[b]Devastated [/b] Need advice!

[AyeUpChuck]

So I was sick yesterday. We're literally 95% finished on a massive coop for our large mixed flock. Well we still need to put barrel bolts and secure the front of the coop so the chucks can sleep in overnight. I've been putting them in the massive run during the day and bringing them in at night. Well because I was poorly DH said he'd put them to bed for me. Except, he put them in some large plastic boxes and left the lids on. When I went to get them this morning..... 10 were dead

I feel really stupid, he feels awful. I can't stop crying. It seems silly but they were the first birds.

Anyway I have 8 that are still alive. They're obviously in shock. I just don't know what to do now. Theyre all breathing really heavy with "mucus" or "snot". I'm guessing they all are suffering from some sort if resp infection from being in those boxes.

I can't believe any of them made it.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just can't believe so many of my girls are gone. I don't want to lose anymore. Please help!

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Anything I can get them from a feed store?

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Any help?

 

[scratch'n'peck]

That is so sad. i feel really bad for you, your dh and your chickens. How old are your chickens? Are they eating and drinking?

I'm not sure if their respiratory symptoms are due to lack of oxygen for a length of time or an infection like CRD (chronic respiratory disease). The fact that so many died over such a short time suggests that CRD was not the cause.

Perhaps you should watch the poor chickens for several hours and see if their symptoms improve.

I have given one of my chickens a shot of Liquimycin from the feed store for CRD which helped him get over his symptoms, but I don't know as I would recommend it in this case.

Keep us updated on their condition.

 

[chicmom]

Why would hubby put hens in plastic boxes with the lids on? Are these chicks or full grown hens? (Not judging....just wondering....) They probably got very hot and were lacking oxygen. Why don't you try using an eye dropper and putting some water with vitamins/electrolites in their beaks.......

Maybe they'll come around with time.........

Good luck with them.

 

[micschoenborn]

I too suspect that your symptoms are a consequence of low oxygen rather than disease. Keep their nasal passages cleaned off. I would make sure they had food and water. Give them vitamins/electrolyes in their water and see how it goes. So sorry about your girls!

 

[flowergirl60]

So sorry this happened. Have you tried to see if they will eat or drink. I'm really new at raising chickens. Maybe someone here has some advice.

 

[AyeUpChuck]

Most are 8-12 wks old. I feel awful! I can't be mad at DH. He was trying to help. I Shouldve gone and checked on them before I went to bed. I just felt so awful!

man I feel Like such a baby! I just can't believe they're gone!

I guess I'll keep an eye on them. Get sine electrolytes etc from the feed store. Someone once said something about gatorade. I'm normally super picky about organic but I just want them to be ok.

 

[drumstick diva]

Maybe the fumes from the plastic caused the respiratory problems in ones that didn't suffocate(?)

 

[flowergirl60]

I see some good advice came before I got back to my computer.