Chick losses

[Cyndaquil]

Hi, I started my flock last year with 4 birds and had no issues whatsoever, they are all still healthy and happy. I felt ambitious and wanted to add a couple more. I got another 4 chicks of various breeds from my local Rural King and 3/4 chicks died within the first week. The first was a polish who seemed unhealthy from the get go. Then the two spitzhaubens health quickly deteriorated (pasty butt, stopped eating, lethargic). I did everything I could find to try to keep them alive- soaked their butts under a heat lamp so they wouldn’t get chilled and cleaned them up with q-tips, electrolyte water additives, feeding egg yolk, changed water twice a day. I got replacement chicks so the lone healthy survivor wouldn’t have to grow up alone but two of these chicks seem lethargic now. What could be causing this? I have a temperature sensor in the tank so I know it’s been approximately 90-95°f under the heat panel. Clean bedding, fresh electrolyte water, no mold in starter/grower feed. I live in Michigan so I wonder if they got chilled in shipping? Could this be some sort of virus? What can I do to help these chicks?

 

[seminolewind]

My first line of defense is corrid in the water for everyone. This is most likely. They do not need bloody stool. They act sick and they're very young and Cocci is the most frequent cause in chicks that look sick. Make sure they eat and drink as well. You can even make them a wet mash with Corrid water and chick feed. I don't think it's any virus at this point.
But keep them eating and drinking. You can even dribble some Corrid water at the side of their beak with a syringe or like I did once-a teaspoon.

 

[Cyndaquil]

My first line of defense is corrid in the water for everyone. This is most likely. They do not need bloody stool. They act sick and they're very young and Cocci is the most frequent cause in chicks that look sick. Make sure they eat and drink as well. You can even make them a wet mash with Corrid water and chick feed. I don't think it's any virus at this point.
But keep them eating and drinking. You can even dribble some Corrid water at the side of their beak with a syringe or like I did once-a teaspoon.

The lethargic chick definitely started to perk up after I started them on Corrid water, thanks a ton!

 

[seminolewind]

I am so glad for you!!!