Help!! Four week old baby chicks dying suddenly and don’t know why

[Frizzlechicken]

They have all been happy and healthy. Running around acting fine. Woke up this morning and one was dead. I was shocked. Came home this evening and they are pooping blood and three more dead. We had started feeding them some bread in addition to their medicated feed. Could this have possibly caused this problem.

 

[nminusyplusm]

I am no expert but from what I've read here it sounds like coccidiosis and you need to give them corid immediately.

@KikisGirls @Wyorp Rock @casportpony

 

[nminusyplusm]

Not sure where you are but do you have a Tractor Supply near you where you can get it, hopefully first thing in the morning?

And welcome to BYC, I'm so sorry about your chicks but glad to have you join us here!

 

[Kiki]

Chicks don't need bread but no I don't think that caused it.
I'd guess it's coccidiosis.
Getting Corid asap can save the rest.

Corid Liquid

• Kiki
• Apr 16, 2018

 

[Kiki]

You may want to watch this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/coccidiosis-video-worth-watching.1262022/

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They have all been happy and healthy. Running around acting fine. Woke up this morning and one was dead. I was shocked. Came home this evening and they are pooping blood and three more dead. We had started feeding them some bread in addition to their medicated feed. Could this have possibly caused this problem.

If they are pooping blood start them on Corid asap. You can find it in the cattle section of your Tractor Supply. It comes in liquid or powder.

Corid dosage is 1 1/2 teaspoons Corid powder or2 teaspoons of 9.6% Corid liquid per gallon of water.
Give for 5-7 days - make sure this is the ONLY water available during that time period. Mix a fresh batch at least once a day.

Bread did not cause the bloody poop. While bread in very small amounts won't hurt them, make sure they have a source of grit if you feed anything besides poultry feed. Bread is also not that nutrient dense for growing birds. I like to give mine eggs as a treat, so try that.

I'm sorry you lost one, hopefully the others will get treatment in time and you won't have any more losses.

 

[9SpiceyChickens]

x2

 

[Folly's place]

Also, the amprolium medicated feed is designed to manage their exposure to coccidia, and feeding other things will lower the dose of amprolium in their daily feed, making it less effective. Also their need for grit when anything else is fed, and bread isn't very nutritious compared to the balanced feed.
Corid for sure!
Has your chick feed been fresh? There's a mill date on each bag, and within one month is going to give them the best diet.
You might need to hand feed some of the weakest chicks, and I'm so sorry for your losses.
Freshen their bedding, and clean their waterers, and generally try nursing care, without overdoing and causing further stress.
Mary