New babies :o)

[HandsOffMyHens]

The hatchery has actually been very kind and they are sending replacements but wont have them until April. That sounds exactly like what the first three that died did. They were huddled and sleepy and towards the end would just fall over. The last chick that died seemed fine. She was running around eating and drinking yesterday and we found her dead this morning. So I am really wondering what to do for the last three. I expect it is contagious and they will all have it then since they share food and water. I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that these last three will just die the same way. They were all laying down sleeping in the middle of the day which doesnt seem normal at all. They get up and run around when you open the door though and dont look huddled or lethargic. I don't know whether they will live or not but the odds are not good

 

[HandsOffMyHens]

I didnt notice bloody stool, just the worms.

 

[HRoseC95]

I am so sorry for your loss ! I hope the last three babies make it!

 

[Debstar1204]

I need some help please- I currently have 21 baby chicks oldest a week old. They are locked up inside a pen ( wooden house) every night and I open door to a run every morning so mum can take them out and scratch etc. the last 2 mornings I have found 1 chick with its insides coming out!! Like something has had a go at it I'm stumped as to how this can happen when they are locked up. Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to loose anymore, what could it be, rats????
I saw 2 tiny holes under the edge of the coop, which I have now blocked off. It wouldn't be mum or other chicks doing this would it??

Thank you

 

[DustyDawgy]

I need some help please- I currently have 21 baby chicks oldest a week old. They are locked up inside a pen ( wooden house) every night and I open door to a run every morning so mum can take them out and scratch etc. the last 2 mornings I have found 1 chick with its insides coming out!! Like something has had a go at it I'm stumped as to how this can happen when they are locked up. Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to loose anymore, what could it be, rats????
I saw 2 tiny holes under the edge of the coop, which I have now blocked off. It wouldn't be mum or other chicks doing this would it??

Thank you

I personally think that it could have been rats, and If I were you, I might put cayenne pepper around the coop to discourage intruders.

 

[Debstar1204]

Aww haven't heard of using cyan pepper- thank you

 

[DustyDawgy]

Aww haven't heard of using cyan pepper- thank you

Cayenne pepper stings, and it is very spicy. Rats have a great sense of smell. Also, peppermint oil deters mice, so it might work on rats. What if it is a stoat or weasel? Maybe do more research.

 

[av8torcrj]

You might consider the possibility of cannabalism in the group. I had a set of black sexlinks that developed a pecking habit and ultimately eviscerated one of their brooder mates..... Very gross and disappointing. Seems unlikely since yours are with a mother hen and probably not subjected to the typical stressors that potentiate pecking but something to think about none the less.

 

[DustyDawgy]

You might consider the possibility of cannabalism in the group. I had a set of black sexlinks that developed a pecking habit and ultimately eviscerated one of their brooder mates..... Very gross and disappointing. Seems unlikely since yours are with a mother hen and probably not subjected to the typical stressors that potentiate pecking but something to think about none the less.

This user may be correct. What if it was the mom? Very small possibility, but still...