baby chicks dying...PLEASE HELP!

[mcallum3]

Hatched out 41 Buff Orpingtons several days ago & have already had 4 to die. First symptom is that they close their eyes but are able to still open them a little but their energy level seems to be normal, and as it progresses they cannot even open their eyes and they become very weak & lay their heads on the ground and can hardly move at that point. Then they lay around like they are asleep and won't move at all except to chirp. This is the second batch of BO's I've hatched out, and didn't lose any on the first batch. Needless to say I am very confused and worried. Thanks in advance for any help.
By the way, sorry that my first post on BYC had to be a question like this. I've enjoyed the site for quite some time but have never joined until now.

 

[jennh]

I'm not sure, but someone will have an answer for you! Good luck! Hope you find an answer.

Oh, by the way

Jen

 

[jessaw1981]

1st thing u would think is are they getting enough food? think about grinding it up a bit. Also I got some stuff at tractor supply called chick saver its in single packs with 3 packs together at 1.99 its an electrolyte mix they have it now because they have chicks. I got a couple 3 packs and gonna get more when I get paied. But 4 is still not bad for that big of a hatch.

 

[Marshmallow Man]

Were they late hatchers? Sometimes the late hatchers seem to run out of food in the shell and use all their energy trying to get out. We just had a couple turkeys do that. They layed on their sides breathing hard and didn't ever get up. I euthanized them with some engine starting fluid sprayed on a paper towel and put them in a gallon size zip lock bag. They just go to sleep.

 

[jennh]

Quote:
TMI

Jen

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Check your temps and make sure they can get away from the heat if they want to. Also, set up at least 3 feeders/waterers. Add some vitamins, Poly-Vi-Sol without Iron or Nutri-Drench, to the water for a few days.

It really sounds like a temp problem to me, but it could be competition. So sorry.

 

[HeatherLynn]

I am probably the only one who ever uses this as much as I do but when I hatched geese and ducks there always seemed to be a weak one. I would offer sugar water and a slurry. The slurry was nothing more than egg yolk, ground up starter and warm water. These chicks needed extra attention to make sure they ate and drank sufficient amounts. Good luck. I hope you don't lose any more.