Chicks flip over and can't get up.

[bock]

I got my 24 chicks on Wednesday, and so far I have lost 4. I think they got too cold at night and were smothered by the others when they were crowding under the heat lamp.

I feel terrible, but I really thought the 250 whatt heat lamp and towels over the top was enough. Now that I have that under control, I have noticed that the chicks will flip over on their backs and not be able to get up. This is mostly happening with the EEs and some of the BRs. I noticed they are so fat. I am not even kidding, they are just huge for only 4 days old, and you can feel it under their tummies. It is cute, but they get knocked over and they cannot flip themselves back over. Then, I find them squashed a few hours later. I managed to save one of the EEs and a BR, but two others were not so lucky. They came to us this way, and I cannot figure it out. I know they are bigger breeds, but I have never had this happen in all the years I have raised chicks. They are just thick muscled little fuzzies, and I don't know what to do about it. It is getting to be life threatening. Tonight, I am going to have to set my alarm clock so I can wake up and hopefully rescue any that flip over. What could be causing this, and is there anything I can do to hep them?

 

[bock]

I just went out there to check on them and an EE and a BR were flipped over. They were stuck directly under the light and were weak and panting. I cooled them down and got them a drink of water. I think I will seperate the weak ones tonight. I am hoping they live, there are about 5 weak ones, I don't want to lose even more.

 

[Momagain1]

I have no clue whats going on as I'm too new to this; but maybe someone else will see this and help!

 

[bock]

Quote:
Thanks for the support. I went out there again to find the last remaining Black Australorp on her side be the waterer. When they flip over they tend to kick and dig a hole in the shavings. I am thinking about putting down a towel to help them stand up and maybe separating the strong ones fom the weak ones with a piece of chicken wire. I hope they make it through the night.

 

[JustAChickenLittle&More]

I am so sorry to hear this. I have been having a lot of troubles with the chicks I've gotten this year. Even the ones I've hatched on this last hatch. And yes, I have one right now that keeps flipping over, and he can't get up. I don't expect him to make it.

Then I have another one that came out of the shell and hasnt even swallowed the egg yolk. That was about two hours ago and he is still laying in the bator, the yoke has gotten smaller, and he is still breathing. Who knows! Bout ready to just sell the bator and let my chickens hatch any eggs.

 

[bock]

I just went to check on them and the only one flipped over was the BA again. I am going to wake up around 3:30 and 6 to help them out if they happen to flip over. I am just not having good luck with these chicks!

 

[noodleroo]

What material do you have on the floor of your brooder?

 

[bock]

Quote:
I just have pine shavings. Do you think a towel would help?

 

[melissa41927]

if this helps, i use old towel under the chicks in the brooder boxes until they are old enough to make short trips out to the grown out pen. i haven't lost a chick to this method yet. it takes a lot of diligence keeping the towel clean and dry but from what you posted it looks like you are willing to do it. good luck.

 

[noodleroo]

I put paper towels down on top of pine shavings the first few days so they can find their food easier and walk easier. You might try it...