Dead Chicks!

[loralei]

I'm new to chickens. 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? One was a cuckoo maran and the other three were golden polish. This is breaking my heart! Please advise.

 

[hippichick]

These may have just been weak chicks. It happens sometimes. Two days travel is normal. A chick can live for 3 days after hatching with no food or water. I would try Pedialyte in their water. Maybe cut it half and half. They just may need a little boost. Sounds like you're doing everything right. You could also try giving them some chopped up boiled egg-this will give them some extra protein. Good luck.

Paula

 

[annek]

some breeds are weaker and some chicks just die, they should start doing better for you as they get a little older. I bought a few extra knowing some would probably die, I did lose one but so far that is all. Mine are 9 weeks old. 34 are a lot of chicks, make sure they don't pile on each other. just keep them warm enough.

 

[loralei]

Thanks for the support and encouragement! With the exception of one chick everyone else is doing wonderfully! They are growing like crazy and it is such a kick to see their little personalities evolve. The one poor little thing nearly drown the first day. I've been giving her a pedialite/honey mixture via eyedropper but she wont eat on her own. I'm afraid I'm just prolonging the inevitable but can't give up on her.

 

[moduckman]

Traveling as a day old makes for a lot of stress. Losing birds after shipping is common, unfortunately.

 

[giasmom]

Good for you, NEVER give up !

 

[annek]

Quote:
This is why you put rocks or marbles in the water to prevent that. I didn't do that because I didn't know this time but always will in the future. I was just lucky because I saw them falling asleep by the water dish. Could have easily happened to me too. I don't know if someone has a suggestion for your little one. You may want to post that question.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Out of a dozen bcm chicks I ordered that were shipped....2 died. It does happen. Hope your little guys pull through!

 

[loralei]

Marbles! Great idea! I will give that a try.

I did get her to eat a bit of cream of wheat via eyedropper. She's getting rather spoiled. Hops right up in my hand and opens her mouth but won't eat on her own and is not growing.

Thanks to all!

 

[chickachickadoo]

Don't take the deaths personally. Shipping has to be traumatic at any age, much less newly hatched.

Enjoy the babies!