Am I doing something wrong? Hatchery chicks are dying :(

[pameladru]

Your set up looks good; I really think it must be the long delivery time. We ordered 125 from Cackle Hatchery last late winter and they delivered in one day. We only lost one which was very weak to begin with...that's a near perfect record. All chicks survived, save for the one, and are doing great. Broody hen is always best but a quick baby delivery is really important. They may have gotten very cold or other scenarios in that length of time. I do highly recommend Cackle Hatchery. So sorry for your loss...hang in there!

 

[WthrLady]

I still would like to keep track of who is who. I read on here people find this the best way if you check regularly on how tight the band is. What would you recommend instead? I really can;t keep them apart

fingernail polish on nails

 

[WthrLady]

Your broody plate also needs to be set low to the ground. THey really do need to smash themselves to get under it, just like under a mom. Check it once a week and see if you can click it upwards a notch. (I love that plate and have had one since they started selling them,)

Sounds like they were in route too long. Monday ship should be a Wednesday pick up.

Stress, dehydration, cocci, or a host of other things. Welcome to the game of "best guess by elimination chicken doctoring"

 

[aart]

It is H&H old fashioned starter. This is their website, I bought the bag at the local feed store. https://handhfeed.com/ It is manufactured by Micobe Inc in Hamilton Texas.
The number on the bag is 01 3668 18, so I assumed it was Jan 2018

Oh, I see...didn't know about the '3668' before.
Thinks they all should be made to use a Julian date code, then whatever lot number they need.