How many deaths is normal for raising chicks

[Mamatomany123]

1) are you checking the temperature? When I first got chicks I thought they were doing great until one started mouth breathing. I checked the temps and it was way too hot in there. I'm sure they would have died had I not noticed.
2) get us a picture of your brooder with the chicks in it how many feeders and waterers do you have?

 

[gimmie birdies]

Time of the year matters when shipped. I had ordered many chicks from Meyers and didn't have a problem, but one cold late Oct. order I did. I wish I had asked for a heat pack.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Usually I find them just laying on the floor almost flattened like they were trampled, earlier I separated them and moved the big ones with my other big chicks and then split the little ones in half so they aren’t so crowded, my brooder is 4 foot by 9 foot, usually before they die I notice they don’t have much energy and they kinda don’t move when I go to grab them, yesterday I saw one that was acting like it was going to die and I took her inside and she began to act normal and I put her back and later I found her dead, I looked for pasty butt but didn’t see anything on any that have died, I have a variety I do notice that the smaller ones are the ones that died so I was hoping by separating the really small ones they wouldn’t have to fight for food and maybe they would be able to eat and drink normal

Photos are always helpful, but you have given some clues.

You have a variety - you notice that the smaller chicks are the ones that have died.
You are finding them on the floor almost flattened like they were trampled.

Move the small chicks to another brooder.

They are outside - is there location secure where a predator can't be lurking about? Chicks tend all run to corners in mass when startled/frightened.

You may need to set up more even more than 2 brooders.

What "variety" of birds do you have? Are there bantam with large fowl?

 

[Cattle dog Mom]

Since the dead ones are "flattened" any chance the others are piling up on top of eachother because they are too cold?

 

[Hunter81103]

What bedding are you using? Is the food medicated?

The food is non medicated, and I think it’s like shaving with no dust ( I got it at tractor supply and it said it was bedding for chicks )

 

[Hunter81103]

Since the dead ones are "flattened" any chance the others are piling up on top of eachother because they are too cold?

I had two separate Areas one with two lamps and one with 1 heat lamp and the one with two was 100 or a little more constantly

 

[Mamatomany123]

I had two separate Areas one with two lamps and one with 1 heat lamp and the one with two was 100 or a little more constantly

That's too hot. Your frying them.

 

[Duckbreeder2020]

The food is non medicated, and I think it’s like shaving with no dust ( I got it at tractor supply and it said it was bedding for chicks )

Maybe you need to get medicated food. My chicks started dying in till I got that food

 

[Artichoke Lover]

@Hunter81103
Are they vaccinated?
BTW If they’ve already been vaccinated for coccidiosis feeding them medicated food just negates the vaccine.

 

[Acre4Me]

I’m sorry it’s been a struggle for you. Out of 40, having 5 die us a bit high, but not unusual. The chicks were shipped, and you may have gotten an unhealthy one or two that were more impacted by shipping or that had a defect that would cause them to die anyway. . The feed store likely just dumps them into their bins to eat and drink, but some take awhile to learn or are timid and dont get in to get food or water enough. You don’t know how long they were out for shipping, do you? If they shipped and arrived after 3 days, they were stressed and likely chilled.

your 3 heat lamps are only a problem if the chicks cannot get away from the heat and self regulate. So, if it is 100F under the two lights, but the chicks can move into a 90-95F area, then it’s fine, and not the cause of the issues. If they are unable to get away from the heat or all 40 cannot keep away from the 100F area, that may have caused some of the issues.

pasty butt, when poop sticks to the fluff and then dried and covers the vent. They cannot poop again because the dried poop essentially seals off the vent. This will cause them to die. So, under warm water, vent area only, gently soften the dried poop and rinse it off. Immediately put them into a warm towel/washcloth/paper towel and blot them dry. Since they are brooded outside, you may want to let them fully dry inside and warm up before returning them to the outdoor brooder.

mid you have not offered electrolytes, you might want to get a pack and offer them some electrolyte solution (replace every 24 hours or sooner). ALWAYS offer plain fresh water at the same time when offering additive water any kind.

if you have any liquid chicken vitamins (like Nutri drench) this is good to offer. If you cannot find that, then some people use baby Poly-Vi-Sol (no iron) to baby chicks. We give Nutri Drench to them straight using a toothpick to get a drop , and they will peck the dark drop or we touch the side of their beak and they naturally open it. Then we take them and dip their beak into fresh water so they take a drink or two. Give a small drop of vitamins 1-2x per day for 3 days, and they should perk up.

Good Luck!