HELP!!! First time with chicks! Something is wrong

[urge4ice]

I ordered 3 chicks. One was already on its way out when I got them. I have only had them for 2 days. I noticed this morning that one that I thought was strong was laying down and could not stand up. I cleaned his vent right away. Tried to give her some water. What do I do? Did I do something wrong? I have medicated feed, also the hachery sent vitamins to mix with the water. Should I not use those together? How often should I see them eat and drink water? Cause I barely ever see it. I have a little bed of grit in a frisbee and sprinkled a little feed in there too, they have eaten some of that, but dont go to the feeder or the waterer.

 

[1234ro]

The place where i get my chicks from says to not use medicated feed, im not sure if thats part of the problem.

 

[goulaischicks]

My chicks are constantly going to the food and water. That seems odd that they are not eating or drinking. Can't help much with a solution though cause I am relatively new to this too. :-(

 

[BrittBergh]

try adding some sugar to the water for the chick and dunk its head in the water every so often.

 

[sphillips]

Make sure that when you dunk the chicks beak in the water that they actually drink - swallow some water. I read this somewhere, don't know if this helps. I hope your chicks pull through. I'm new to this as well, so don't have much to offer. Maybe someone with more experience will chime in.

 

[Spice Glen Hens]

Also, place the food and water close to the light so they dont have to go far to bump into them.
Across the brooder is too far away.

Spicy

 

[mandelyn]

Remove the grit, it isn't needed with crumble style chick feed. Grit is only needed when you introduce whole foods, seeds and veggies and such.

Use the vitamin water for sure. If poop sticks to their rear, a damp paper cloth helps to work it off (gently).

Keep the brooder at 99 degrees under the light. Red or white bulb doesn't matter much, but the temp does matter. The younger they are, the closer the food and water should be to the lamp area. When they know what to look for, you can move it farther away.

Shipping is hard on them. Really hard if it takes more than a day. It works out a little better with more chicks in the box, but it just depends on the weather and who/how the box gets handled.

This time of year a lot of people have chicks for sale. See if you can find a seller willing to take back boys, and see about getting some locally. Raising a chick alone is difficult for you and the chick both, should the other one not make it.

Medicated feed only serves to prevent Coccidia, which can be deadly in chicks if not caught early enough. I go the route of treating them if they have it, and skip the medicated feed. But medicated feed wouldn't be contributing to their death, that's likely from the shipping process.

With chicks, it's a good idea to order more than you need, should you lose some. It's easier to sell extra than it is to replace them.

It doesn't sound like you're doing anything wrong. Losing them after shipping happens fairly frequently. I'll order in hatching eggs and hope some hatch over ordering chicks. Chicks I can find within an hours drive, in most breeds. I do my best to tell gender, and finding homes for any accidental males isn't too difficult. Check out your local craigslist for an idea of what your area can offer.

 

[Judy]

My guess is they are too hot. Also, be sure your brooder lets in plenty of fresh air. 95 degrees is just too warm for some.