Necks breaking!!

[Misterpigeon124]

So then continue to use it and see what happens.

Sorry.

Thank you. I think it may be my other chick causing the issues but I don't think they're strong enough to break necks? I know silkies have generally weaker necks than other chickens but I didn't think it'd be this big of an issue

 

[Eggcessive]

I would get an inexpensive thermometer, such as the ones used in incubators and place it on the floor of the brooder in the warmest spot. Have a cooler area to get to if overheated. I would only have the temp at 80 with 2 week olds. Check the temps and lamp at bedtime and adjust as necessary. You may want to check out some of these for heat sources:
https://www.premier1supplies.com/p/...WEIe3y7u-Evim76cPCfZXiwFPxHYV54AaApgnEALw_wcB

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I think it may be my other chick causing the issues but I don't think they're strong enough to break necks? I know silkies have generally weaker necks than other chickens but I didn't think it'd be this big of an issue

Is the other chick with them the same age and breed?
What's the size difference.

If you can post some photos of your brooder set-up, it may be helpful.

 

[Misterpigeon124]

Is the other chick with them the same age and breed?
What's the size difference.

If you can post some photos of your brooder set-up, it may be helpful.

Yes they're the same breed and age but the white ones were slightly smaller. The picture is of the first two chicks I had. Second picture is of the brooder and the new chicks I got yesterday. I didnt get a picture of the second one that died.

 

[Misterpigeon124]

Is the other chick with them the same age and breed?
What's the size difference.

If you can post some photos of your brooder set-up, it may be helpful.

I can't tell if the second photo posted (Im on mobile) so ill repost it

 

[Wyorp Rock]

They are so cute!

Are those pine shavings or cedar shavings?
I don't believe another chick that small could break another's neck. I do agree with the other's, it sounds like your chick(s) have Wry Neck. You have received good information about how to treat it.

Do you have your coop and run ready for them? They will quickly outgrow your brooder and will enjoy being outside.

 

[Misterpigeon124]

They are so cute!

Are those pine shavings or cedar shavings?
I don't believe another chick that small could break another's neck. I do agree with the other's, it sounds like your chick(s) have Wry Neck. You have received good information about how to treat it.

Do you have your coop and run ready for them? They will quickly outgrow your brooder and will enjoy being outside.

It's pine. The coop is all set! I just didn't want to give them vitamins if they didn't need it, I heard it could be harmful. Off to buy the correct supplies now!

 

[Kiki]

I can't tell if the second photo posted (Im on mobile) so ill repost it

I am pretty sure it is impossible to only heat one side of this little container with a heat lamp.
Pick up a heating pad while you are out shopping today.

 

[rebrascora]

I agree with everyone else. Your brooder is not ideal. A box with solid sides will not have a cool side (a crate or cage is better with a heat lamp) but a heating pad or plate is a much better option. It looks like you have the food and water under the heat lamp, which is the wrong way around. The food and water particularly, should be in the coolest part of the brooder. Did you check the chick that was cheeping for pasty butt? If we are right about them overheating, pasty butt is much more likely due to dehydration. Once they get too weak, their necks will go limp.

Can you tell us what you are feeding them? Chick crumbs are normally small enough for chicks to eat without further processing. What is it that you are grinding up?

 

[Misterpigeon124]

I agree with everyone else. Your brooder is not ideal. A box with solid sides will not have a cool side (a crate or cage is better with a heat lamp) but a heating pad or plate is a much better option. It looks like you have the food and water under the heat lamp, which is the wrong way around. The food and water particularly, should be in the coolest part of the brooder. Did you check the chick that was cheeping for pasty butt? If we are right about them overheating, pasty butt is much more likely due to dehydration. Once they get too weak, their necks will go limp.

Can you tell us what you are feeding them? Chick crumbs are normally small enough for chicks to eat without further processing. What is it that you are grinding up?

I'd check them every day for pasty butt, and clean it. Only ever had it happen to one of my chicks so far. I'd moniter their reaction to see what heat was ideal for them, I got a new temperature gauge today and it reads 85. I use medicated chick crumble but it had a lot of larger pieces so I ground it a bit to be safe.