dying chicks-one every day

[Sequin]

I have not had experience with Sulmet, but I would think that if it is an antibiotic it would depend on what the bacteria is that you are dealing with. Try lowering the temp. in the brooder to see what happens. When they sleep, do they sleep all huddled together on the far end of the brooder away from the light? Or do they sleep all on their own kind of spread out? Young chicks DO sleep a lot. But you can tell how warm they are by how they are sleeping often times. Also, at 2 weeks of age, they could probably do with the temp being closer to 85 degrees.

 

[aidenbaby]

The poop stuck to their butts is pasty butt.

My "cure" for pasty butt.

Tools needed: small bowl or jar, warm water, paper towels, q-tips, lubricant (olive oil, veggie oil, Vaseline, k-y jelly), hair dryer (optional)

Step 1: Put warm water in a small bowl. You want it deep enough for the chicks bottom to be covered with water. Don't make the water too hot or too cold, it needs to be around the same temperature you would wash a human baby in. Let the chick soak for about 5 minutes. Do not leave the chick unattended for ANY reason. If it isn't bad, you can use damp paper towels or baby wipes in lieu of the "bath".

Step 2: Remove the chick from the water and wipe it's rear gently with paper towels, baby wipes, whatever you have. Once the vent is cleared, the chick may poop... A LOT. If it does, wipe that away as well.

Step 3: Finish drying the chick. You can use a hair dryer (be careful not to burn by having the heat too high or too close), more paper towels, whatever. You just want to get the chick as dry as possible.

Step 4: Take a q-tip and use it to apply the lubricant to the vent and the feathers surrounding the vent. This is to help prevent it from recurring

 

[Judy]

90 is too hot! The heat will make them sleepy; they may be too sleepy to move away from the heat.

 

[NJbirdlover]

I got a vitamin/electrolyte pack in TSC. I think it's made by Dulvet or something like that. It's a powder that you mix with their water.

 

[Sequin]

How are things going today? Better?

I hope!!!!

 

[m2wandc]

One of the administrators recently posted a thread with info re: UCDavis (I think) that has a program where they will do an autopsy of the bird...you ship them one of the birds and find out the issue that way you can save any future birds...I hope someone can give more info on that program if you're interested in it...I think all you pay is the shipping cost...???

 

[TheNo-NameChick]

I'm sorry that you are losing your chicks. My guess is that they all have a virus of some sort because being that young their body can't fight it off. Otherwise I can't thing of any other reason why that would happen.

 

[onthespot]

I had a terrible problem with chicks dying just after easter. Are you feeding Brookhurst mill chick starter, and is the bag stamped MAR 31 or April 2? If it is, I would contact the mill and tell them of your problem. You are not the only one.

 

[in2chickens]

I have stayed with the sulmet in the water and lowered the temp. Great news two days with no fatalities. The chicks are much more active now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, that I wont loose any more, there are only 5 left.

 

[cat123]

I suggest giving them some apple cider vinegar in their water.