cooler spot if they get too warm. I wish I could have helped the chick, but I did not know what to do.

Thanks again.

 

[Kedreeva]

Peachicks need a lot more heat than most other fowl. I would leave the heat lamp for them (mine stay at 100 for the first 2-3 weeks, and then 5 degrees down every 2 weeks after that). Who-ever told you they were off the heat lamp was wrong.

You can also give them electrolyte water- you can buy no-flavor Pedialyte at anywhere kids food is sold (walmart or something would probably have it). We mix it in with plain, non-instant oatmeal, egg yolks, chick starter, and plain greek yogurt. All of that is safe for them to eat young.