- Apr 27, 2017
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I have 10 month old chicks in a pen with a hen. They sleep in an enclosed nest at night with an attached run. This morning, 2 of the chicks who seemed perfectly healthy last night were dead up in the box. It's been over 100 degrees this week. Nights are in the upper 70's. The box is vented up at the top. They stay in a shady spot most of the heat of the day, but it's still just HOT. They have fresh water and shade. I let them out to graze a little in the mornings and evenings. Could they have gotten over heated or dehydrated during the day and just died that night? They were eating and drinking, running and playing. I can't figure out what else could have caused them to die.
Another chick seemed to be hanging back a little from the group last night. Like she was just a bit sleepy, but would run to catch up if momma got to far. Today, she will hold her wings away from her body and run/walk a few steps and then sit down. She seems uncoordinated and her wings are away from her body dragging a bit. This is the nice, cool part of the evening when all of my hens are grazing around and active. I separated her from the others to keep her from trying to keep up with her flock. She's in a small pen in the house with food and water. 1 month old. Rhode Island Red or Buckeye (I can't tell which one yet and have both) I plan to watch her overnight and tomorrow. She drank just a tiny bit. Does this sound like dehydration? Or could she be wounded or sick? I am really concerned since finding two seemingly healthy ones dead this morning. What else can I do to help her now and possible the others stay hydrated?
Another chick seemed to be hanging back a little from the group last night. Like she was just a bit sleepy, but would run to catch up if momma got to far. Today, she will hold her wings away from her body and run/walk a few steps and then sit down. She seems uncoordinated and her wings are away from her body dragging a bit. This is the nice, cool part of the evening when all of my hens are grazing around and active. I separated her from the others to keep her from trying to keep up with her flock. She's in a small pen in the house with food and water. 1 month old. Rhode Island Red or Buckeye (I can't tell which one yet and have both) I plan to watch her overnight and tomorrow. She drank just a tiny bit. Does this sound like dehydration? Or could she be wounded or sick? I am really concerned since finding two seemingly healthy ones dead this morning. What else can I do to help her now and possible the others stay hydrated?
