Lost everything not sure how or why

[Newchickenguy84]

That's the thing they didn't have all there feathers. It may look like it but they due not. The Turkeys were just getting the feathers in on the wings. Ducks didn't even see any yet. Chickens same had some not all.

 

[BlueBaby]

It sound's like over heating and not having enough ventilation. If the outside temp is hot and then you also have that heat lamp going, there is no place for them to be able to move away from all of the heat. I also think that that clear corrugated stuff you have on top let's in too much of the sun and that only add's to the heat.

 

[debid]

My brooder has the clear roof instead of a window. It's in deep shade and has a door always open after week one. I also buy my chicks in late winter to early spring when it is still cold out.

The size itself is simply a problem for using a lamp with changing conditions. I had to make frequent adjustments with the weather and that wouldn't be possible with your schedule.

I'd suggest switching your heat source to a contact heater (commercially produced heat plate or DIY), getting the chick run built, cutting the chick doorway, and putting up a shade cloth over the area before putting chicks in that brooder again. It's just not going to work the way it is.

 

[woodmort]

From your picture it would appear the brooder overheated from the plastic on the roof. This is a cautionary tale and one I've repeated often, chicks do not need as much heat as many, especially newcomers, realize. I agree with debid above, you need to alter your "brooder" so there is less heat, more ventilation, shade and get rid of that cover.

 

[red horse ranch]

I have had warmer days and they spread out along the door since it does not seal tight. I couldn't shut off the heat lamp due to working 2nd shift and getting cold by the time I get home didn't have have a timer. What I don't get is that the corner they all died in is the corner they run to if something (me) was opening the coop. When you can look down (clear roof) they liked to hang out by the door to get the cross breeze. So the roof is made of Corrugated roofing (clear polly) Then on the front of the coop is 5 2" holes along the hole top front. There is an Air gap always all the way around the door and one of the side panels is popping out. The brooder was 36x36. I was getting ready to move out the Turkeys and chickens out tomorrow to their own area. This is how I found them. Only removed the water and food. There is also a board I put on the left hand side of the roof I removed just to add some shade in there.View attachment 1768937

I think we have determined the reason all the little ones died. It just got too hot for them. We have those same clear panels on our greenhouse and when the sun is shining it gets hot enough inside to cook the plants. And that easily happens on 80+ degree days. We have to keep the doors and windows open.

This was a hard lesson to learn and I am heartbroken for your loss @Newchickenguy84 .
It's obvious that you tried hard to make a nice brooder for them. And it looks really nice. We learn from our mistakes but unfortunately sometimes our poultry suffers in the process. You tried and that's all any of us can do.

 

[Newchickenguy84]

I just got off the phone with the Hatchery and all in agreement. However he was supervised that the ducks didn't even go for the water. Luckily I was working with a good agent was able to ship me out 1/2 of what I ordered for no cost. I am grateful for them and unforgettably I had to learn a lesson the hard way and they had to pay the price.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the others and think they over heated. Often times when the chicks are over heated they will all head for the coolest place so that is probably why you found them piled up together. It is better for no heat than too much heat. The box you have definitely needs more ventilation. I have a chick/grow-out coop. I leave the windows and vents open but have a heat lamp in a place they where the ones who want more heat can get under it. I have went out and peaked in a window late at night to see how they are and most are not under the heat lamp.

 

[tpatricco]

First, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm a newbie and the learning curve has been steep for me too - I also had a brooder that ended up too hot - I lost three on three separate days while I was trying to make adjustments to figure out what was going wrong.

I've got mine in a large dog crate with just a Brinsea warmer in one corner and they all seem to be doing much better - and my stress and worry have gone away too. That was a rough first week for us all. I'll soon need a larger habitat for them - but will think about that more over the weekend.

I'm glad to hear you're getting some more - good luck!! Sad as it is I hope it helps a little to know you're not alone in these mistakes.

 

[cmom]

I think a lot of people who have raised chicks have had a similar issue. I had a brooder and lost a lot of chicks to getting cooked from the brooder being to hot. That also taught me a huge lesson. Some of the chicks survived. I was heart broken. Good luck and have fun with your new brood...