Chick Mortality - When Does It End?

[Missoula Chicken Lady]

Have about 200 Buff Orpingtons, Silver-laced Wyandottes, and Dominiques from Privett Hatchery in New Mexico. And about 65 Light Brahmas from Murray McMurray. Have comfortable brooders in a greenhouse with 250 watt bulbs, draft guards, chopped straw and paper for bedding, and plenty of fresh vitamin water and grains.

It's been nearly two weeks now starting with 300 chicks (-15 DOAs sadly.) But every morning, I'm finding one, or maybe two chicks dead in one of the brooders. Because it's just one or two every day, I don't believe it's a disease....But aren't they supposed to be hardier than that by now?

What are your experiences, folks with lots of chicks? How do these hatcheries rate in your book for hardiness of breedstock?

 

[#1California Chick]

Welcome to BYC!!!

I am sorry, but I can not answer your questions. I am sure that someone will come along soon that can give you an answer!

 

[chickensioux]

The only thing I can think of is that they may be piling on each other. Are they warm enough? Do you have enough warming lights? I don't know, with that many, your losses are still small. It's still hard I know. That's what comes to my mind first.