Baby chicks keep dying at alarming rate

[Guava1987]

Yeah +1 for too much bleach and chlorhexidine. I know that's not what you want to hear.

Factor in that chickens will drink from poopy, muddy water when there is clean water right next to them.

Pump the breaks on trying to protect them so much, and maybe skip bleach and chlorhexidine for awhile. Just use some soap and water, maybe some vinegar. A little dirt and poop isn't going to hurt them so long as you get most of the obvious icky stuff.

Thanks so much! Yeah so 100%- that is how I think too typically! I only started this crazy bleach/chlorhexidine routine after the first batch this spring kept dying. During that batch I did my usual soap and water. So this new routine was a reaction to that. Thank you for your help

 

[Debbie292d]

I can't think of anything but am definitely open to ideas. I have them in my storage room where I have all my stuff in bins on storage shelves. They are in a big cage that does have some rust- but before this cage I had the same death issue while the chicks lived in a big plastic bin with a puppy pad underneath. In this big cage I have puppy pad liners and one side I have a puppy bad ontop so that they have some insulation underneath the heater (not just the wire grates). I change that 1-2x a day. Food and water are in containers in the cage.

Could it be my water? I live on catchment. Me and all my animals have no issues drinking it but maybe I wonder if it could be an issue? Then again if it was- wouldn't I see poop issues with the chicks? Their poops look healthy.

Thanks so much for your help

I did mention just switching to bottled water to eliminate that as being suspect as that's one of the easiest and least expensive things to do.

 

[Guava1987]

To me it appears to be a chemical poisoning from the excessive use of bleach and chlorhexidine. The heat lamps will cause toxic fumes.

I would stop the excessive cleaning with chlorix etc. as it can result toxic for the chicks.

Use apple cider vinegar instead and just simple old towels or bedsheets for the first week, then change to soft wood chips and sand.

Very sorry you lost so many.

Maybe try and leave the next clutch of chicks with their mother. The ones that will survive shall be very resilient.

Hey there, thanks so much! Yeah so I only started this crazy clean lady routine after the first batch this spring kept dying when I was using regular soap and water. So I don't think unfortunately that is the issue. I have always had a fine time with soap and water before this but I worried maybe it wasn't enough. I always wash them back out after I spray some bleach and wash out again after the chlorhexidine anyways since I know both are strong.

In terms of leaving with the moms- 100% I want to do that- but what happens here is that after about a week the moms get tired of them and jump up high to roost in the trees (half my chickens insist on trees instead of their coop). The babies are left screaming down below and if nothing is done via CPS (Chicken Protective Services) they all die cold in the dark. This plus rats going after them, if it's really wet they get muddy and can't dry off...ect...it goes from cute to watch to inevitable death. I just feel too morally responsible to let nature take its course even though I don't think bad of anyone who does. But yeah, sadly that is the reason why I end up intervening here. Thanks for your help!

 

[Guava1987]

I did mention just switching to bottled water to eliminate that as being suspect as that's one of the easiest and least expensive things to do.

Thank you yeah that's my next step now. I just boiled a bunch of water. I'm going to use this tonight and then just buy a couple big jugs of it at the store tommorow. I'm not left with much more to rule out!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Thank you yeah that's my next step now. I just boiled a bunch of water. I'm going to use this tonight and then just buy a couple big jugs of it at the store tommorow. I'm not left with much more to rule out!

Boiling doesn’t actually remove toxins — in fact, it often concentrates them. So I doubt your water itself is the primary issue here.

More likely, it’s a combination of factors: the heater (which could be off-gassing chemicals, overheating, or creating a dry, stressful environment) together with the puppy pads (which are often scented or treated with chemicals not safe for birds). Chickens are incredibly sensitive to fumes and residues, and even mild compounds that might be harmless to dogs can be dangerous for them.

It’s worth carefully evaluating all heat sources and bedding materials. Switching to safer, more natural options could make a huge difference in their health.

Edit: and whatever you do- when you buy the jugs dont purchase 'distilled water' it is extremely harmful to most living things as it causes an electrolyte imbalance as it lacks minerals. Purchase spring water instead.

 

[CabritaChicks]

I just looked up the puppy pads sold at your local Costco — unfortunately, the two brands contain synthetic gels, deodorizers, and antibacterial agents that are toxic to chickens, especially when warmed by a brooder heater. Heat can cause volatile compounds to off-gas, increasing the risk of respiratory irritation or even systemic toxicity in young chicks.

For now, I’d strongly recommend switching to something safer: try using a plain towel or sheet, with paper towels on top for easy, frequent changes. Also make sure your brooder has good ventilation to help disperse any built-up ammonia from droppings and prevent harmful fumes from accumulating. This small adjustment can make a huge difference in keeping your chicks healthy and safe.

 

[CabritaChicks]

In terms of the puppy pads I just checked and they are not scented. There is a layer inside of them that collects the liquid, but I looked at the used one tonight from the cage and there are no pecking holes. Here is a link to the pads:
https://www.costco.com/kirkland-signature-extra-large-absorbent-pads,-30-in-l-x-23-in-w,-100-count.product.100229990.html

Yep! Check out the next posts. Puppy pads from costco 'cannot be heated' they set off volitle compounds toxic to birds.