Another noob ... boy oh boy

[Genoveva]

HI All,

I'm Colorado and new to chickens. I ordered 6 chicks from a hatchery, two each of: Swedish Flower (I think they look like creamy leghorns though), Copper Marans and Isbar. I picked them up and they gave me 9 chicks, 3 each. I guess to cover any initial losses.

Two died in the first week (one marans and one swedish flower). I was devastated, certain that I did something wrong. I obsessively scoured this blog as well as any internet advice. I still don't know why they died. One day they were active and doing everything expected and the next day they were lethargic. I separated them into their own brooding box and did the droppers of everything suggested. Anyway, I guess it happens

Now I'm incredibly paranoid for the rest. They are almost two weeks old. One on the Isbars has had pasty butt that seems to be completely gone after soaks, driers and coconut oil. She (we hope) has normal poos that I can see but makes a little noise. Occasionally, it seems that there is still the tiniest bit of feces left. So, back to the soak, dry, coconut oil. I have given them plain water and a separate waterer with electrolyte/probiotic (from TSC) and another option of very diluted apple cider vinegar. They have chick starter feed that I sprinkle with raw crushed oats, and garlic powder and I also have started adding chick grit. Too much?

The hatchery did not vaccinate. I know it's too late for Mareks... any others that I need to do? I am in the mountains of Colorado and the nearest backyard chickens that I know are over 10 miles away.

Thanks in advance for anyone reading this. And THANK YOU all for your invaluable advice! I would be lost without you.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. Can you post a picture or two of your brooder? What type heat source are you using?
I wouldn't worry about vaccines if there are no other flocks nearby. Just don't bring any adult chickens into your flock in the future and they should be fine.

 

[Genoveva]

It’s an old trough that seems big now but I think they’ll outgrow it be for the outside coop will be warm enough.
I have brooder plate propped up on one side. It doesn’t seem very consistent. Right now it’s at 90 on the lower or warm end (not propped up)

 

[Genoveva]

Here’s a picture of her vent. It looks worse in the photo… maybe

prolapse?

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[500Chickens]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[muddy75]

 

[N F C]

Hi, sorry for your losses. The next time you get the poopy girl cleaned up, dab a little Vaseline petroleum jelly on her bum and that will help keep poo from sticking.

Best wishes with your little ones!

 

[janiedoe]

It’s an old trough that seems big now but I think they’ll outgrow it be for the outside coop will be warm enough.
I have brooder plate propped up on one side. It doesn’t seem very consistent. Right now it’s at 90 on the lower or warm end (not propped up)

Can they touch their backs to the brooder plate? If not you may need to lower it a little on one side.
Do put Vaseline or olive oil on the little ones butt, it will help. I think its just pasty butt not prolapse.
Do not give them oats.
Your brooder plate may not be holding it temperature well. I have had better luck with a heating pad cave than with brooder plates. If you google "mama heating pad" you will find many instructional videos and how to articles. You probably already have the stuff to make one. If you decide to use a heating pad cave, just be sure your pad is set to low and does not have auto shut off. You can cover it with an old tshirt and uses rubber bands to close off the holes. Its simple and works great.