Newb question about losing a few chicks

[terricksa]

Well, after a while of waiting we finally got our 6 gold sex links home and tragedy has struck and we lost 2 after the first 24 hours at home. Everything has been going good and they were eating and under the heat lamp but now 2 have left us. I am just trying to see if it is something that I have done?
They were eating fine before but now it seems like they keep pecking at the box they are in, instead of eating out of the feeder. IS there something else I should be doing to help.

 

[Carenm]

We started with 6 of the same breed and also lost 2 the first day.

 

[terricksa]

Is it possible that we may be holding them too much in the first week or so?

 

[LadyinRed]

Quote:
If they aren't eating out of the feeder and you think that is the issue you can sprinkle food on the floor.

Also.. Do they have enough room to get away from the heat lamp if they get too hot? If not make sure they are not being over heated and make sure they have water at all times but cannot put their beaks in it deep enough to drown their poor little chicken-brained selves.

Thats all I can think of..
Good Luck!!!!

 

[Qi Chicken]

Check their bottoms to make sure there is not poop stuck to the vent. Good luck to you. We have new chicks too and it is a little bit stressful. If you have papertowels on the floor they LOVE to peck at the food.