Help--my babies are dying!

[pbirdhaven]

My first four hatches of the year went great--no splayed legs or curled toes--just the few that didn't pop out of the shell. They were active and healthy.
My last hatch had some splayed legs and curled toes, but all of the chicks were lethargic and not eating or drinking, so they are dying of apparent starvation and/or dehydration. They hatched last Friday through Sunday, and I haven't had to change the liner in the brooder yet. With nothing going in, nothing is coming out.
The only thing different this time was the first four were hatched in the bottom tray of my incubator (Sportsman); this time I had the hatcher (also a Sportsman) up and running. Temperature and humidity all checked out at the recommended levels and the hatcher had been cleaned and disinfected (Tektrol).
I'm getting worried about all the eggs I have in the incubator now and those that I have coming. If anyone has any ideas, I would certainly appreciate them.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Did you dip their beaks in the water so that they know where it is? Sometimes, they don't quite get it and need a little assistance.

 

[klmclain1]

eye dropper and sugar water... quick!!!

 

[4-H chicken mom]

I would get some vitamins and electrolyes in their water and dip their beaks every half hour to make them get a drink. Good luck.

 

[pbirdhaven]

Thanks for the suggestions, folks! Been dipping the beaks in water right from the first, but they won't drink on their own. Have been giving vitamins and electrolytes with a dropper, but never thought about the sugar water!

I'm leary about putting my next group in the hatcher as this is the only group that I've had problems with--all from my own breeders, so no difference there. I'm stumped!

I appreciate all the help the BYC people are always willing to offer.