Best breed?

[Farmgal10]

I've ordered Cornish Cross chicks but the chicks are essentially killing each other. I've never seen anything like it before. Are there any other breeds anyone else has had success with? Or do these chicks just need their own little bubble suits for a while?

 

[Deise]

I've never heard of that either, I have Buff Orpingtons, they are know for their friendly personalities. In fact I heard they get picked on by other breeds. Sorry yours are not getting along.

 

[Farmgal10]

They're trampling each other. I'm sure it's not deliberate but they're pretty top heavy so I'm sure it doesn't take much.

 

[Deise]

How many do you have?

 

[Farmgal10]

20

 

[Deise]

Ok that explains it, I've only had 3 chicks at a time. You are going to be busy! Good luck, hope they figure it out.

 

[MainerChick]

Do you have it warm enough for them with space enough under the lamps? Piling up and trampling often happens when chicks are trying to get to or away from heat sources. And of course the crosses are so heavy they do a lot of damage in the process. If heat isn't the issue, maybe post a pic of their brooder space to help diagnose?

 

[donrae]

Do you have it warm enough for them with space enough under the lamps? Piling up and trampling often happens when chicks are trying to get to or away from heat sources. And of course the crosses are so heavy they do a lot of damage in the process. If heat isn't the issue, maybe post a pic of their brooder space to help diagnose?

this is what I'm thinking also. I've never lost but 1 or 2 in a batch of 20.

 

[keesmom]

Do you have it warm enough for them with space enough under the lamps? Piling up and trampling often happens when chicks are trying to get to or away from heat sources. And of course the crosses are so heavy they do a lot of damage in the process. If heat isn't the issue, maybe post a pic of their brooder space to help diagnose?

X 3. How old are they? Where are they being housed and can you post pictures? I've lost very few Cornish X, and those were to heart issues in a sudden heat wave at 6+ weeks of age. They never trampled one another.

 

[lomine]

Are they really that big at one week old? I still think not giving them feed 24/7 is the main issue. It's probably making them very weak.