I checked a few minutes ago to find another one dead in the feed. I am going to give as much info as I can to make sure I dont loose anymore because I have lost 1 sumatra and 1 easter egger. Another sumatra isnt doing to good. S/he is not moving, but they are eating. Is it just a lazy chick. Oh, and all the chicks are on chick starter and are vaccinated with gro gel in there water. I only bought 5 sumatras wanting just one hen, but now I am down to 4 and maybe 3 by tomorrow, so they are really important. Thanks you guys for all the help, but am I do something wrong or are they just weak chicks? Any advice/ideas/stories? And is it normal for 3-5 chicks die in the first week out of 18 together?
A little bit more info. I keep checking every 5 minutes and the sumatra keeps drinking water like non-stop. Is it possible that 'she' couldnt find the water and once 'she' found it she got caught up on 'her' drinking. Oh, and they have been in my house since monday, so they are about 2-3 days old.
Sometimes, with some breeds, strains and conditions that is normal. Were these chicks shipped? Also, if the vigor just isn't there in the bloodlines that can be as well. 3-5 out of 18 is a pretty high number, but there are a lot of things at play here, so don't start blaming yourself just yet.
A few questions...
How hot are they & is there any possibility of a draft in their brooder area? Are they pooping, do they show any signs of pasty butt, etc etc
Okay, you mentioned the heat lamp earlier. What is the temperature under their light? It really doesn't need to be more than 90ish degrees for the first few days and they need plenty of room where they can escape from the heat. How much grow gel did you put in their water? Maybe offer the gel separately and offer just fresh water and make sure that it isn't too warm (they like it to be a little cool, not cold). Don't worry about their eating right now, just make sure they are drinking. Start with these and I am sure others will jump in.
Also, if they just arrived, they will sleep a lot the first few days. If they wake up when you touch them, then leave them alone.
Ok, so I dont have a thermometer, but I am using a 250 wat. Should I switch to my 20 wat? I think they like it better, but both of my chicks died while I was using it so is it because it is too cold. I have only had 2 chickens die is that an okay number for 18? They are in a rubbermaid container I am estimating to be maybe 1.5-2 x 3 ft. is that to small? They heat lamp is on one side. They are pooping, but I'm checking just to make sure. No draft. ANything else or any more responces.
Oh and BTW I know my typing looks like crap, but I am just trying to keep anything from happening because I really dont want anymore to die.