Lost 2 baby chicks - HELP!

[MiddleC]

I bought 6 chicks on Saturday. 2 x 6 weeks olds and 4 x 3 week olds.

1 of the 3 week olds dies yesterday and another has gone downhill fast. We have them inside next to the fire (house is 20-22 degrees) and took the heat lamp off them as they didn't want to sit under it (I assume too hot??).

They were outside for a while during the day on Sunday, but had cover and I checked them regularly and they were all fine.

What am I doing wrong?? The breeder told me they had been outside, which I why I thought they would be OK outside for a while, but when I contacted her again, said they hadn't.

I wondered if the first one was hurt as it was holding its wing funny and couldn't stand, but the one that's sick now is the same. Was fine an hour ago, checked them again and it's down. Won't take water from the syringe, but I have it on a warm hot water bottle. It's breathing is laboured and I'm guessing it will go soon too.

I checked the vents of them both - first seemed fine, second did have poo there, but I don't think it was completely blocked. Help, what can I do??? I don't want to loose the others as well

 

[Angiebubs]

What does their poo look like? Is it normal? Solid? One of the most common reasons for losing chicks is Cocci-search on that and see if the symptoms fit. Good luck!

 

[MiddleC]

It looks fairly normal to me. I did google it the other day, but I'm not convinced it is that. But I couldn't find an incubation period. The first one got sick within 24 hours of first being outside. Does it hit that quickly?

I lost the second one tonight and am dreading checking the others in the morning :-(

 

[Angiebubs]

Cocci isn't related to being outside-that shouldnt have caused any problems. But yes, Cocci can hit pretty fast. Usual signs are bloody or sometimes foamy poo, lethargic, wobbly-almost drunk acting.

I feel for you, it is so hard with chicks/chickens and I so wish they could just talk to us and tell us what is going on!

 

[MiddleC]

Thought I'd report back - I lost 3 of the 3 weekers. The other and the 2 x 6 weekers are fine. The breeder finally told me after I lost 2 that she had had them outside with no heat AT ALL the night before I picked them up. And it was freezing that night. So no wonder the poor things died, they probably caught a chill. That's certainly what the local feed shop people think.

The advice the breeder gave me was also mostly wrong - I had them under a white light that was too strong, when she told me it was fine. Not sure if the (correct temp!) red light helped save the last, but they are all happier now anyway. She also told me adult food was OK. Grrrrr. She apparently has a reputation that isn't so good. Wish I'd known that before!

Never thought I'd say I should have googled rather than talking to someone. You'd think a breeder would give you the correct info. But not in this case and 3 chicks paid for it with their lives

 

[CollegeChicken]

Thats why its a good idea to do research on the proper way to care for your chicks BEFORE you go get them. Any book on chicken/chick care could have told you that the set up you had was completely wrong. When you google baby chick care this website is one of the first references you have..so yes I feel for you because I can tell youre cared about these birds I just dont know why you didnt do research before getting them

 

[MiddleC]

Thanks for the lecture. I DID do my research - I asked a heap of questions from the breeder, who as it turns out gave me dud advice as I have already said. My only fault was trusting someone who I thought was an expert. One would think any breeder would give you correct advice. Unfortunately not only was mine negligent in their care before I got them (in leaving them outside with no heat overnight as I said above), she also gave me incorrect advice on their care.

 

[Fancychooklady]

You know it's very easy to lose chicks if you don't do your homework. Regardless of what the ' breeder. ' told you , these chicks are now your responsibility .
Chicks that are 6 weeks old would be outside , at least mine are. This link should help you with future chicks.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/03/baby-chick-basics-what-you-need-to-know.html

 

[help4me]

Thanks for the lecture. I DID do my research - I asked a heap of questions from the breeder, who as it turns out gave me dud advice as I have already said. My only fault was trusting someone who I thought was an expert. One would think any breeder would give you correct advice. Unfortunately not only was mine negligent in their care before I got them (in leaving them outside with no heat overnight as I said above), she also gave me incorrect advice on their care.

I am so sorry for your lose, and for the way some of the feedback sounds.

Sometimes you can do everything right and still lose them.

It sounds like you asked all the right questions and that you did your research. You cannot be at fault for being lied too nor for trusting the breeder. Again, I am sorry.

 

[harry56]

check for pasting. no matter what and clean off the poop. next keep them warm the lamp may have been too close. and to close to the fire.