Alright experienced chickeners. Went out to check on the chicks before bed and found another dead chick under the sweeter heater. Laying flat out, chicks laying all over the top of it. How many dead chicks is normal per batch? Let's say I ordered 50 chicks (20 meat birds). What mortality rate should I expect? All three that have died have been some of the smallest in the batch. Is it normal for them to be eating, drinking, running and then just suddenly die?
CX's must be raised differently than "normal" chicks.
We all have different methods that work for us. Many think of CX's as a lessor bird. I happen to love them, but I learned with my first batch they cannot be raised with DP or layers until they are several weeks old.
I have found if there is anything for a bird to crawl under where they can get stuck and die they will. I put nothing in the pen with them when they are young anymore other than water and feeders. They even try to crawl under them sometimes.
Did you dunk each chicks beak in water and watch it drink?
Chicks are stupid..
I suggest you go to this thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/896158/first-run-of-cornish-cross-meat-birds-and-super-excited/2260#post_1500294 It is a bunch of us that really like our Cxs and raise them longer and slower than most people.
You have to limit feed to the CX's when young and even older or they will eat themselves to death. They have lots of genetic problems to contend with most can be prevented by simply limiting feed.
My first batch of Cx's I raised like normal birds and lost nearly half by 6 weeks due to leg problems heart problems, ascites and diabetes. I now only feed them twice a for 15-20 minutes at a time.
They need all the water they can get. IF they have free access to feed, they will sit at the feed and eat until the die, not even moving to poop. Limiting the feed solves this.
I also raise them on sand now so they get grit right away. It seems to help. I sprinkle a light amount of oats or scratch on the sand so them have something to peck at.
I also feed a much lower protein level after the first week to slow the growth. It is cheaper in the long run and I get better birds.
I have 4-6 pound birds (dressed) at around 7 weeks, I raised most my last batch for 13 weeks and had dressed birds from 8-12 pounds. Bert will be 9 months old on March 30th. He is as best as I can guess pushing 20-25 pounds.
I also get the CX's onto grass and free range as soon as I can, in a tractor.
Do not let them roost over 6-8 inches high they will break legs.
I plan to get CX's in April so I can have birds in mid June to eat and sell.
Some birds simply fail to thrive and die. (both meat and layers) Are you having a pasty butt problem?
It is hard to say based on what you said but you need to get the CX's out and away from the others!
Hope this helps, sorry it got so long but I am very passionate about my CX's, they are my favorite bird
