dead chick

[chickenkid68]

Okay, so I am new to this, but thought everything was going great until tonight. I had 26 chicks, 16 of which were jumbo x rocks. They are 1 week and 3 days old. All seem healthy and alert. All were fine at about 8 p.m., at about 8:45, I went back out to check on them, and one that at first I thought was sleeping had died. I looked it over, and there didn't seem to be anything wrong visibly. I don't want to lose anymore! I have been watching the temperature religiously, and have been giving fresh water twice a day or more. Does anyone have any tips, or suggestions? I have had some people tell me "you WILL lose some", not sure if that is correct.
Someone put me at ease, please!!!!

 

[Chickenmaven]

I am sorry to hear of this. Unfortunately, sometimes they just pass.

 

[lalaland]

yes, some just don't make it because of congenital reasons, and not related to anything you did or didn't do. If you take care of heat, water and feed, (not to mention predator protection), you are doing your job!

doesn't make it any easier when you lose one.

 

[chickenkid68]

Okay. Thank you so much for replying. I will keep a close watch on the rest. i would hate to lose one of the egg layers, the kids named them!

 

[Redhead Hen]

Sorry about your loss.

Just wanted to add one thing.... make sure they have plenty of room. Is it possible that that chick was squashed?

Just a thought....

 

[annek]

I bought a few extra just in case. I did lose one at around 4 weeks.

 

[TriciaHowe]

Sorry you lost your chick. Unfortunately cornish X are natorious for heart conditions and succumb to a condition called "flip". Some people withhold food for 12 hrs at night so they don't eat so much and in theory be less prone to flip. There is a lot of info on it over in the meat bird section. And of course sometimes it just happens no matter what you do.

 

[loralei]

Sorry for your loss. I'm new to chickens as well. I received mine, 34 total, on Monday and have lost 4! There was just something not quite right when I removed them from the shipping container so I kept them separate from the others. One by one they have passed. Pine shavings are changed daily, fresh water 2x daily, chick starter, temp ok. The only thing I know that I have done wrong is lack of air circulation, but now that I know I have corrected. Surely this can't be the cause? McM did not seem concerned when I called them regarding losses. They shipped Sat morn and I did not receive til Mon morn. No food/water all this time? Perhaps this plus the stress of travel? This is breaking my heart! Please advise.

 

[chickenkid68]

Quote:
Well, so far, <fingers crossed>, I haven't lost anymore. Mine were hatched on Sat. sometime and picked up on a Monday as well. Not sure where you are located, but McMurray is in Wisconsin, and so am I, so maybe less distance = less stress? What kind did you get? and which ones are dying?
Sorry for your loss.
Hank

 

[loralei]

Hank

Mine came from McM as well and I'm in Texas so my little gals had quite a long trip! 3 of the 4 I lost were golden laced polish. The other was a blue andalusian. I also got golden wyandottes and cockoo marans. Both breeds seem quite hearty and are doing very well. My buff polish girls are the only ones with *ugh* pasty butt! Although the last few days have been somewhat trying I'm hooked! To see them try out their new little wings or go after a fly with such excitement is just a joy! Hope you are enjoying your little flock as much as I'm enjoying mine!

Laura