chicks dying left and right please help!

[McChooky]

Some, not all. They are fine and just fall over dead. Most things I can think of they should be lethargic before they die. It is spaced out over a few days, not all of them all at once. It's possible one or two could have a birth defect so they just fall over but not in those numbers. That seems warm but they should be laying around panting if they are too hot. Still, I agree they need to be able to get to a cooler spot. That's one of the problems with using a bin, they can hold in the heat and not provide a cooler spot if you are not careful. If they are not at the edges this isn't your problem.

My first thought was air quality. They have pretty delicate respiratory systems. If they were near an open flame like a gas water heater possibly the exhausts were settling in the brooder. The way you describe the brooder that doesn't sound likely or they would all be dead. A photo of the brooder might help. It does have decent ventilation?

I remember one similar story where the people actually got back with us when they found out what the problem was. Their kids had been feeding the chicks some old gerbil or guinea pig food as treats that had been poisoned while in storage. When you first get them they don't all start eating and drinking immediately. The first to eat or drink could fall victim if this were the problem. But it's been long enough that they all should have been eating and drinking for a while.

I assume you had your well water tested before you started drinking it? Softening it should not poison it. You aren't carrying it in a bucket that once held poison are you? I'd be more concerned over something like that than water that is safe for you to drink. I don't see anything wrong with switching to another water source though. It is possible there is something there.

I can't think of anything that fits those symptoms. It's not all of them at the same time (or reasonably close) and they aren't showing any symptoms before they die. It does not sound like anything from the hatchery or during shipping. I think it's something that is going on where you are.

Newly hatched chicks don't have enough body fat to help regulate their body temps. Once they get hot it takes too long to cool off .Chicks have to have a warm place that doesn't get too hot otherwise they will move out from under the light and stay cold. Unstable body temps of the chicks kill them like this.If you look at their feet it should show they are dehydrated if this is the case.

 

[McChooky]

The op can measure the chicks body temperatures to rule out dehydration (very carefully insert a childs ear thermometer in the chicks vent) Body temp should be 104° and 105.8° F

(Edit)
https://www.chickenwhisperermagazin...chicks-watching-for-clues-can-save-your-flock

 

[McChooky]

I hope the chicks are doing better since you moved them and would like to know how they're doing .Thanks!

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Unless someone else mentioned it, I seem to recall quail chicks needing a specific type of food. Or perhaps the food has gone bad..? From your description, it sure sounds like poisoning. What about bedding? Non-toxic?

 

[jorj]

I hope the chicks are doing better since you moved them and would like to know how they're doing .Thanks!

I moved them to a new room and changed there water type and now the remaining 7 are doing great! I just wish that I knew this earlier. thanks for checking in.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

I'm so glad!!!

 

[McChooky]

I moved them to a new room and changed there water type and now the remaining 7 are doing great! I just wish that I knew this earlier. thanks for checking in.

Life is fragile, we can only do our best! Best wishes!

 

[James Atlanta]

At 100F, the black bin will make it seem much warmer. That's too hot. Raise the lamp so the temp is no higher than 85. Get rid of the lid as that holds the heat in. And the bin is likely too small to permit the chicks from finding a cool spot to shed excess heat.

If the chicks are standing at the edges panting, they are being cooked.

Well water that has been softened likely has a high sodium content. It may be dehydrating the chicks. Use bottled water.

i agree. the bin is too hot for them.

 

[goldenyears]

thanks for the advice I had no Idea about the softened water. what about unfiltered well water? I will raise the heat lamp as well. they do seem comfortable though they sleep under the lamp and aren't at the edges.

I use unfiltered well water for all brooding and all stages of their life with no issues.

 

[Oldstock gardens]

I ordered 20 baby pheasants in the mail fro hoover's hatchery and they arrived Thursday all alive. By Friday morning 3 died Saturday 5 more died and in total I've lost 13. Does anyone know how this could be happening they all seem happy then the next minute they are dead. I appreciate any help

Not sure where you are located but here in Southern Ontario we are seeing many farmers where entire flocks are being culled due to avian bird flu, our friend an hour south of us had 30 chickens die and she had to euthanize her other 80. We have 20 chickens and have on problems yet... just a thought.