We got our rir mail ordered chicks yesterday morning. We received 17 and 6 have died already. Temp under lamp is 92-95. They know where the water and food are. What are we doing wrong?
Do they have room in the brooder to get away from the heat if they want to? Check for blocked vents/pasty butt?
Hi Welcome To BYC Can you post some photos of your brooder set-up? Have you seen them drinking water and eating food? As @Owen asked, how much room do they have - can they get away from the heat source to cool off and is your food/water in the cool end of the brooder? Watch to see if they are drinking - chicks can become dehydrated and die quickly. You can add some poultry vitamins or electrolytes to their water for a few days- they may be suffering from shipping stress. Once you are satisfied they are drinking, offer them some wet chick starter - just put some chick starter in a bowl, add water and stir to the consistency of oatmeal. Chicks love wet feed. Look at their vents to make sure they are clear and free of any pasted poop. Keep us posted.
