I'm so sad!

[TheAlrightyGina]

What kind of shavings are you using?

They said pine earlier

I used Pacific Coast Pine shavings for bedding.

 

[allgr8dogs]

Dehydration is the quickest cause of chick death at such a young age. Are you using the dosage on the "sav-a-chick" packages? (I ask because a lady I sold chicks to a few years back put the whole package in her quart waterer and had all but 2 of hers die within a couple days.)

Also:

What kind of shavings are you using?

Each packet makes a gallon so I made a gallon and put it in the fridge. I let it come to room temp before putting it in with the chicks and I only put about 10 ounces in the waterer at a time. I'm using the pine shavings recommended by Pratts. I wonder if I should quit using the electrolyte and probiotic altogether?

 

[Cazook]

What is the electrolyte and probiotic for? Water and chick crumbs have everything a growing chick needs. Maybe that is old fashioned these days though

 

[orrpeople]

Each packet makes a gallon so I made a gallon and put it in the fridge. I let it come to room temp before putting it in with the chicks and I only put about 10 ounces in the waterer at a time. I'm using the pine shavings recommended by Pratts. I wonder if I should quit using the electrolyte and probiotic altogether?

Meh - I've done both (plain water and enhanced)- but I usually don't do electrolyte unless it's summer. If you think it might make a difference, try plain water.

Did you post pics of your set up? I haven't gone back through to see.

 

[PDXJULES]

Well, we have a mystery here. You've confirmed many basics seem ok. A little brainstorm...maybe 1 can be a clue.

No one cooking with a teflon-coated pan...
or using a teflon or other gas producing heater or light?

Has the furnace been inspected, gas stove burners and pilot lights ok? Carbon Monoxide sensors in place?

Are they in a box from overseas which may have been fumigated before import? Could toxics have been sprayed on something near them - or near heater air sources?

Food and water always available?
Do u have a thermometer sensor under the heater, ad making adjustments for temp to gradually cool 5 degrees a week?
Vents look clear and clean?

Could a critter be getting to them at night?
Have you had power outages?
Could body position be a clue?
If all basics are covered, it maybe good
for food - and new chicks to come from a different source.

Hoping for the best!

 

[My2butterflies]

Not saying it’s for sure the problem, but I wouldn’t keep them on shavings for the first week or two. And then I get them on grit before putting them on shavings. They can’t help but eat their bedding.

 

[50-45-1]

I use paper towel for the first few days so I know that they are only eating the starter, and not wood chips.
Add the shavings after 4 or 5 days.

 

[allgr8dogs]

What is the electrolyte and probiotic for? Water and chick crumbs have everything a growing chick needs. Maybe that is old fashioned these days though

It was recommended by the Pratt store employee.

 

[50-45-1]

Is this Sav-a-chick,

 

[allgr8dogs]

Well, we have a mystery here. You've confirmed many basics seem ok. A little brainstorm...maybe 1 can be a clue.

No one cooking with a teflon-coated pan...
or using a teflon or other gas producing heater or light?

Has the furnace been inspected, gas stove burners and pilot lights ok? Carbon Monoxide sensors in place?

Are they in a box from overseas which may have been fumigated before import? Could toxics have been sprayed on something near them - or near heater air sources?

Food and water always available?
Do u have a thermometer sensor under the heater, ad making adjustments for temp to gradually cool 5 degrees a week?
Vents look clear and clean?

Could a critter be getting to them at night?
Have you had power outages?
Could body position be a clue?
If all basics are covered, it maybe good
for food - and new chicks to come from a different source.

Hoping for the best!

I raised the position of the warmer as a way to make it less warm. It started off at 95 degrees, then down to 92. Right now for the remaining chick who seems to be doing well I have the warmer raised up and it's 84 degrees under there. I may raise it up again a notch because she's gotten so much bigger. I did have to clean off all of their butts but now my remaining chick seems to not have an issue. I see the chick eating and drinking several times a day. She poops several times a day and it looks normal.