Help me Chicks are dying!

[vlapinta]

I had three chicks that we hatched from eggs. They were hatched on March 26. When they were 3 weeks old one died. The other two were acting fine, eating drinking and behaving normal. They are eating unmedicated chick starter. I found another one dead today! What is happening?? I am so sad. The third again is eating, drinking and acting normally. They are still in the brooder, a plastic tub, with wood chips. They have fresh water, unmedicated chick starter, and greens daily. there bedding is changed often.
Any idea what could be happening? Anything I can do for the one lone chick. So Sad!

Vicki

 

[Elite Silkies]

Are you giving them grit, since you are feeding other things besides just chick starter? I always put them on medicated chick starter. What's the temp?

 

[ShaggysGirl]

I'm so sorry for your losses. What temp is your brooder at? They should be at 99f the first week, decreasing 5 degrees a week till feathered out. Do they have chick grit? They need that when they eat things other than starter to help grind up the foods.
Are there any signs at all. Swollen crop pasty butt? It's hard to say really. One thing I would recommend is getting another chick for the one chick that is left. They do not do well alone at all. For now I'd put in a stuffed animal for a snuggle buddy.

 

[ranchhand]

Since they're already a month old and a bit more, standard household temps should be fine as long as there are no drafts. Did you examine the dead one all over for any signs? I can't imagine what could be killing them so far apart and with no prior symptoms.

Good question about the grit? Were they getting any?

Have you changed anything? Brand or type of feed, bedding?

 

[vlapinta]

Yes they have been getting grit as soon as we started giving them greens to eat. The last two were pretty feathered out, but I still had a heat lamp on one side. It decreased the bulb siaze because I had a hard time getting the lamp raised. They were always moving about so I don't think the heat was the issue. It is such a mystery and I really don't want the last one to die. I was also wondering if I should get another chick for the one left cause if there is something wrong I wouldn't want another to die. It is so sad and so confusing.

Vicki

 

[vlapinta]

I have been sprinkeling the grit in with their food. Is this OK?

Vicki

 

[drumstick diva]

I hope the last one will be okay. People say its good to give an "only" a stuffed animal to cuddle with. Or hang a duster above him so he can hide under the feathers (like mama). A mirror is very good too - the chick thinks there is another chick with him. I don't know if you should get a companion for him because one or the other may spread disease.