dying EE chicks!

[Teva]

This will be the fourth one in less than two weeks! They are all EEs ("americana's" from the feed store), my oldest one (4 weeks) died a few days ago. They just get lethargic, stand away from the group in the brooder, and look like they are sleeping on their feet. The next thing know they are on their side stiff as a board! The other two that died were less than a week old, and they died over night and I found them the next morning. The next one to go is my smallest one, we call her Minnie. She's acting just like the 4 week old. I finally searched for a "lethargic chick" thread and found plenty here on byc. Unfortunately, everything I've done hasn't made a difference. I've force fed her save-a-chick with a dropper, I've stuck sugar down her beak, I've separated her from the rest of the group and have her closer to the lamp (the heat lamp busted so it's just a regular 100w light bulb)....and I have force fed her watery chick feed. She is worse! I have 4 EEs left and I don't want them to die! help!

 

[mammat]

They need to be at least 80 degrees at that age. What are they eating? Are they drinking and looping?

 

[Teva]

chick starter and grit. I actually am using a 200w bulb, whick is pretty warm....I'll check to make sure it's 80 though

 

[Teva]

She's now laying on her side, eyes closed, and she keeps opening her beak as if she's gasping for air. Her head keeps falling back like she has no neck muscles. this is really sad to watch!

 

[Teva]

seizures? or hiccups....

 

[Teva]

and, she's gone.

 

[Sk8inChick(en)]

I'm so sorry about your chicks! That is simply awful. Maybe they picked up something at the feed store or hatchery? Either way, it's terrible to have to go through that.

How many did you start with?

Again, I'm so sorry!

 

[2008momof3]

I am so sorry I just had that same thing happen with one of mine. It was fine, then it was lethargic, seemed better after I gave it sugar water but then died all of a sudden. I hope your others stay well.

 

[Teva]

On March first I started with a polish and an EE from the feed store, 2 BO and 2 BRs from a local hatcher hobbiest.... the BOs and BRs were a couple weeks older and they are outside already. On the 18th I brought home three leghorns, 3 weeks old, and they are doing fine - one more week in the brooder or so I think. On the 21st I brought home 6 baby EEs from the feed store. On the morning of the 25th I found one dead. On the morning of the 27th I found another dead. On the 28th my oldest EE died - and she only had one more week to go before I put her outside this week! Very upsetting. And now this one. My daughter is 9 and she is getting upset, the poor girl. We've gone through three named Minnie - I told her tonight that we won't name any more until they are moved outside! DD is so tender hearted.

So, right now it is almost 11pm, and the chicks are wide awake scratching and pecking in the brooder. Except the Polish. She's four weeks but doesn't have any feathers AT ALL so it will probably be another 2 weeks before she goes outside. I hope she's just tired and sleepy tonight!! I think these baby EEs I picked up brought something with them!

 

[tamzalicus]

I Am haveing the same problem, had 6 babys die in 3 days they all seemed to have the same symptoms and now 1 is dyeing from another place same symptoms. I did find that these babys came from the same hatchery....