Just got my chicks--some questions

[Ariel301]

Ok, I've got the temperature up more and they're quieting down some. But two more that were acting perfectly fine an hour ago, running around and eating and drinking just fine, are now flopping around gasping and probably not going to make it. I'm worried they may be sick--each chick that ends up like this will be fine, and then suddenly go lethargic and sleepy just instantly while it's running around, and within a few minutes is flopping around gasping, then dies.

 

[mstricer]

Is the bedding covered with paper towels?

 

[Ariel301]

Yes, shredded newspaper covered in paper towels. The shavings at the feed store here are very expensive and also very dusty so I decided to use the newspaper instead.

 

[mstricer]

I've never used newspaper because of the ink. and it gets messy fast. Overall the pine bedding is your bet. Even though it can get costly, I even use it in my coop. 2 to 3 bags a week. Sorry I'm no help.
You can try just the paper towels. As for the doing fine then OH no, I dont know I've never had that happen sorry. Did they maybe fall in water?

 

[Ariel301]

I would normally use shavings, but not only were they too expensive, they were also kind of dusty and moldy and yucky looking, so I thought that probably would not be a good idea. We had a lot of rain recently and everything at the feedstore that was kept outside got spoiled, and they are trying to sell the nasty shavings before buying new ones.

 

[mstricer]

Yeah I know what you mean, our TSC had some of their bedding outside in the rain, I wont buy that luckily they had some inside also. I fully under stay about the expense it is 4.99 a bag here in Ohio I was shocked. I plan on checking with a Amish lumber cutter to see what he can offer us.

 

[Ariel301]

$4.99? Wow, I'd pay that! It's $9 a bale here.

Two more dead now, for a total of 4. The one with the bitten toes is still hanging on, drinking water but not eating food. There's a little Buff Japanese that has spraddle legs too, but it seems to be doing ok now with its legs taped up.

 

[CrazyMomOf2]

Sorry about your babies! Just to let you know, my chicks were pretty noisy for a couple of hours after I first got them home. Once I added an extra heat lamp for them, they quieted right down. They're in the only place I could put them, my basement, and I don't have any heat down there except for the wood stove. I only hear them peeping now if something startles them.

Crossing my fingers that your babies stay healthy! I can't imagine losing any of them...

 

[Shelly_WNC]

Hi there - sorry about your new chicks. But I am glad you asked the question about the loud chirping.

I also just recieved my chicks today, nine days old already though. And only one chirps and very loudly, has been chirping for hours. This freaks me out, as they all seem healthy and eat,drink and poop fine. they don't hang out under the red heat lamp so I don't think they are cold. temp gauge shows 95. Hope more people respond to other reasons why chicks chirp for hours.

Good luck!!!

 

[Ariel301]

The crying has settled down, but I'm still losing them one by one. Two more have gone into the sudden lethargy and are flopping around gasping.