How many deaths is normal for raising chicks

[Hunter81103]

I have 40 chicks in a very good sized brooder with plenty of space and 3 heat lamps I have a thermometer so it is kept at the right temp and they have plenty of room to move if they get too hot or cold , but so far I’ve had about 5 chicks die and I was just wondering if it’s something I’m doing or if this is normal

 

[JacinLarkwell]

What breed are they? How old, and were they shipped or hatched and if hatched from local eggs or shipped eggs?

 

[Hunter81103]

What breed are they? How old, and were they shipped or hatched and if hatched from local eggs or shipped eggs?

I got them at rural king so they were shipped, I got them a week ago so just over a week old, and I got a variety

 

[Mellowmalt]

5 out of 40 is quite a lot especially if they all managed to hatch ok, If you had some not hatch then that might indicate that some didn't develop properly during incubation but if that is not the case I think 5 is quite a lot. Do they have any obstructions they can fall over?

Do they have access to fresh water and food?

How poerful are your heat lamps each exactly? 3 Seems excessive. Why 3 over 1? Would 1 not hold the temperature?

Have you measured the temperature in the warmest and coldest spots? and not just with the thermometer lying down, have it standing up otherwise you might get a low reading.

It's the heat they are experiencing at head level that is important.

 

[BayAreaMike408]

After a week, I would think the deaths are caused by something I the environment and not shipping issues.

 

[Painted Calls]

Do you have pictures of your setup? What are you feeding?

 

[Hunter81103]

5 out of 40 is quite a lot especially if they all managed to hatch ok, If you had some not hatch then that might indicate that some didn't develop properly during incubation but if that is not the case I think 5 is quite a lot. Do they have any obstructions they can fall over?

Do they have access to fresh water and food?

How poerful are your heat lamps each exactly? 3 Seems excessive. Why 3 over 1? Would 1 not hold the temperature?

Have you measured the temperature in the warmest and coldest spots? and not just with the thermometer lying down, have it standing up otherwise you might get a low reading.

It's the heat they are experiencing at head level that is important.

I have 3 because the brooder is outside and it’s been about 30 degrees so it takes a couple to keep it to 95, they have access to fresh food and water , and no obstructions besides food and water that they could fall over, maybe I should take out a heat lamp ? I just have two in the same spot and then one by itself

 

[Nigel27]

Any weird droppings? I would make sure to have multiple feed stations and show them the water just in case they haven’t found it. Sawdust can cause problems if they eat it too.

 

[Hunter81103]

Do you have pictures of your setup? What are you feeding?

I can send some in a little while and I am feeding them chick feed non medicated

 

[Hunter81103]

Any weird droppings? I would make sure to have multiple feed stations and show them the water just in case they haven’t found it. Sawdust can cause problems if they eat it too.

Not that I have seen and okay I have one big one but I’ll add another