(EDIT: help!) When do you worry when you have a chick (or chicks) die?

[beepbeepinajeep]

A week and a half ago we had a 2 month old buff orpington die... we did see the rooster picking on it a bit the day before, but nothing that looked vicious. The body had no marks. Today we had a three week old americauna die... no marks. Is it time to worry or do you just lose a few chicks normally? Thanks for the help.

 

[raspeary]

I don't know your answer, but I wanted to say I'm sorry for your losses.

 

[beepbeepinajeep]

Thank you. We have had such good luck with our chickens & I get really attached to them.

 

[beepbeepinajeep]

We have a problem. At least two more are sick. They look droopy & aren't supporting their weight. I have separated them & put them under the heat lamp... thinking about putting some boiled egg in with them.

Should they die tonight, how do I take their bodies to the extension office?

What do you think is wrong? Is my laying flock in danger?

 

[Goose and Fig]

Get some Sulmet-fast! Sounds like cocci.

 

[Goose and Fig]

You have to treat your whole flock- the sulmet is easy, goes right in the water. Shouldn't hurt any birds that aren't sick yet. Sterilize too.

 

[beepbeepinajeep]

Should I be able to get sulmet at our local feed & seed? Is it something I mix in the water? I have sterilized everything

I feed the purina natural start & grow... our feed & seed doesn't carry start and grow with coccidosis treatment. Should I be treating my chicks for it anytime I have chicks?

 

[Goose and Fig]

Most co-ops or feed stores sell the medicated chick start. I've heard that our loal TSC does not for some reason. It isn't a treatment- more of a preventative. If your chickswere vaccinated- the med feed nullifies the vac. You should NOT give medicated hick star to laying hens- only chicks. I got some sulmet at the co-op after a scare. Fortunately everyone is fine- but everyone should keep it on hand just in case.

Brooder raised chicks are the most likely to get cocci. Hen raised chicks are usually safe. Kinda like how breast-fed babies get more immunities from mom.

Hope you can get everyone well- so sorry for your losses.

 

[beepbeepinajeep]

We had the two that were sick last night die. DH took the bodies to the extension office & they think it is E. Coli & are suggesting antibiotics.