Cannibalism

[Tinyturd]

I have about 50 chicks that are somewhere between 2 and 3 months old. I just recently added about 15 younger chicks about 1 to 1/2 months old. All of a sudden I'm finding dead chicks in the coop. Not just the new ones, some of them are the original chicks. They are being picked clean of feathers (sometimes) and are bloody. Though, sometimes they are just dead with no visible signs as to why. I need help! I'm losing around 2 chicks a day!

 

[JudysMuscovy]

I have about 50 chicks that are somewhere between 2 and 3 months old. I just recently added about 15 younger chicks about 1 to 1/2 months old. All of a sudden I'm finding dead chicks in the coop. Not just the new ones, some of them are the original chicks. They are being picked clean of feathers (sometimes) and are bloody. Though, sometimes they are just dead with no visible signs as to why. I need help! I'm losing around 2 chicks a day!

The first thing that came to my mind is how much room do they have - that's a lot of chick's. And also what breeds? I would consider separating the different ages. I am no expert just my opinion.

 

[Tinyturd]

The first thing that came to my mind is how much room do they have - that's a lot of chick's. And also what breeds? I would consider separating the different ages. I am no expert just my opinion.

It's a VERY large coop and they are not crowded at all. I have ameruacana, buff orphington, and anconas

 

[chickens really]

Disease transfer?..Crowding?..Did you not separate then before introducing new Chicks..Chickens are ruthless and pecking order is high in Chickens.

 

[aart]

It's a VERY large coop

How big is 'very' in feet by feet?

What and how exactly are you feeding?

Are you able to observe frequently, any lethargy, bloody poops, etc???

 

[MINDANAO DAVE]

What you should do just to get an idea of what is happening is separate the younger for a couple of days just to see. Good luck

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

It's a VERY large coop and they are not crowded at all. I have ameruacana, buff orphington, and anconas

How big is VERY large?

Gary

 

[Tinyturd]

How big is VERY large?

Gary

It's a 50x50 run

 

[Tinyturd]

How big is 'very' in feet by feet?

What and how exactly are you feeding?

Are you able to observe frequently, any lethargy, bloody poops, etc???

I observe on a regular basis. All chickens appear healthy and alert. I haven't observed anything strange. I've been raising chickens for 4 years with none of these problems. Feeding them chicken scratch

 

[Ruralhideaway]

What's your climate, adding location to your profile can be really helpful.

How much indoor space? Are you still providing heat and how if so?