Dead chick :-(

[CT11]

Hi All

I am raising my first chicks. I've had them 2-½ weeks and would say they are closer to three weeks old. Last night my wife noticed one chick just kind of sitting off by itself. When I got home from work this morning I noticed the same thing - it just seemed lethargic unlike the more frenetic behavior of the others. I went inside to take care of a few things thinking I would keep tabs on it but just 90 minutes later I found it dead.

The only thing I've changed is that I switched them over to horizontal water nipples, but that was 4 days ago and the others are thriving.

Except now, one other seems to be just a little less active (or perhaps I'm paranoid?). Any ideas? Do I put a regular waterer back in or is that just a coincidence? Do these things "just happen".

Any suggestions on my next move?

Thank you so much for any input.

 

[chickens really]

Definitely I'd provide both water symptoms.

 

[danceswithronin]

I'd put the regular waterer back in, that chick might not have been able to figure out the horizontal waterer and dehydrated to death.

 

[happyhens1972]

Yes, sadly, these things do sometimes 'just happen' and we never know the cause but I would certainly provide both water sources at least as it's an easy fix.

Try giving the lethargic chicks (or all of them, in fact, they'll all enjoy it!) some scrambled egg for an energy boost and if you have/can get nutridrops, they are fab at bringing round the weaker babies xx

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry you are having trouble.

Prime suspects for this age would be coccidiosis, pasty butt, blocked crop...

The water nipples should help prevent coccidiosis going forward. But making sure ALL are using them is key as dehydration is also deadly fast. How many birds in how much space? What is fed including treats and supplements?

 

[chickens really]

Yes, sadly, these things do sometimes 'just happen' and we never know the cause but I would certainly provide both water sources at least as it's an easy fix.

Try giving the lethargic chicks (or all of them, in fact, they'll all enjoy it!) some scrambled egg for an energy boost and if you have/can get nutridrops, they are fab at bringing round the weaker babies xx

This scrambled egg thing is all hype actually and belongs with the ACV and yogurt too..

 

[danceswithronin]

This scrambled egg thing is all hype actually and belongs with the ACV and yogurt too..

What makes you say it's hype? I've always used scrambled egg or boiled and mashed egg yolks to supplement young chicks and I've never had a chick loss. I even gave raw liquid egg yolk to a slightly lethargic chick I had in this batch and it cured her overnight. (Note - that's raw liquid egg yolk from my own hens, not from the grocery store)

I also use yogurt and ACV just as occasional supplements and have never had a sick bird since I started with them. ​

Whether or not there are studies as to its effectiveness, I ain't arguing with results.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Have to agree with the others I hold birds activate the nipples till water comes out sometimes even with our best we loose one or more little nutri drench on hand helps

 

[tpatricco]

I'll let the seasoned chick folks give advice.

Just wanted to say - I'm 1.5 weeks into first time flock and have lost 3 myself. In my case the brooder was too hot. I've been so stressed and worried about them and what I'm doing wrong in spite of having tried to learn as best I could beforehand. I'd definitely put back the regular water - and maybe give them some electrolytes in it? I don't think it can hurt. Best of luck from another newbie learning.

 

[chickens really]

What makes you say it's hype? I've always used scrambled egg or boiled and mashed egg yolks to supplement young chicks and I've never had a chick loss. I even gave raw liquid egg yolk to a slightly lethargic chick I had in this batch and it cured her overnight. (Note - that's raw liquid egg yolk from my own hens, not from the grocery store)

I also use yogurt and ACV just as occasional supplements and have never had a sick bird since I started with them. ​

Whether or not there are studies as to its effectiveness, I ain't arguing with results.

I don't care what you do. Balanced nutrition comes from premade chick starter. Not a egg.