Baby chicks dying help please

[Pamela333]

We orderd chicks. They arrived on day four. Out of 17 chicks 13 were dead when the box was opened. Two more died later in the day. Two more are very weak and may not make it. Does Anyone have any advice. I am giving them sugar water and water with aelectrolytes. dropper.from a One is eating some chick feed but mostly sleeping. Help please

 

[ten chicks]

Welcome to BYC!

How long have you had them? Any indication of pasty butt? How does their poop look? What is brooder temp?

The stress from shipping can cause so many problems,you are doing about all there is right now. Keep them warm.keep giving water so they do not become dehydrated,encourage eating,try adding water to feed (so it resembles oatmeal)this is easier for the frail ones to eat and most chicks love it.

 

[Pamela333]

We received them yesterday. I will try the mosit food right now the other one died a few minutes ago. Thanks

 

[bcmama]

I'm so sorry to hear about your baby chicks. I hope you are able to help them. Try some Poly Vi Sol vitamins. I had a sick chick (2 days old) that. Fed Ply Vi Sol to and she made it. I fed it to her directly, one drop every 4 to 6 hours. If you get the vitamins get the ones without iron. Where did you get your chicks from? Is it cold where you are or where they traveled from via the mail? I wonder if they got too cold? Best if luck!

 

[Pamela333]

We tracked the chicks and they sat for two days in Ohio before being shipped to ca. Then they sat overnight in Sac instead of being shipped to our local post office. I was told they can live without food or water for 3 days while being shipped. It was four days before we received them. I got the chicks from Meyer's Hatchery. They were sorry and said they would refund my money. The chicks were ordered for my grandkids and they had each picked out their birds. Sad from every view.

 

[bcmama]

Yes it is. I'm sorry you experienced that. I have never mail ordered chicks but I would say you had a dreadful experience. How is the last one doing?

 

[Pamela333]

I have two left now. One is pretty sick and I don't know if she will make it through the night and the other one seems to be doing fine.

 

[Pamela333]

The last chick is doing fine and is cute as can be.

 

[bcmama]

I am so happy to hear that news!