Brooder question after losses

[sbusey]

We hatched 17 coturnix quail 5 days ago. We lost 1 two nights ago and 4 more since. Based on what I have read here it was a temp being too high issue (side laying and legs sticking straight back). Raised the light to reduce heat a bit, larger brooder for even more room to move away, but they keep laying under the light and staying there when they get too hot. The ones that died were right under the lamp as well and didn't move to the cooler end. If I raise the light more they pile up under the light and try to sleep standing, so too cold. I have moved some when they do the too hot behavior and they sometimes run back to the heat and start it all again! Eating and drinking great, running around and happy looking, no signs of any issues except temps. Any reason they won't get out from the heat if too warm? Anything else it could be?

Food is game bird chick starter to include quail. Processed to be small bits and powder. Bedding is changed 1-2 times per day, same for food and water (water more if it gets dirty). Rocks in water dish - no issues with safe drinking.

 

[el dorado quail]

They aren't that smart/need a parent to tell them how to live, like think of a wild bird. If the mom generated that hot heat and didn't move around or tell the chicks to eat/move they'd probably roast themselves or starve. The food should ideally be 25% protein or higher. You need an accurate temp read to know if temperature is right. Put a few thermometers in with them. Think the temp is supposed to be around 90-95 the first week. Check out this article for more in depth information
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/hatching-quail-eggs-and-brooding-quail-chicks.67362/
Hopefully that article helps and some others post. Good luck!

 

[le_bwah]

Chicks aren't that helpless—they'll move toward or away from heat as needed. Are you sure they were too hot? If it was the other way around, the chicks under the light could have been smothered/trampled by ones trying to stay close to the heat. Did the other 4 die before or after you raised the light?

Also, as far as I know, flopped on side + legs out = cozy, not hot.

 

[Thornflower_gal]

I'm very sorry this is happening to youYou should try a heat plate for chicks. They adjust as the chicks grow and they mimic a mother hen. I think it would help in your situation.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Any reason they won't get out from the heat if too warm? Anything else it could be?

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Not sure why... but some chicks are fairly stupid and just sit under the lamp panting instead of moving to a cooler spot. I have had the same experience you describe with helping them move and them running back. Also the opposite helping them to the heat and they ran back to the cold to complain about being cold. *Most* chicks aren't that helpless. Some are!

My actual best guess would be failure to thrive or pasty but. Some chicks will be fine until their yolk has been used up and they are relying on their own intake and digestion. They may have internal issues that we can't detect.

All of my hatching experience is with chickens... but still relevant. Hope it is helpful!

Congrats on your new babes!

 

[Bluemonster107]

I'm very sorry this is happening to youYou should try a heat plate for chicks. They adjust as the chicks grow and they mimic a mother hen. I think it would help in your situation.
View attachment 1809092

I totally vote heatplate too!!! I absolutely love it!!!