is this avian influenza? (possible emergency)

[froggyphore]

got 2-day-old chicks yesterday, shipped from cackle hatchery. earlier today (around the afternoon) one chick started acting a bit listless and sleeping heavily and limply, about an hour ago she couldn’t stand up, was gasping and convulsing a little occasionally, aspirating fluid, and then passed away about an hour later. there was no blockage that i could see and the slow progression of symptoms doesn’t make me think choking. now there is another chick who is looking a little lethargic to me... they went right from the shipping box to the brooder so no outdoor exposure, and cackle has reported no outbreaks, but now i’m really worried... i don’t mean to be irritating and beg but if anyone has any insight or similar experiences at all i’d really appreciate it as i’m quite terrified now thanks.

 

[Leo smith]

I actually had the same problem I got 4 new silkie chicks and one of them was acting the same way and sadly passed away two days later. I had the rest pass away the same way which made me really sad. Then we went and got another five chicks from a different place and so far only one seems to be living. I don't know if my second batch was sick or not but I know for a fact my first was so I'd be careful if you have other chickens or birds. And if you need you can add a table spoon of sugar to their water to help it's not a hundred percent success but it'll help.

 

[Folly's place]

Shipping stress is most likely the problem, so sorry. How is your brooder set up? Temps in there, food and water availability, electrolytes in one of the waterers?
Talk to Cackle about it too, they are very good about covering losses.
Mary

 

[froggyphore]

Shipping stress is most likely the problem, so sorry. How is your brooder set up? Temps in there, food and water availability, electrolytes in one of the waterers?
Talk to Cackle about it too, they are very good about covering losses.
Mary

i hadn’t thought so since they seemed good upon arrival, but i’m hoping thats the case. i my thermometer just broke (ofc lol) but the brooder is def warm enough with a cool side, good air flow, medicated starter crumble and lukewarm fresh water provided 24/7 in 1 quart containers that are cleaned a couple times a day, no electrolytes because i quite was scattered the week before and forgot to pick some up before they arrived, but i’m going to get some tomorrow.

thanks for mentioning that, had planned to contact them but forgot. i’ll do it tomorrow since i think they’re closed now.

thank you so much for your response it really helps.

 

[froggyphore]

I actually had the same problem I got 4 new silkie chicks and one of them was acting the same way and sadly passed away two days later. I had the rest pass away the same way which made me really sad. Then we went and got another five chicks from a different place and so far only one seems to be living. I don't know if my second batch was sick or not but I know for a fact my first was so I'd be careful if you have other chickens or birds. And if you need you can add a table spoon of sugar to their water to help it's not a hundred percent success but it'll help.

i’m so sorry to hear about your bad luck i usually have no problems with chick health or mortality, i’ve only ever lost one mysteriously overnight, so i’ve found it quite alarming. i’m certainly being extra cautious with my other birds.

 

[froggyphore]

well, two more chicks passed overnight, (salmon faverolle male and female) and another faverolle female is looking listless. :/ i know they’re a breed with a high infant mortality but i’m still worried since it seems to be “sweeping” through... luckily no one else seems affected yet. i didn’t see the other two pass so i don’t know if they did the same gasping motion.