just lost a chick

[cherryvalleychicks]

We got 13 baby chicks yesterday (we're newbies to this) and just lost one. We've followed all the recommended guidelines (light, bedding, etc). She started acting lethargic and wouldn't move much. I had checked them all around 1 to make sure they were pooping fine (not clogged) and they all were. She was clogged and almost seemed like she was drowning. She just passed while my husband was holding her and he said a bunch of stuff came out of her mouth.

Here's my question~ how concerned should we be for the other chicks. The others are all active, but just wanted to see if anyone had any clues as to what it could have been. And what we should look for in the future.

 

[MissD'uccle]

was the chick a day or so old? I hatch my own and every now and then you get one that hatches and just doesn't seem right from the get go. In my case it has always been a failure to thrive type thing not something that effects the other chicks. I have gotten a couple hatchery orders also and had a similar experience with two dying in one shipment after arrival. They were lethargic and just passed. One also had bubbles near the beak. None of the other chicks had an issue. sorry for your loss. It's always rough.

 

[cherryvalleychicks]

Thanks MissD'uccle. She was bigger than our newbies that hatched yesterday, but smaller than the ones that are a week (she was starting to get "real" feathers on her wings).

We'll keep an eye on the others. It all just seemed to happen so fast, but I guess this is all part of it...(got to teach the kids about that aspect of chickens today....)

 

[MissD'uccle]

In my experience the first week is the telling time for the ones that just don't make it. Usually in the first couple days though. Good luck with the kidlets. . .I have the hardest time explaining baby "titen" passing to my two year old although he seems to get it

 

[fiberart57]

Sorry about your loss. I'm aware that mortality with chicks happens but I think a lot of it is preventable.

Are you using electrolytes in their water? If so, make sure that you have the correct concentration. The water should look like clear, very dilute apple juice.

If you have young children, one of the things that's the most fun for them is to hold the babies. I would suggest, however, that the chicks are best given a couple of days of settling in before too much holding goes on.

Mary