- Jul 16, 2011
- 7
- 0
- 9
I bought 9 baby chicks from a local seller. 3 have died in less than two weeks. I had 2 Marans, 4 silkies (bantam), and 3 D'uccles (bantam). Two of the D'uccles have died and one of the silkies. One of the D'uccles, Digger, was the first to die; I think was 'pasted up.' Had runny bowels and clogged vent, I cleaned with a wet cloth and he died in the night. The second D'uccle, Happy, never grew, when she died a few days ago (less than 2 wks old) she was half the size of the other chickens. She also kept stretching her neck like she was choking and would get pushed around/even walked on by the other chicks. The silkie Smokie that died yesterday was the smallest silkie, but had been eating/drinking well, holding her own with the other chicks and seemed to be fine until two days ago. I didn't notice any difference in the poo of the second two except that Smokie did have white in her poo, while all the other chicks are pooping brown. I have them eating medicated starter feed, change their water frequently (but they do poop in it), give them fresh feed daily, change their bedding (pine shavings) every 2 or 3 days. They are in an indoor laundry room in a 2X5 rubbermaid (could they have just been overcrowded?) with a light, started their temp at 95 and have it around 90 currently. The remaining chicks seem healthy, I have one that is a little smaller than the others but again seems to be holding her own. I have one chick that was a few days older than the others when I got them, he was dirty from another brooder he was in and has had diarrhea since he arrived, but is growing fine.
Could they have worms? Is it safe for my kids to hold them?
Thank you for your time and advice!
Could they have worms? Is it safe for my kids to hold them?
Thank you for your time and advice!