Hello & Newbie Help

[gr8bskt]

I would keep heat on them or they will die. Do you have a thermometer in with them to see what the temp is?

We do. It's been a steady 88*-90*. Trying to think of what other heat source we might have.

 

[gr8bskt]

Do you have a heat pad ? Those hand warmer things, or boil water and put that into something you can put in the brooder?

I can't access a heating pad atm, but my boy scouts have a ton of those hand warmer thingies - excellent! Thank you.

 

[cooped up]

I don't know if this will help or not and I don't want to sound heartless, but your percentage of healthy ones is still quite good. I would seperate any sick ones from now on. I had some older pullets that got lethargic and I gave them antibiotics and de- wormer--- not that this will help you. If the chicks continue to dwindle it sounds like the hatchery should work with you.

 

[jeepguy982001]

i agree with cooped up as much as it sucks losses happen especially when young. Separate the weaker ones and they might get better. But good luck. Out of 5 chicks i ordered last fall only two have made it. 2 died within a week one at 5 weeks and 1 was sketchy for a week but after i separated her she's running around fine now outside.

 

[wholewheatchicken]

How is everyone this morning?

 

[gr8bskt]

How is everyone this morning?

Thank you for asking! Short answer - GREAT.

I called the hatchery this morning and described the symptoms and timeline and the gal said that it doesn't sound like disease. More along the lines that maybe those birds were just weaker hatches and the stress of shipping was just too much. So I'm watching them like a mama hen, but they're looking really great. The Buff Rock whose legs had gone pale yesterday (but was still an active bird) is doing great today, leg color and all. No one is down on their legs, listless, or having breathing problems. She did say that since I'd given them the medicated food to keep them on it since, yes, it does negate the vax, so they're on that, and I'm gonna boil up some eggs today and give them that, too.

Hub had purchased the Havells 250 watt "Splatterproof" heat lamps at the feed store. We switched them out for regular bulbs last night until I could call Havells USA to find out whether or not these have the toxic PTFE or PFTE in them (the teflon). GOOD NEWS - these bulbs do NOT have teflon. I put them back in immediately and the brooder is nice and toasty again.

We're going to make them a little perch this weekend - they're ready! They're trying to roost on the 1x2's that join the floor and the wall. Right now, their bellies are full and it's naptime.

Thanks, everyone, for helping this new chicken mama. It's like having my first baby all over again. : )

- Jennifer

 

[mlm Mike]

I'm glad things are looking up, and you didn't have the bulb issue or disease.

 

[DanielHoover]

Remove their water and give them whole milk for a week.

 

[DanielHoover]

Better yet hard boil some eggs and chop them up in the
food processor shell and all.This works as a tonic for baby
chicks.

 

[wholewheatchicken]

You better make sure on that whole milk thing. I have never heard of it, but I could have missed that somewhere along the line of being good for baby chicks. I personally wouldn't do it. And I don't think you should give the chicks and young chickens the shell of the egg. I believe it would have too much calcium in it and it will destroy their kidneys. They can't have calcium until they are laying. I save all the egg shells from my Rhode Island Reds and wash them and cook them on low in the oven and grind them up into small pieces and offer that back to the girls along with oyster shell and they love it. I'm not saying I know everything, but that you should carefully research this before you jump in and do it. Baby chicks really do not need anything but chick starter and clean water and vitamins, if you choose to use them.
Glad everyone is perking up. I know exactly how you felt...I have been there myself many a times!!!!! You're a good momma.