losing chicks

[kipepeo]

This is my 3rd year getting chicks and this is the first year that I am lsing some 4 so far and 2 more don't look good. I have no idea what is going on doing the same thing I have done before they are in a rubbermaid container brooder with heatlamp on top. Dipped everyones beaks in water yesterday and gave them grow gel and then food this morning. They get listless I dipped beaks in h2o again but they won't swallow

 

[ranchhand]

Hard to say, but the first thing I'd be checking would be the temperature at chick level.

 

[felidaet]

I am thinking the same thing. Check the temperature in the brooder near the chicks. It might be too hot. Do you have the brooder setup in a way that the chicks can get out from under the heat? I like to use a large brooder with various temperature zones. The chicks will go where they are comfortable.

 

[allpeepedout]

Sorry about your losses. I see a great many people using the plastic tubs successfully but I have to wonder about ventilation with just an open top. Unless you're changing bedding daily, could ammonia build up at the level of the chicks? I read that it is heavier than air, and can kill. Good luck.

 

[drdoolittle]

I was also thinking the temp. is too high. When I used a rubbermaid container for my ducklings, I only had a 75-100 watt regular bulb in the reflector lamp.

 

[Judy]

Agree with all the above. In combination with shipping stress, I suspect too much heat and too little fresh air are what takes out most new chicks.

Here's a good writeup:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=39604