Over the hump?

[JML72]

Hi all. I have a question about chicks and their growth. Is there a point where you can sigh and say "ok - I think we're past the critical period and they'll most likely make it?" For example, the breed of dog I raise has a common wisdom that if the puppies make it past 10 days, you're most likely going to be successful in keeping them alive (unless something unexpected/catastrophic happens, etc). Is there a point similar to this with chicks?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Honestly, after the first night. By day two, I normally see them scurrying around, drinking, eating, etc. The losses we've experienced over the last 5 years has been maybe 3 or 4 chicks out of maybe 300, so that is but 1%. I hope that gives you some confidence. I've only ordered from two hatcheries, Townline and Meyers and in both cases, they have certainly provided healthy, hearty chicks.

We've hatched a few hundred chicks over the last few years as well. If they make it out of their shells and are active when we put them in the brooder, again, the losses have been extremely minimal.

 

[JML72]

That's good to know. Thanks for the reply. I ordered 6 from My Pet Chicken (shipped from Meyer) and they all arrived last Tuesday active and eating/drinking early afternoon the day after hatching. They're growing, eating, drinking, and developing, but I read (too much) about "oh - my 2 week old chick dropped dead with no notice and I did everything right!" kind of thing. Just wondered what is considered traditional wisdom with chickens.

But thanks again - I'll start to relax a little!

 

[Ridgerunner]

I pretty much agree with Fred. With a broody, if the chick lives long enough for her to bring it off the nest (which can be less than a day), it has a real good chance.

With shipped chicks, that somewhat depends on how they made it through shipping. I've never lost any shipped chicks (mine were from Cackle and Meyer) but I have had some get pasty butt. If those were not treated, they could have died. If shipping was rough, they may be stressed so they may be at risk for a day or two. But if the shipping was normal, they should be OK once you get them.

With chicks I've hatched in the incubator, it is extremely rare to lose any. I'm also probably around the 1% range, and that is mostly chicks that I've helped hatch.