Cornish cross chicks dying

[Farmgal10]

We ordered some cornish cross chicks a week ago from a hatchery and after a few days they started dying. Everyone is eating and drinking water fine, then a few hours later their dead. Brooder is at 90-95,we have a nipples waterer and shallow dish, chick starter for 10 hours on 14 off so they don't over eat and they were supposed to have been immunized against Cocci at the hatchery. Any ideas as to why they keep dying? We list five this morning at a week old.

 

[lomine]

Week old chicks need feed and water all day. Not sure if that's your problem but it might be.

 

[Farmgal10]

I just saw that the stupid birds are just trampling each other. It's not a health issue at all!

 

[ChickenJerk]

It's not a health issue at all!

Nope, it is a management deficiency.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I'd suggest access to food 24 hours a day. Check your brooder for drafts as little chicks are susceptible to drafts. I'm also wondering where you live and if this is your first batch of Cornish Cross chicks. I ask because I've given up on them. I've had great results with Freedom Rangers and Red Rangers and layers, but dismal results with Cornish Cross. I live at 8,000 ft of altitude and I believe that this may be a contributor since CX have heart issues. I've also never tried brooding baby chicks at this time of the year, and wonder if your shippment may have been subject to cold temperatures in transit and may be compramised in some way.

 

[Hiltonizer]

At that age, there's no need to restrict food. Worry about that in weeks 3+.

In my experience, CC's have very weak ability to digest coarse feed. That, combined with restricting feed, is probably causing them to get their crops bound up. Give them 24 hour free choice, and avoid bad feed (Dumor!) and they'll stop dropping.