new chicks dying, don't know why

[heyjude1]

HELP!!!!!My chicks are dying by the hour!! they arrived on Wednesday and had been since Monday in shipping... three were not doing well and by yesterday morning, one had died/ last night two more. this morning, one that had looked fine was gone and just an hour ago, another one... I did go to Petsmart and tried the weak babies on Kaytee as was suggested on byc without luck. The temp is fine, I also double checked, everyone was eating and drinking. I am quite shocked at this development. I did feed hard boiled eggs the first day to get them to start eating, I am also changing the water every few hours and have added a small amount of sugar for energy. I am butt wiping and washing on a necessary basis..What on earth could the problem be? I am desperate for some insight. If it keeps on like this, I will be right back where I started...
I know that they can get stressed, but they had all seemed fine at 1630 hours and now? I am just at a loss, I guess in more ways than one...No pun intended...Please help if you have any ideas///
thank you
Jude

 

[Judy]

Sorry this is happening to you. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon. How are they doing now? How many arrived? Two days of shipping is rough on any chick, and sometimes there are a few that were simply not meant to grow and thrive under the best condition. Most hatcheries will replace early losses free, knowing this, or at least give you credit. Who did you buy them from? Have you called or emailed?

 

[lemongrass]

How are they doing now? Also, what breed? And to second ddawn, how many did you receive? You didn't mention if crowding was becoming an issue. Whether or not they are pecking at each other, over-crowding can still bring stress.

If they're eating and drinking they probably aren't cold so I'd agree, no matter what the thermometer says they should be fine. Are there any toxic fumes in your house? Air fresheners, new carpet, recently cleaned oven being used? Although that would probably kill more faster than a just a few every hour or so.

What are their symptoms? Do they huddle, shiver, squak loudly, hunch over, etc etc. Observe the ones acting strangely and post everything you see. Also, if they are getting lots of pasty butt, that can be a "symptom" of an underlying "condition" such as overcrowding.

Without more information its hard to give help without it being a shot in the dark. I'm hoping someone with more experience will chime in before too late.