Likely hood of losing a chick?

[Familyman0803]

My wife and I are going to be getting 3 RIR AND 3 BLACK Sexlink hens in a week. Just curious as to what are chances are of us have six healthy birds and not losing any of them; this is our first time owning chicks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If they arrive vigorous, with good management, they should all make it to adulthood and beyond.
How much research have you done?

 

[azygous]

There is a small chance one out of the bunch would be a failure-to-thrive chick. It would be apparent within the first three days of getting them. Such a chick is lethargic, not active, stands still while eyes at half mast. After a week you would notice it's not growing and it could have constipation or diarrhea.

A good practice that would get all the chicks off to a good start would be giving them Poultry Nutri-drench. It can often jump start underdeveloped digestive systems, and it will also be a good boost for normal chicks. An undiluted drop on the beak of each chick is standard. Then make a "weak tea" with a few drops in their waterer.

Other than that, as long as you're getting the chicks from a NPIP certified hatchery or breeder, you have every reason to expect healthy chicks and it would be rare to lose any at all.

 

[Familyman0803]

Been researching for about 3 years. Books, internet and local farmers...Just bout 5 acres and am excited too start our homestead. I am getting them from a True Value store in upstate New York. How can you tell if they are NPIP registered? I know they don't personally hatch them but would they buy from hatcheris not certified?

 

[Familyman0803]

Hatcheeries

 

[Familyman0803]

Hatchetu... I hate spellcheck

 

[Familyman0803]

Hatchery

 

[junebuggena]

Been researching for about 3 years. Books, internet and local farmers...Just bout 5 acres and am excited too start our homestead. I am getting them from a True Value store in upstate New York. How can you tell if they are NPIP registered? I know they don't personally hatch them but would they buy from hatcheris not certified?

You can always ask which hatchery they order their chicks from. The vast majority of hatcheries are NPIP certified, as it is needed to legally ship birds across state lines.

 

[Familyman0803]

Thank you!

 

[Familyman0803]

Other than nutri drench what else should I have in a hen first aid kit?