Dead chicks

[Maisiepup]

Hi all. A week or so ago one out of four of our wee polish chicks was found dead. They are 4 weeks old. Tonight we found another dead. All seemed healthy and happy. All our hens and chicks free range although we do keep the chicks in a separate run for a few weeks. We also have 3 older chicks mixed breeds at 9 weeks old. Our hens are all mixed breeds light Sussex barnvelder and a few silkies and lavender bantams. Do you think one of the older chicks might have killed the smaller ones. . We live on a huge estate and the hens are free to roam where ever they want so space isn't the problem. Also have feeders set up around the place so I dont think its food. The mumma is a lavender bantam and is very protective. I dont want to lose our last 2 wee ones and am thinking about keeping them in the broody run for a few weeks now.. any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They are 4 weeks old. Tonight we found another dead.

All our hens and chicks free range although we do keep the chicks in a separate run for a few weeks.

Also have feeders set up around the place so I dont think its food.

I'm sorry about your loss.
What do you feed?
If you can get a good look at their poop that may be helpful.
Have you noticed any symptoms at all, like huddling, off balance, not eating/drinking well, etc.?
So many things can go wrong with chick(en)s, it can be quite a challenge to figure it out. If you lose another one and have a way to send the body for necropsy, this will give you the most information.

If you think the older chicks are picking on them, keeping them housed separately won't hurt. Coccidiosis is something that comes to mind when several youngsters are lost in a short period of time. Do you have any Coxoid (Amprolium) or is vet care a possibility, they can run a fecal float to see if you need to treat them.

 

[Kiki]

Have you ever had to treat any one for Coccidiosis before?

 

[Maisiepup]

Update on chicks. Iv separated them from the rest. They are eating and drinking fine. They dont seem lethargic and are packing about quite happy. I have noticed when that now and again they will have a sneeze... sigh