tpatricco
Songster
As first timers, we've really gotten a rough start.
Did our homework to be prepared, built our own brooder from directions online... Got our first batch of 6 chicks on Saturday April 27th. Lost the first one that Wednesday, next one that Friday - asked for help and learned we had our brooder way too hot. Made adjustments. Got 6 more chicks the next Saturday. Lost one of those after a few days. Abandoned the plastic tote brooder and moved the remaining 9 to a dog crate with a Brinsea Ecoglow for better ventilation/ not overheating. We gave electrolytes, Nutri-Drench in water, ACV in water (not all at once) Feed them hard boiled egg yolks every day or two for treat/booster. Everyone seemed OK. One chick woke up with crusty eyes and sneezing - I used VetRX and washed her eyes with saline for a couple days and she got better (and is now fine). Littlest chick (a Cochin) seemed less active/energetic - would just kind of stand still a lot. But was eating and drinking and seemed otherwise OK. That chick passed overnight this past Friday. Another chick which was sneezing, head bobbing, had bubbly breathing - some kind of respiratory issue - treated with VetRx - did not survive, passed Monday morning. Now one littlest chick 1.5 weeks old also has been less active / standing still a lot - this morning she is very weak - I tried giving her some Nutri-Drench via q-tip and getting some water in her - she wouldn't eat - Tried hand feeding egg yolk. She can't stand, is lying down breathing shallow - I expect she will pass too.
Rationally, apart from the overheated brooder, I think I am doing everything I can for them reasonably. and I do understand that chickens do have a higher mortality rate than other kinds of animals. But I'm still feeling like a pretty shitty chicken parent right now. Out of 12 chicks we have 6 left? Emotionally, it's been a rough start. For the two that didn't appear sick, just were listless and didn't really grow - what can account for that, and what could I have done differently?
I appreciate the advice. Feeling sad and trying not to be discouraged.
Did our homework to be prepared, built our own brooder from directions online... Got our first batch of 6 chicks on Saturday April 27th. Lost the first one that Wednesday, next one that Friday - asked for help and learned we had our brooder way too hot. Made adjustments. Got 6 more chicks the next Saturday. Lost one of those after a few days. Abandoned the plastic tote brooder and moved the remaining 9 to a dog crate with a Brinsea Ecoglow for better ventilation/ not overheating. We gave electrolytes, Nutri-Drench in water, ACV in water (not all at once) Feed them hard boiled egg yolks every day or two for treat/booster. Everyone seemed OK. One chick woke up with crusty eyes and sneezing - I used VetRX and washed her eyes with saline for a couple days and she got better (and is now fine). Littlest chick (a Cochin) seemed less active/energetic - would just kind of stand still a lot. But was eating and drinking and seemed otherwise OK. That chick passed overnight this past Friday. Another chick which was sneezing, head bobbing, had bubbly breathing - some kind of respiratory issue - treated with VetRx - did not survive, passed Monday morning. Now one littlest chick 1.5 weeks old also has been less active / standing still a lot - this morning she is very weak - I tried giving her some Nutri-Drench via q-tip and getting some water in her - she wouldn't eat - Tried hand feeding egg yolk. She can't stand, is lying down breathing shallow - I expect she will pass too.
Rationally, apart from the overheated brooder, I think I am doing everything I can for them reasonably. and I do understand that chickens do have a higher mortality rate than other kinds of animals. But I'm still feeling like a pretty shitty chicken parent right now. Out of 12 chicks we have 6 left? Emotionally, it's been a rough start. For the two that didn't appear sick, just were listless and didn't really grow - what can account for that, and what could I have done differently?
I appreciate the advice. Feeling sad and trying not to be discouraged.