Please help! Chicks dying!

[jenvander]

My apologies for the double post, and apparently one cannot delete one's posts, so I am editing the second one.

Again, sending positive energy your way for the good health of your remaining flock

 

[junebuggena]

The temp 'guidelines' are just that, guidelines. It's a rough estimate that depends are a few factors, like ambient room temp and the rate of development of the chicks. The way I brood chicks, I have them off heat completely and living outside in 30 to 40 degree weather by only 4 weeks old. Chicks can tolerate temps that are a bit too cool much better than they can with temps that are too warm.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed, and that "rough guideline" is way too high on the temp IMO.

 

[blackdog043]

We have them in a 50 gallon rubber bin and the heat lamp is set up overhead. They don't seem to be getting too hot because they aren't all huddled away from the light.

Have you raised the light or moved it to one side yet, to create a warm and cool zone? ? How are they doing?

 

[casportpony]

I am having a very difficult time figuring out what is happening to my poor baby chicks. We have lost 4 so far, all different breeds, but from the same store. We were told that the store did not give antibiotics to the chicks before they gave them to us. The chicks follow a pattern every time they pass. It starts with them sitting with their head and wings lowered and they have no recognition of the other chicks around them, even when they step on or peck them, next they start acting like they are yawning, they then stop eating and drinking, they start acting like they are gasping for air almost, then either have a seizure, or just pass away over night. It is heartbreaking to watch this continue to happen and I do not want it to continue if at all possible. I have started putting Apple Cider Vinegar in their water and a drop of Oregano Essential Oil. I am just at a loss as to what may be going on. If it is a contagious disease then I want to treat my other chicks before they die as well. If anyone has any ideas on what this may be, please help!

Can you post a video of your chicks in their brooder?

 

[sassysarah]

Do you give them grit when they are eating?

 

[kelsieann124]

All died except two, and they are doing fantastic! I have no idea what happened!!!

 

[sassysarah]

I am sorry to hear about youre loss!

Happy to hear youre other two are doing good!

 

[kelsieann124]

Thank you!!! I really think it was some sort of illness, but the Apple cider vinegar is amazing. It definitely saved one of my chicks. I am a believer!!!