Dead chicks = Crying kids :(

[ginger c.]

we're newbies too and lost our first chick this morning, it's hard but just try and focus on the new babies that are on their way. so sorry for your loss, hang in there!

 

[ChickInDelight]

I recently suffered mild depression because I gave away 2 of my 6 chicks. I am also a first-timer with ducks and chickens. So far, all is going well, but I get TONS of help from BYC - my new addiction.

I gave my babies away because a friend with 2 sons lost 1 of 2 chicks and had the crying child case.

Since I bought all the chicks the same day from the same place, I was shocked when she told me my replacements were MUCH bigger than her chick. Now, I am glad I gave her 2 instead of 1 in case the unthinkable happens.

We will get over our loss. I somehow think, the solution is MORE CHICKENS!

 

[EELover]

This is my advice for your upcoming babies. When they arrive put them in the brooder until they are fully feathered. Then build a mini coop within your old coop and put them in there. That way the 2 different flocks can see each other but not touch each other. When they about 16 weeks (they will be the same size as the adults and they will stop making "baby noises") take out the mini coop. There will be the "pecking order" but the new ones will be old enough to defend themselves and it will be much less likely that you will find dead chickens later. Good luck! Sorry for your loss!

 

[rebel-rousing-at-night]

It sounds like you've just had some bad luck with your chicks this year. I'm so sorry for you and the kids.

Unfortunately that is a downfall when you have any kind of animals.

When my sons were young I bred dogs. There were losses in them as well. I saw an opportunity for my sons to learn about death. I hear of so many parents telling their kids that their pets (that died) just went away etc. IMO this does a disservice to the kids.

I openly and honestly answered my sons questions concerning the matter. It was hard to lose an animal we loved. In my situation about death was best for us in the long run.We shared the sadness together. It's only natural kids will face death in their lives.

I'm so glad you have more chicks coming.Bless your son's little heart. I hope the new chicks help him.

 

[O.Wendell Douglas]

First, welcome to your new addiction. We've only had our chicks for a month or so, but they are already little members of the family...not even such little members anymore! I'm sorry for your losses, too. We lost 7 out of our 25 that we ordered, but luckily the remaining ones seem strong and we are looking forward to getting more in the futre...

Quote:
Thanks for this advice! We are already thinking about when we will have to add more chicks to the farm and were worried about how to do it! Now we'll know!!!

 

[valley ranch]

Greetings, In the long run this will be good for the kids. You're going to have other chickens, I'm sure ,and everyone learned by what happened.
We have had so many things like that happen. A while back a bear got two of the girls does on two different nights. The second one seemed like we had let the doe down by not being out there the second night. He had wifey and I sleeping in the barn overhead until he became a good bear. Good luck and adventure to you and your family.

 

[BooBear]

Another thought: Be prepared for losses from shipped chicks as shipping is hard on them.
When you are given the ship date make sure your locsl post office knows to contact you upon arrival and pick them up as soon as they call you. (I called the post office also on the morning the chicks were expected)
Make sure the brooder is ready. At the right temperture of 95 degrees.
The new arrivals will need moisture so make sure they know where both the water and food is.
I like to mix chick start, some Polyvisol, and warm water to make moist first meal for them. This gets both moisture n nutrients into them.

Should there be losses upon arrival at post office make sure it is recorded and reported to the hatchery.
Any losses in the first 48 hrs of being with you need to be reported to the hatchery. They are aware of potentisl losses and will offer you replacements.

I am sure others will offer good tips too. If you have questions just post as there are alot of nice folks that love helping each other here.

 

[catfish]

My first batch of chicks, the boys dog got several of them.
So we got some more from the same lady.
We raised them, and a broody had some chicks,
then something got several of the oldest hens and roos.
So I was down to 6, 2 roos and 4 hens.
Then another DOG. got 4 more.
Now we got 10 little ones in the cage in the kitchen.
It happens.
I make it a point I don't name anything I might one day
consider putting on the dinner table. So we don't name
our poultry. The kids sometimes do but it never lasts long
and they forget the names.

Good luck with the new Batch.

 

[jaimepowell]

So sad

We had 9 babies and one died after the second night...my daughter (who is 4) cried herself to sleep that night. I explained as best as I could that something was probably wrong with that baby chick and he could have been really sick and made all of our other chicks sick. I think just addressing it with your kiddos is the best thing that you can do. We accidentally got 3 meat chicks and processed our first one on Mother's Day and my daughter helped me with every part-plucking feathers to pulling out the insides...tear free! I think you just have to let them know that death is a part of life and natural! And I do agree with the other posters....all the advice and kind words from this forum is overwhelming...it's so nice to have somewhere to come share your thoughts and ask for help without being judged!!

 

[DEchick]

Thank you all again! I cant get over how nice everyone has been! Its a breath of fresh air to talk to people like you!