Fragile Chicks

[atief1253]

why are baby chicks so fragile the first week or so of life? Is there anything I can do to prevent any from dying? It seems whenever we buy some, we lose one or two. They have a heat lamp, are medicated and proper food and water. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[joeyfender]

Well imagine a newborn human. Very fragile for the first couple years right? Well picture a chick as a fast growing human. Say a week is a year. So once they are about six weeks (six years) they can begin to be able to take bumps and illnesses better because their body is beginning to be able to fight off bad things. Hope this helps!

 

[ellie32526]

Baby chicks are very fragile and some do die. It is a sad but true situation.

They need to be protected from drafts and kept warm (90-95 degrees the first week), reduce the temps 5 degrees each week, Keep an eye on the chicks and their behavior will tell you if they are too hot or too cold. At the edges of the brooder - too hot (trying to get away from the heat); huddled under the lamp in a pile - too cold.

Baby chicks need access to fresh clean water daily. I add Quik Chik to my new chicks water for the first couple weeks. Its a vitamin mineral supplement.

Chick Starter should be available as much as they want to eat.

I had my chickc vaccinated against Marecks disease and for coccidiosis. I also gave them GroGelPlus upon arrival. This is also a vitamin mineral supplement.

Don't handle them overly. They are cute and cuddly, but resist the urge to pick them up and handle them alot. They can pick up viruses from people and we can pick up viruses from them as well. Sounds like you are already doing most of this, don't take it personal. Even the best people lose baby chicks now and again.
Hope these things help.

 

[atief1253]

your comments did help. thanks.