Help!!! Rescued Chicks and They're Dying!

[Abriana]

My boyfriend was raised on a farm and his family has a chicken coop that's vacant. We plan to move them to his parent's garage (we live in an apt) when it is warmer outside (hopefully soon) and then move them to the coop when they're big enough.

Another catch is that they're meat chickens and won't lay consistent eggs. Though I love that he rescued them, they will really just be pets to me. I'm a vegetarian.

Unfortunately, due to their small hearts and large size, meat chickens don’t live very long. They eat a ton, and you must be careful to feed them only a little or else they will get huge and thier hearts will fail. Even if you keep their weight down, they will only live a short while.
But hopefully you will enjoy the time you have with them, and maybe even become inspired to get some pet chickens that are good layers and have a longer life span

 

[WholeLattaChickens40]

Unfortunately, due to their small hearts and large size, meat chickens don’t live very long. They eat a ton, and you must be careful to feed them only a little or else they will get huge and thier hearts will fail. Even if you keep their weight down, they will only live a short while.
But hopefully you will enjoy the time you have with them, and maybe even become inspired to get some pet chickens that are good layers and have a longer life span

Thank you so much. They have been so fun and I've already had to grieve from the ones that have died. One of the rites of passage into farm life, I guess. I've always wanted chickens but didn't imagine this situation as the start of our coop! Thank you for the advice and support.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes, we are using one but we have it 3 feet away from them. We originally just had 2 regular 65w bulbs. Do you think this would be better?

I use a 125 watt heat bulb. Have you checked the temperature away from the bulb to see if it's cooler. They could be just stressed, but I might try lowering the temperature to see if it helps.

You asked about their feathers, I see nothing wrong with them in that department, so I definitely wouldn't wash them.

 

[Jeri baisden]

hey i see the problem separate the flocks two boxes two heat lamps. dog crates works great with cardboard for the floor and around edges. put the pine shaving on top of cardboard, put heat lamp in the cage hanging for first week then put it on top of cage until fully feathered.you will have to change the flooring every week. make sure the heat lamps are at 95 degrees for the first week and decrease the heat by 5 degrees until fully feathered medicated feed is good it prevents coccidiosis. you can do regular chick starter it works good also. make sure both flocks has water they will at times get it dirty please change very frequently bedding must be an inch no more the poo will smell and hurt their lungs and cause more problems. make sure you change the bedding every 2-3 days. in general separate make sure have plenty of water and check periodically. any question feel free to ask.
p.s they might have coccidiosis if so check them in to the vet

 

[Abriana]

Thank you so much. They have been so fun and I've already had to grieve from the ones that have died. One of the rites of passage into farm life, I guess. I've always wanted chickens but didn't imagine this situation as the start of our coop! Thank you for the advice and support.

No problem! Yes, that comes in the packet of farm life and having animals unfortunately. Good luck with the rest of them!

 

[keesmom]

Another catch is that they're meat chickens and won't lay consistent eggs. Though I love that he rescued them, they will really just be pets to me. I'm a vegetarian.

Another catch to that is most likely half will never lay eggs - they are male. Meat chicken most often are sold straight run.

If they are Cornish X an you really wan to keep pullets for laying, then in another couple of weeks you are going to have to start restricting feed. You will have to do something with all the boys though.

I don't see anything wrong with their feathers so no need for a bath. I would definitely watch for overheating.