Lost a 2 month old

[MerryChicklets]

My 8 chicks have been doing so well! Integrated well with the 6 old girls, starting to free-range but staying close to the coop. Then this morning I found one of the Wyanndottes dead. Some feathers missing from the side but no skin breakage or onvious trauma.
They’re all on the same scratch and layer crumbles now. The chick specific food ran out this week.
it’s been mid-90’s but plenty of water, plenty of shade and shelter.
Any ideas or just these things happen?

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

My 8 chicks have been doing so well! Integrated well with the 6 old girls, starting to free-range but staying close to the coop. Then this morning I found one of the Wyanndottes dead. Some feathers missing from the side but no skin breakage or onvious trauma.
They’re all on the same scratch and layer crumbles now. The chick specific food ran out this week.
it’s been mid-90’s but plenty of water, plenty of shade and shelter.
Any ideas or just these things happen?
☹

She could have had a stroke we lot two chickens to a stroke we think!

 

[MerryChicklets]

Thanks. I’ve read heart attacks too! Just hate losing these I’ve raised from days old.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They really shouldn't be on layer yet, far too young for the extra calcium. But that wouldn't have led to an early death.

 

[MerryChicklets]

They really shouldn't be on layer yet, far too young for the extra calcium. But that wouldn't have led to an early death.

So starter feed still? For how long? And Thanks!

 

[rosemarythyme]

So starter feed still? For how long? And Thanks!

2 schools of thought - 1st is to feed starter or grower or all flock until they've all begun laying, then you can switch to layer if you wish. 2nd is to go with what the feed instructions say, with most layer feeds suggesting switching at 16 to 18 weeks in preparation for laying. So I'd say you're pretty safe picking one or the other.

 

[MerryChicklets]

Thank you. I’m getting more starter today. The older girls loved it too so...sounds like a plan!