Chicks are dying and I can't figure out why

[NHchickenmom]

Hi all, I seem to be having terrible luck with my chicks this year. I got 8 on March 13 from Agway near me. One came home wobbly, probably shipping stress. I couldn't save her. I got 2 Americana chicks March 20 from a different Agway, but 2 days later, 2 of my original chicks passed suddenly. I have no idea if the brooder heat plate I tried wasn't adjusted correctly, but I suspected these died from lack of warmth. Now yesterday, I lost both of my Americana babies. I sent the heat plate back and will use my heat lamp from last year for now. I'm so sad. I don't understand what's happening. I discussed the situation with Agway owners who say all chicks were vaccinated so this isn't a coccidiosis problem. No pasty bums either, so is this really a heat problem or something else.
Also, is it safe to bury these babies in the yard if there's a possible medical issue? Thank you.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Was the heat plate putting out any warmth? Did you touch the surface with your hand?
They were vaccinated for Marek's, coccidiosis or both?
It is safe to bury them.
If you really want to know what killed them without guessing is to send one or both to your state poultry diagnostic lab.
What state are you in?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you post some photos of your brooder, the chicks and their poop?
What are you feeding?

Yes, you can bury the babies, for babies I usually bury at a minimum of 3' deep. For older birds, 6'.

 

[NHchickenmom]

Yes, the heated plate was warm to touch. Brooder is a dog crate lined with cardboard and towel hung in front of door to keep out drafts. I use dog training pads which get cleaned out daily. Also, I had a hanging water bottle until I brought home the other babies, then I switched to the gravity fed dish (used last year no problem) so littles could reach. Now back to the hanging bottle. Electrolites in the water from day one.
Hmm! Burying 3 feet deep this time of year in NH isn't going to work.

 

[chickens really]

Electrolytes are for the first drink. It's hard on the heart.

 

[21hens-incharge]

An observation.....

They have no way to get out of the heat in that set up with a heat lamp. Bigger brooder needed ASAP.

 

[Miss Lydia]

https://www.raising-happy-chickens.com/electrolyte-drink.html

 

[Miss Lydia]

A lot of member use electrolytes the name is save a chick, haven’t ever heard of anyone losing a chick from them. Many use poultry Nutri drench also, I like it because you can use it straight and it gets right into the blood stream for that boost new hatchling or stressed from shipping chicks,duckling etc can use. Very sorry for your loss.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, the heated plate was warm to touch. Brooder is a dog crate lined with cardboard and towel hung in front of door to keep out drafts. I use dog training pads which get cleaned out daily. Also, I had a hanging water bottle until I brought home the other babies, then I switched to the gravity fed dish (used last year no problem) so littles could reach. Now back to the hanging bottle. Electrolites in the water from day one.
Hmm! Burying 3 feet deep this time of year in NH isn't going to work.

An observation.....

They have no way to get out of the heat in that set up with a heat lamp. Bigger brooder needed ASAP.

I agree...not enough room to move from heat, more space is needed.

Also...wonder if chicks are dehydrated. Used a hanging water bottle, switched to gravity dish, then switched back to hanging bottle. Chicks can learn and adapt, but they may be confused a bit about water. Watch all the chicks to see if they are drinking.

 

[NHchickenmom]

I agree...not enough room to move from heat, more space is needed.

Also...wonder if chicks are dehydrated. Used a hanging water bottle, switched to gravity dish, then switched back to hanging bottle. Chicks can learn and adapt, but they may be confused a bit about water. Watch all the chicks to see if they are drinking.

Yes, they are all drinking. I was more concerned about the poo contaminating the water.