6 week old chickens are suddenly dying

[elenarain]

HI,

We had 10 chicks, eight from one local feed store and 2 from another (less than one week apart in age and had been together going on four weeks).On Friday, the two from the 2nd feed store suddenly got extremely weak. When we checked on them later, one had died and the other was clearly suffering so we removed her from the others. This morning, another was dead (looked like she had fallen asleep and fell over on her face) and now, tonight, another one is clearly in distress.They were vaccinated from the feed store but their starter feed is not medicated. They are in a galvanized tub with a heat lamp and the nipple set up for their water. The tub has fresh, clean wood chips, fresh water, fresh feed. We sterilized everything after the first ones died. We are wondering what to do!
Does anyone have any experience like this?
Many thanks for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Are they fully feathered out yet? They probably don't need the heat lamp much longer. What temperature is it in the brooder? They should be able to tolerate 65 degrees F. At their age coccidiosis is the most common cause of illness. Symptoms are weakness, sleepiness, hunched posture, not eating, and diarrhea with mucus or blood. The best treatment is Corid (amprollium) in the water. What vaccinations did they get? Was it for Mareks or for coccidiosis? Are you positive they receive vaccines? Most feed stores don't vaccinate. If they were vaccinated for cocci, then Corid can negate the vaccine, but I would find out for sure if they had it. The other worry is that they aren't getting enough water from the nipple system. I would put in another water source just to be sure. Let us know if you need the Corid dosage.

 

[elenarain]

Thanks for your reply!
Yes, they are fully feathered, but the shop gets to 45-50 at night so we still have alight on..maybe turn off during the day?
Since it is Easter Sunday, will have to wait until morning to find out from feed stores which vaccinations they got. Just lethargy, no diarrhea, blood or mucous/ Just added another water source...Many thanks for your help..will learn more in the am...

 

[elenarain]

Also, just in case, what is the Corid dosage?
Thanks again!

 

[Eggcessive]

Dosage is 2tsp of the liquid Corid, or 1 1/2 tsp of the powder, per gallon of water for 5 days changing water daily. Vitamins and probiotics help after treatment is complete. Look in the cattle medicines at feed stores for Corid. Ampromed is another brand.