Increased Deaths with Current Batch of CX's

[JohnL11935]

We raise about 500 broilers per year (~350 Jumbo Cornish from MMM and ~150 Freedom Rangers). Took delivery of current batch of 90 males about two weeks ago. Since then we have lost 30%. Had the usual couple of DOA's and a few more on Day 2, but we continue to lose 2 to 5 birds per day ever since.

My brooder setup is the same I've always used (4x8 box inside a secured barn), fresh crumbles from my usual place, plenty of water w- Broiler Booster, three infrared lamps; really, nothing different from how I've always cared for them.

For some reason these birds were sent Priority Mail rather than Urgent Mail, so they spent an extra day in transit - but I would think they would've recovered from that fairly quickly.

I usually count on 10% mortality with the CX's but waking up to find what were healthy birds now look like they were run over by a truck every morning is starting to get to me.

Has anyone else had similar experience with recent deliveries from MMM?


Thanks.

 

[bigredfeather]

Could it be they are piling at night? Even though you've used the same set-up all year perhaps there isn't enough heat with the cooler nights now. Not sure if this is the problem, but it's the only thing I can think of.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I agreeing with big red. IF they look like they were "flattened by a truck' they were at at the bottom of a pile up; add more lights. Even if this is how you always have done it, this is not the same batch you have always had. Good luck!

 

[bigredfeather]

Did you figure out why it was happening?

 

[Sundown_Farmer]

I'm having a similar problem. 2 dead in the box, one with a twisted neck in box, 2 with curled toes I couldn't bring out of it, 3 just up and died (2 this week). This is my last batch and arrived Oct. 14th or so. I don't think I'll take delivery of chicks after Oct. 1 next year. Another batch arrived the week before and is doing fine. Besides, the pasture is ready to rest.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

twisted neck and curled toes treat with intense vitamin therapy.

 

[twister]

what were your temps in the brooder?

 

[twister]

my batch from MMM was received Oct. 8 (of course, i am way further south and we still have green grass). Currently, I only lost one to flip ( one week after arrival). The remainders are vigorous and seemingly healthy.
other than temp--- ck feed for mold??? i dunno what else it could be...30%mortality is very disturbing. so sorry... hope the wise ones on here can assist to finding an answer for ya.