For those with sick chicks..a few questions

[Sharedspirit]

I spoke with my state ag vet. He said I shouldn't worry, sounds like shipping stress to him. I'm to keep an eye on them and hopefully the rest will be ok. Tonight they seem to be much better! No signs of sick chicks at all. I don't think I'll order chicks so far from home the next time.

 

[ZykloniaDark-GothikRanchr]

All my losses were within the first week of arrival. I don't think it was stress, because they weren't just DEAD. They went through a long process of not being able to stand, then not being able to remain upright, then not being able to open their eyes, then finally, not there anymore. And all the while, they would eat, but only if I took them to the food, same with water, because they could not get to it on their own.

 

[lilshadow]

I have 6 chicks that are starting to do that. I have them isolated in a box away from the others. The chicks are much smaller than my 2 week old chicks even though they are the same age. Is there anything that I need to do.

 

[Sharedspirit]

No new chick deaths here today. The remaining chicks are acting normal. Still hoping for the best here.

 

[farm_mom]

Sharedspirit, I had much the same experience as you. I lost 10 in the first three days. When they got here they were fine, then 2 or 3 at a time they stopped moving, eating, drinking (unless forced by me). Then I had about a week and half thinking everything was looking up. Now that my birds are older I'm having the classic symptoms the others are talking about. Wobbly, drunken legs and vibrating heads. I would highly recommend keeping your MM chicks separated. So sorry you're going through this.

 

[mrbunker]

Just reading these and thought my situation is a striking resemblance. We got 30 chicks from MM on 3/9. One dead on arrival and everyone else seemed happy and healthy. 2 days ago (on day 12) on chick a light brahma and one of the largest ladies was unable to walk without wobbling wasn't eating and drinking. Isolated her and she will eat when food is placed on my finger in front of her. Not in to drinking at all. Is there any chance she will pull through? Should I expect the rest of the ladies to begin showing signs of weakness? How should I help her? I appreciate all help!!!

 

[PennySue]

As long as mine could get to food and water they survived. Out of the 24 chicks of mine that have come down sick, only 2 died, except for the 5 donated to science to find out what this is. The rest are recovering but are not nearly as strong as the normal chicks.
I used the mason jar waterers and shallow dishes for feeding. You can make the a mash by adding hot water to their feed (let it cool). I made the mash soupy, this way the get a little fluid. Also, sprinkle food on the floor. You'll have to clean the feeders and waterers a couple times a day. I used newspaper with paper towels over the hospital brooder floor. During the day cover up any messes with additional paper towels ( I just tore off pieces). It is important to keep the dust down.