And then there were 4......

[dblankin]

As a new chicken owner, I am suffering my first loss tonight. My baby "runt-o-the- litter" just didn't make it. She would be three weeks tomorrow. Ever since I've had my 5 Doms, this tiny chick has been ostracized by the other 4. They never did appear to accept her. She always ate alone and slept alone. Is this common chick behavior? Could this contribute to her passing?

 

[lazy gardener]

They most likely knew there was something wrong with her. As part of the flock mentality, the weak get kicked out of the flock because they draw the attention of predators. Sorry for your loss.

 

[BrendaJ]

Sorry for your loss but i agree that there was prob something wrong with her. Mother nature can seem cruel but survival of the fittest does apply.

 

[dblankin]

This is an awesome support group site!! Thank you.

 

[dblankin]

And now there are 3....

Had another chick to pass in the night. I don't know what is wrong.

The three that are left seem to be healthy and definitely larger than the two that passed.

Maybe these three will make it.

 

[ten chicks]

Since you have had more than one death,look at Coccidiosis as a probable cause. Cocci is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract and is the leading cause of death among chicks. Cocci kills very fast,but is easily controlled using a coccidiostat.Cocci is spread by droppings,which get into feed/water via droppings,but it can also be spread by bringing new birds into flock/own hands/clothes/shoes/feed utensils/wild birds,etc.

Some symptoms of coccidiosis are:runny/watery poop(may or MAY NOT contain blood,depends on which strain it is)fluffed feathers,lethargic,not eating/drinking/weight loss/general look of unwell. Unfortunately if you are not familiar with cocci,you may not have realized the warning signs,but they are always there.

Purchase Corid(amprolium) or might be called Amprol(amprolium)depends where you live. Dose for Corid/Amprol 9.6% liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water,dose for Corid 20% powder is 1-1.5 tsp per gallon of water,make medicated water their only source of drinking water. Treat ALL chicks for 5-7 days,DO NOT give vitamins during treatment as they interfere with the ability of coccidiostat to work,give vitamins after treatment is complete.

Corid can be found in most livestock/feed stores in the cattle section,will say for cattle but is perfectly safe for poultry of any age. If you live in Canada,it has to be purchased through a vet.

Note:chicks on medicated feed can also have an overload/outbreak of Coccidiosis as medicated feed is NOT a guarantee birds are protected.

Note:Chicks vaccinated for Coccidiosis can also have an overload/outbreak as the vaccines do not cover all strains of Coccidiosis,the last report i have is that there are at least 11 strains that can affect poultry and i have yet to see any vaccine cover more than possibly 8,several vaccines cover 3-5 strains,with one covering 8,they cover the most common.