New chicks listless- one died overnight.

[Husker Chick]

I am new to chickens, and got my first chicks yesterday. They were chirpy and took to water quickly. The light/warmth seemed to suit them. I put electrolytes in their water. This morning, I found one had died and the others are sleeping or listless, and when I try to jostle them, they go right back to sleep. They aren't chirping and don't seem as energetic. I'm not sure if this is normal or a sign of trouble. What should I do?

 

[Eggcessive]

Place a thermometer on the floor of the brooder to see what your temperature is under the light. Make sure there is room to escape from the heat. Start some SaveAChick electrolytes in their water right away or use some Poultry Nutridrench 1 ml by mouth and dip their beaks into water, as often as possible all day long. Look for pasted up vents where they can't poop. Sometimes chicks get stressed in shipping or at the feed stores, and you can see symptoms of that up to a week or so. I hope your chicks start to get better, and sorry for your loss.

 

[Husker Chick]

Thanks for your quick reply. I actually had SaveaChick in the water, and so far, have seen no signs of vent issues. I made them a larger area to get away from the heat if needed. I'm hoping it's just shipping stress.

 

[Eggcessive]

I hope they get better. Here is some reading for you about shipping stress:
http://www.upc-online.org/transport/71408shippingbirds.html