Not sure what I’m doing wrong

[Ronibayb]

I have 3 to 4 week old chicks. I have between 10 and 15 in a brooder with clean shavings, clean food and water, healthy, looking stools, all of them seem to be eating and drinking. I did have a few with poopy bottoms and was able to clean those off with warm water. Temperature is around 80° in the brooder. For some reason I’m having one die almost every day. Not sure if there’s something I’m doing wrong or any advice that’s out there.

 

[Goosey Girl]

Poopy butt? They'll grow out of it. If they are running around, eating, drinking, peep peeping all the time, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just don't let it build upon their bums or they could become stopped up...that would be bad!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Is the 80 degrees in the entire brooder or only under the heat?
What feed are you feeding?

 

[Ronibayb]

Poopy butt? They'll grow out of it. If they are running around, eating, drinking, peep peeping all the time, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just don't let it build upon their bums or they could become stopped up...that would be bad!

Thank you for the reply.

 

[Ronibayb]

Is the 80 degrees in the entire brooder or only under the heat?
What feed are you feeding?

We are feeding a medicated chick feed from a local shop. The thermometer is on the top edge of our brooder in the middle. I’m not sure whether it’s 80 in the entire brooder or not.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

We are feeding a medicated chick feed from a local shop. The thermometer is on the top edge of our brooder in the middle. I’m not sure whether it’s 80 in the entire brooder or not.

Chicks need to be able to cool down or they overheat. If your entire brooder is 80 then that is too hot. They only need an area big enough to fit them with heat to go when they feel chilled, but the rest of the brooder should be ambient temperature.

 

[Ronibayb]

I just moved my heat lamp to see if that helps. Thank you!