Hatchery chicks died-why???

[aubreyt78]

Hello- This is the 2nd time I got chicks from a hatchery; the first grouip all lived--- I just got 25 from a hatchery; they are on my front porch, nice and warm, no drafts, the right food, fresh water........ after 2 days, a little black silkie started to look sleepy and stopped moving around, she died that night. Last night, I came home from school at 830 pm, and saw one not moving, and it was dead (still warm, and alive before I went to school at 5). They had their vaccine, what could it be? anyone have any ideas? thanks..............

 

[KellyHM]

Are they on medicated feed? Sounds like they may have coccidia. You should get some Sulmet to add to the water to prevent the rest of them from getting sick.

 

[Akane]

They have protection against cocci for the first few weeks so unlikely. If they are dying within days of getting them shipped to you it is probably shipping stress. It seems somewhat uncommon to have every chick live when they get shipped. You can call the hatchery for a refund of the chicks that died but that doesn't cover the shipping amount.

 

[happyhensny]

Are they on paper toweling or pine shavings -NOT CEDAR. Unfortunately, some do pass when they are shipped. Just too much for their little bodies. We got Silkies in the mail before and their survival rate was not very good. Sometimes the breed can be more sensitive.

 

[pkw]

Do they have a heating lamp if not fully feathered?

I have received 153 chicks in the last 2 weeks from McMurray hatchery and I had 1 doa, and 2 others died from the chicks piling on them even though they had plenty of warmth and lots of space.

I hope your other chicks are okay.