Chick death- coincidence or pattern?

[katie1015]

Hello everyone,
yesterday I found one of my two week old Barred Rock chicks lifeless in the corner of my brooder gasping for air. Then, tonight I went in to check on them tonight and yet again found another one dead. Why is this all of a sudden happening, they were fine two days ago. so far it has only been this breed. Is this a disease? Were the trampled? Please help...

 

[ten chicks]

Hello everyone,
yesterday I found one of my two week old Barred Rock chicks lifeless in the corner of my brooder gasping for air. Then, tonight I went in to check on them tonight and yet again found another one dead. Why is this all of a sudden happening, they were fine two days ago. so far it has only been this breed. Is this a disease? Were the trampled? Please help...

Look up info on Coccidiosis. Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection of the intestinal tract. Very common for chicks to have an overload of it,leading cause of death in chicks. Some symptoms are runny/watery poop(may or may not contain blood)fluffed feathers,lethargic. If symptoms fit purchase Corid(amprolium) Dosage for Corid powder is 1/2 tsp per gallon of water. Dosage for Corid liquid is 2 tsp per gallon of water. Treat ALL chicks for 5 days,do not give vitamins during treatment(interferes with medication) give vitamins after treatment.

 

[katie1015]

Thank you!

 

[ten chicks]

Thank you!

Welcome. Forgot to mention,make sure medicated water,is the only water they drink.

 

[katie1015]

Will it hurt them to be treated for it if they don't have the disease?

 

[ten chicks]

Will it hurt them to be treated for it if they don't have the disease?

No, it will not hurt them,but if they have Coccidiosis and are not treated,they may die.
If chicks are eating anything other than chick feed,they need grit.

 

[katie1015]

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just a beginner. So If I let them play outside for like 15 minutes every other day would they still need grit?

 

[ten chicks]

Sorry for all the questions, I'm just a beginner. So If I let them play outside for like 15 minutes every other day would they still need grit?

Yes,they have to have grit if they eat anything other then chick feed. They probably are eating stuff outside(grass,etc) so they would need grit. Not having grit can cause all sorts of problems,this is how chickens digest their feed. Without it,they will become ill,as they will not be able to digest food. Coarse sand or chick grit is fine,any grit smaller than their eyes they will eat. This might be one possibility for chicks illness,check their crop after eating it will be large,check in the morning before eating,should be small. If their crop does not go down,then possible impacted crop.