Help! My chicks are dying!

[Silkie_Mama]

......

Is the dirt a new introduction to them?

Where did the dirt come from?

I want to tag a couple more experienced people to help......

@azygous, @Wyorp Rock, @casportpony
Can you guys lend a hand figuring out why these chicks are failing?

Not really, they have been in the little coop for about a week and a half and the dirt is what was in there, along with fresh leaves and grass clippings

 

[21hens-incharge]

Were there other chickens in that area before?

Can you take fecal samples to a vet?
If you mix droppings from all the chicks you can just pay for one fecal float test.

That will check for worms and coccidiosis.

Even vets that do not treat birds can run that test.
Definitely call around and see who is willing and what they charge. Here it costs me $45 for a fecal float test.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I would not be giving chicks that young grass clippings. They are to big and can cause crop issues.

Do they have chick grit available?

 

[azygous]

Grass clippings. That sent up a red flag. Were the grass clippings fresh from the grass mower when they went into the coop? Have you turned the clippings to avoid rot and mold? Have the chicks been eating them? Have the chicks had access to chick grit?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So far I have lost 3 chicks to whatever it is, the symptoms are, slowness and extreme lethargy it may be respiratory if you know what it is or how to cure it I am in dire need!

Extreme letharagy, barely getting up and moving, not really eating or drinking, and trouble breathing

Age of chicks and how many total? About 2 weeks, there were 8 chicks now there are 5
Type of brooder, Mama hen Harley
heat source,Harley
size,Small
bedding type, pine shavings and dirt ( In a smaller coop)
feed being used, medicated chick grower
age of feed, new
brooding indoors or out, out
how warm is the brooder,
can they get completely away from the heat if needed?

They are with a broody hen?
Can you take pictures of your set-up?
When you watch the chicks with Mom are they eating/drinking o.k.?
How much ventilation is in the coop they are in?

You mention they have trouble breathing - can you take a video of them - upload to youtube and provide a link.
Photos of their poop would also be good.

I agree with @azygous check your bedding to make sure it's not moldy or that the feed is not moldy.

 

[Silkie_Mama]

Age of chicks and how many total? About 2 weeks, there were 8 chicks now there are 5
Type of brooder, Mama hen Harley
heat source,Harley
size,Small
bedding type, pine shavings and dirt ( In a smaller coop)
feed being used, medicated chick grower
age of feed, new
brooding indoors or out, out
how warm is the brooder,
can they get completely away from the heat if needed?

They are with a broody hen? Yes
Can you take pictures of your set-up? Ok
When you watch the chicks with Mom are they eating/drinking o.k.? Yes
How much ventilation is in the coop they are in? A lot

You mention they have trouble breathing - can you take a video of them - upload to youtube and provide a link.
Photos of their poop would also be good.

I agree with @azygous check your bedding to make sure it's not moldy or that the feed is not moldy.

 

[Silkie_Mama]

Grass clippings. That sent up a red flag. Were the grass clippings fresh from the grass mower when they went into the coop? Have you turned the clippings to avoid rot and mold? Have the chicks been eating them? Have the chicks had access to chick grit?

Yes, they are as usual fresh, and no rot or molding anything in there and yes they have grit

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you get some photos of the chicks and their poop?
We are happy to help, but it's hard to know what's going on with them.
If it's respiratory related (mucous, watery eyes, etc.) or if they are suffering from Coccidiosis.

I think it would probably be best if you went ahead and started treatment with Corid to be on the safe side. Do you have any? If not, get some as soon as the store opens. You can find it in the cattle section of Tractor Supply.
Dosage is 1 1/2 teaspoons Corid powder or 2 teaspoons of 9.6% Corid liquid per gallon of water. Give as the only source of drinking water for 5-7 days. Make sure the chicks are drinking.

 

[Silkie_Mama]

Can you get some photos of the chicks and their poop?
We are happy to help, but it's hard to know what's going on with them.
If it's respiratory related (mucous, watery eyes, etc.) or if they are suffering from Coccidiosis.

I think it would probably be best if you went ahead and started treatment with Corid to be on the safe side. Do you have any? If not, get some as soon as the store opens. You can find it in the cattle section of Tractor Supply.
Dosage is 1 1/2 teaspoons Corid powder or 2 teaspoons of 9.6% Corid liquid per gallon of water. Give as the only source of drinking water for 5-7 days. Make sure the chicks are drinking.

I can’t get pictures of the sick chicks, as of yesterday the remaining two died, but I am still on the hunt as to what it is and how to treat it, thanks for the suggestion!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Sorry for your loss A necropsy maybe the only way to find out what's gone on. Could you still take a picture of the area they were in?