Lost a silkie today :(

[wildcat chix]

We got woke up this morning with, "Mom, one of the silkies died"

One of the TSC chicks wasn't acting quite right yesterday, and it was gone today. Looks like the other 3 are doing ok. This is the 2nd chick overall we've lost out of 14, so I think we may be just about out of the woods.

My question is, could we be doing something better? They have heat, light, plenty of food, clean water...the brooders get cleaned twice a day and the chicks are not handled by anyone other than my wife or me. We're feeding chick starter and a bit of dry oatmeal but we haven't given anything else.

I know 2 out of 14 is probably pretty good, but it's just so frustrating to lose even one!! I'm looking forward to watching these bantys develop, especially the silkies. Watching the 2 die that we have lost has us not wanting to get attached to any of the others because we just don't know if they're going to be there in the morning.

Gina and Clint

 

[catchthewind]

I'm sorry you've lost some. I can imagine that would be tough, especially not knowing why. I'm new too so probably not much help. But just wondering if you're also feeding them grit since you're giving them oatmeal?

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

My sympathies to you. I too have lost 2 chicks this week. Different reasons, that I can't go into or else I'll wake up with puffy eyes again tomorrow.

I tell you, God has one awesome flock up there, that's for sure. I know he's gotten several good ones from me.

Just have on hand all the possible supplies you could need- multi vitamins, eyedropper, liquid B complex, vaseline, q tips, and watch for any hints of illness. Its also helpful to put a thermometer in the brooder, so that you know what your temps are.

Anybody that looks sick, or lethargic, separate from the rest. Check for pasty butts daily. Be extremely careful administering liquids, and hope for the best. I understand not wanting to get attached, just fake it for right now. I'm sure there's a "hump" up ahead, over which, we'll both feel more confident and secure with our babies.

 

[earnhardtlvr]

sorry for ur loss

i lost 1 of 5 so far myself

 

[NYRIR]

I also purchased some banties from TSC twice this year.I had some pretty lethargic little Golden Sebrights but I added the vitamin/electrolyte powder to their water,cleaned pasty butt twice a day,and now they are 2 weeks old and look good.I thought I would lose some but after I added the electrolyte/vitamin mix,they perked up in a day or so.
Sorry for your loss,I know it stinks! I just lost one the local TSC gave me because it had a busted leg and foot.I splinted it but it was just too late I think

ETA: I also kept it at 100 degrees for a couple of days to make sure they weren't expending any energy on trying to stay warm.They seemed to be comfortable then...hope it works out for you!

 

[Posh Chickens]

Quote:
Isn't grit normally in chick starter?

 

[NYRIR]

Quote:
Isn't grit normally in chick starter?

Not to my knowledge but they do sell chick grit.

 

[SeaHen]

I lost a Silkie chick last week under similar circumstances, so I understand your pain and reluctance to get attached. I'm afraid some losses go with the territory of raising birds, sad as it is. We do our best, and sometimes they just don't thrive. Big hugs to you.