- Jul 27, 2013
- 14
- 0
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Hi everyone!
I have lurked long enough. Time to join this wonderful informative group.
I need advice on a recent shipment of day-old white bearded silkies. The silkies arrived last Wednesday (24th). All 17 were alive, however, we have now lost five (2-thursday, 2-friday, 1-today). They are kept in a large cardboard box in our home with layers of paper towels on the floor of the box. A heat lamp with reflector is suspended above the box, and a thermometer indicates 94 degrees F. at one inch off the floor. The thermometer is under the lamp in a bright-light spot. Other areas of the box are cooler. The chicks spread out to little groups of 3-5. Feed (chick starter) and water are available at all times. I have seen several chicks at the feed and water, and therefore, assume all are eating and drinking.
The Careguide page included with the chicks mentions pasty bottoms and "droopy" chicks. I have noticed pasty bottoms on a couple of chicks and will now follow the instructions to clean them. The term "droopy" does describe our chicks before they die. (The ones that have died did not have pasty bottoms). Most of the time, when they sleep, they lean forward with head down, bottom up, and wings slightly out. Sometimes a few will snuggle together. Just like the guineas, they often look dead when they sleep until they are startled. When they are failing they fall over on their side, but can be slowly roused to get up. They seem week and have difficulty standing. I try dipping beaks in water to encourage them to drink. But, not confident that that is what I should do, I don't persist. Within a few hours the chick passes.
Any advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have lurked long enough. Time to join this wonderful informative group.
I need advice on a recent shipment of day-old white bearded silkies. The silkies arrived last Wednesday (24th). All 17 were alive, however, we have now lost five (2-thursday, 2-friday, 1-today). They are kept in a large cardboard box in our home with layers of paper towels on the floor of the box. A heat lamp with reflector is suspended above the box, and a thermometer indicates 94 degrees F. at one inch off the floor. The thermometer is under the lamp in a bright-light spot. Other areas of the box are cooler. The chicks spread out to little groups of 3-5. Feed (chick starter) and water are available at all times. I have seen several chicks at the feed and water, and therefore, assume all are eating and drinking.
The Careguide page included with the chicks mentions pasty bottoms and "droopy" chicks. I have noticed pasty bottoms on a couple of chicks and will now follow the instructions to clean them. The term "droopy" does describe our chicks before they die. (The ones that have died did not have pasty bottoms). Most of the time, when they sleep, they lean forward with head down, bottom up, and wings slightly out. Sometimes a few will snuggle together. Just like the guineas, they often look dead when they sleep until they are startled. When they are failing they fall over on their side, but can be slowly roused to get up. They seem week and have difficulty standing. I try dipping beaks in water to encourage them to drink. But, not confident that that is what I should do, I don't persist. Within a few hours the chick passes.
Any advice and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
