Chick Mortality

[Dragron_ heart]

It has been my experience that when I have purchased chicks from the local feed store, or a large hatchery that does mail order, I can expect a few of the chickens to die in the first 48 hours. I put 10 chicks in the brooder and 8 ran around eating and drinking as healthy as can be. The other two just laid down, I kept picking them up to get them to the waterer, but to no avail. Both died during the first 48 hours. All of the rest of the chicks are growing beautifully, getting feathers, and are very active. Am I doing something wrong that is causing these few chicks to die?

 

[Sagey_7878]

It has been my experience that when I have purchased chicks from the local feed store, or a large hatchery that does mail order, I can expect a few of the chickens to die in the first 48 hours. I put 10 chicks in the brooder and 8 ran around eating and drinking as healthy as can be. The other two just laid down, I kept picking them up to get them to the waterer, but to no avail. Both died during the first 48 hours. All of the rest of the chicks are growing beautifully, getting feathers, and are very active. Am I doing something wrong that is causing these few chicks to die?

You’re doing everything right! Chicks from those places generally die (a few) just from them being tired ect from the wait, you can always expect some to die. Just next time buy more as now you know a few sadly die. Good luck!

 

[keesmom]

You aren't doing anything wrong. Sometimes chicks just don't make it. It could be from shipping stress, or there's just something wrong with the chick that isn't evident when they hatch. Since chicks can survive up to 3 days on the reserves from the yolk a problem may not appear until those reserves are gone. I've even had home hatched chicks that fail to thrive.