Dropping like flies ! :(

[bentmtnhen]

Poor babies! I'm so sorry about your losses.

My chicks (1st flock, 4 wks old) sort of snuggle together when they sleep (and they slept alot over the first 2-3 wks). I assumed that they were comforting each other, like maybe it made them feel better to know that their buddies were right there. When awake they kind of wander around, checking things out.

3 EEs, 3 RIRs, 3 Red Stars, 3 BA girls & 1 happy BA guy

 

[fishboy1]

Morning update.

Chicks in the shoe box were dead. The rest were sitting down resting when I came in. Made a noise and they spooked and ran around. Temps are just pushing 100 (not sure how accurate the thermometer is) and they seem content. They are much quieter than they were the first day. None of the chicks were lying flat, more sitting like they were hatching an egg so I think we found the sweet spot temp wise. They arent standing in a huddled mass the way they were the first day either.

I have one chipmunk colored one that now seems a little weak. Going to scramble and mince an egg for the chicks then go pick up the vitamins and yogurt.

Bedding is pine shavings under newspaper. Feed is fresh and clean with no mold or funk.

Yeeesh. Who would have thought a bunch of chicks would be such a headache? Like having kids!

 

[Fiddlehead]

So, how many have you lost in total now? I find it hard to believe this is all from shipping stress! So sorry, how sad, good luck.

 

[slabcrappy]

Quote:
I agree. I am in no way a professional at this, but I have ordered chicks 2X and never lost one. The first order was 25 BR from McMurray and they all lived and did awesome, and the 9 I ordered this year (they are 4 weeks old) were from Meyer Hatchery and they all lived and are doing great. I had 1 that was gasping for air and throwing its head back, but I got an antibiotic from a feed store and it came back in a day and is doing well today. I do not think it is from shipping. I never had my brooder higher than 95 and even at that, they acted lethargic and I put it closer to 90 the first week. I am in no way blaming you. You may have received a bad batch. Definitely call McMurray and let them know. they might tell you others have called that ordered from that batch and are having the same issues. IMHO

Sal

 

[ranchhand]

Lower the temp. I start my chicks at maybe 90F for the first week and drop the temp weekly by 5-7 degrees. Nothing but plain water and chick starter for a week or more.
In 19 years, I have lost 1 chick.

I know, what I say is contrary to what most think, but I speak from experience. Those chicks had a rough trip and are now heat stressed.

Good luck!

 

[alcap]

You are getting some good advice here but I think too much heat also . Take one light out .Wish you the best of luck

 

[Fyrekitten]

I have had a few recent deaths like that too. One I can attribute this morning to probably eating something he shouldn't have (shaving piece???) He was a week old and doing pretty well but this morning when I checked on him he was in the throes - he had quite a bit of fecal matter inside when I cleaned the vent but he ended up not living. Now, I had a Sumatra that was in great health yesterday flat on his face in the brooder this morning, I also had one Ptdge Cochin in another brooder area do the same thing. Never seen this before - they were both chipper, feisty little guys no signs of illness and then just dropped dead so it seems. Very frustrating and these are ones I've hatched from eggs. I have had them on Sav A Chick to get them started which seems to go great and then switch back to regular water every other change out. We did recently switch foods to one that is not a crumble that our local feed supplier carries and makes - we have never had a problem with their feeds and it is specifically for chicks - I wonder if it is the food that is giving them issues?

 

[Fyrekitten]

One other note, I have to agree about the Temp - it just sounds way too warm for them. Remember it is a 5 degree drop every week for their age I believe until you reach 4-5 weeks? They sound like they may be way too warm -are any panting or fanning their wings down to their sides?

 

[fishboy1]

Just talked at length with a really nice lady at McMurray. I adjusted the lights a little per her suggestion but she thinks it was shipping stress.
My guess is that the brooder was a little too cool the first 8 hours or so, got a little too warm with all the lights on for about 2 hours, then I got it down where it needed to be. The temp variation probably didn't help.

Now the chicks seem to be happy and quieter. They were VERY high strung for the first day or so in the brooder.

McMurray is sending us a new full order free of charge and I am going to get the vitamins and yogurt this am to help give them a boost.

Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions and help ! BYC rocks.

 

[slabcrappy]

Quote:
AWESOME!!!