Chicks dying

[ChickenCanoe]

The best thing to do for shipped chicks is dosing Nutri-Drench. That is a nutritional supplement specifically for the purpose. It is probably too late to get it online but Tractor Supply carries it. In lieu of that, you can get Poly*Vi-Sol without iron at most pharmacies.
If they are chilled, the best thing is a blow dryer to warm them up.

 

[nuthatched]

Which hatchery? Unfortunately, chicks ordered in winter can sometimes have harder trips.

 

[SmiYa0126]

How are they doing?

 

[Buffchicks11]

Which hatchery? Unfortunately, chicks ordered in winter can sometimes have harder trips.

Hoovers Hachery

How are they doing?

How are they doing?

3 left but they look healthy.

 

[Iluveggers]

Hoovers Hachery


3 left but they look healthy.

Make sure they stay warm. I personally use a heat plate, but I order my chicks in early summer. If I did a winter order, I would use a heat lamp, and possibly put a heating pad in the brooder for the first few days. Cold temps can really hurt the babies. Did you contact Hoovers? They should be able to refund you, or send you another order of chicks.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Make sure they stay warm. I personally use a heat plate, but I order my chicks in early summer. If I did a winter order, I would use a heat lamp, and possibly put a heating pad in the brooder for the first few days. Cold temps can really hurt the babies. Did you contact Hoovers? They should be able to refund you, or send you another order of chicks.

X2!!

 

[brandonstokley]

how many did you order?

 

[Joy Sims]

I am having the same problem. Ordered 20 now 6 have died and I am afraid I am going to lose 3 more. They don’t seem to be able to eat or drink. The others are fine - eating and drinking and running all over. I don’t believe there was a problem with the shipping at all. Is this a ”normal” thing? This is my first time. I put electrolytes and probiotics in their water, feeding them chick feed and have a heat lamp but also enough space for them to get out from under it if it is too warm. The temp is stable - they are in big box in a walk in closet in the laundry room.

 

[bhaugh]

Sometimes chicks come from less than steller parents and this can result. Because of the mass losses the US has experienced of late, it's been a rush to get orders out whether chicks can make the trip or not. I'd call the hatchery and request a refund or reship with heat pack even if you have to pay for the pack

 

[brahmamamamak]

Sometimes chicks come from less than steller parents and this can result. Because of the mass losses the US has experienced of late, it's been a rush to get orders out whether chicks can make the trip or not. I'd call the hatchery and request a refund or reship with heat pack even if you have to pay for the pack

I believe this the case especially this year. In November I placed my order with a hatchery I have never ordered from. The chicks were dropped shipped. My purchase was for an order of 12 blue cochin pullets…received two mystery chicks, bare legged and was told by hatchery that “sometimes Cochins don’t have feathers on their legs.” I have only had Brahmas and Cochins for the past 13 years so I know that’s not true. One of the mystery chicks and one of the blue Cochin chicks were very tiny. I worked for 48 hours up every two hours doing everything possible to keep them alive. Sadly I lost them. I still have the 10 chicks nine Cochins and the mystery chick that now appears to be growing a pom-pom on her head. but I guess the bottom line is these hatcheries realize there is a shortage, and that more and more people are ordering chicks this year in order to have their own eggs. I am questioning whether they’re more concerned about the bottom line and shipping out volumes as opposed to quality.