PLEASE help - my little meat bird chicks are dying

[vtgirls]

I ordered 30 Cornish X from Murray McMurray. One chick died within the first 24 hours, pretty much as expected. Now, after 6 days, I am suddenly losing them - two this morning and one on its way now. They are definately warm enough (but not to warm), eating Poulin Broiler Grower Crumbles, and have plenty of fresh clean water with a smidge of apple cider vinegar. Just all of a sudden, they seem to flop down (not leg trouble) and not get back up, then die within a few hours. Once sick, I cant get them to eat or drink, even with assistance. They peep while sick at first, then fall asleep and no waking up. I am expecting an order of layers (from My Pet Chicken) next week - originally I had planned to put the little "exotic" in with the rest of the layers when they arrive. Now I am paranoid that these little meaty ones have some disease! How can I help these ones survive? Does this sound like a disease or bad genetics? ADVICE - PLEASE!!!

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

They're not pasting up in back are they?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

they don't have a disease. It's heart failure.
Come join us on the meat bird thread, in the mean time pull the broiler crumbles, give them standard flock raiser 12 hours a day only. Nothing at night. Keep the water full at all times and add some vitamins too it.

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Heart failure is a problem with meat birds, however, two years ago, two friends and I placed an order with McMurray. More than half of the birds we bought died. Some right away, some over a few days up to 6 weeks. The birds of the same age, same care, that we hatched were fine. McMurray was good and replaced the lost birds, but it was strange.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

I agree, you can get bad batches it definately does happen. But also one should be aware of the different care requirements of meat birds and try to meet them.

 

[KlaHaYa Gardens]

Quote:
Agreed.

(I dun't care for meat birds. *blech* I love birds, but I'm allergic to them and a vegan, lol. I was given a dozen meat birds once, it was horrible for me having my teenager kill and dress them. I couldn't help due to my allergies. My kids love meat.)

 

[vtgirls]

Heart failure is a problem with meat birds, however, two years ago, two friends and I placed an order with McMurray. More than half of the birds we bought died. Some right away, some over a few days up to 6 weeks. The birds of the same age, same care, that we hatched were fine. McMurray was good and replaced the lost birds, but it was strange.

Oh dear - I am sorry and so hoping this does not happen with this bunch. They are not pasting up - I have raised chickens and turkeys from egg stage, have never had trouble. This is the first time with "meat" birds, and first time with sickness...

Should I keep the little "exotic freebie" in with the meaties and not put hime with the baby layers next week when they come? (also the first time I have bought laying hens by mail - now, so nervous)...​

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

the exotic freebie should go in with the laying types.

 

[Butterflychicks]

It does sound as though it's nothing wrong, just normal to have a few die.. especially when you are new to raising chickens. The more you do it, the more you learn, the better you get at it.

I am not sure what your "exotic" is and why you would or would not put it with your layers?

I would suggest you read lots, try different things and hatcheries if need be... and make sure they have plenty of water that they can get to... that they are not over heating... and that you love them

As for feed, play with that too... medicated, non medicated... constant feed, 12 hours of feed... do what feels right for your chicks... I used to feed mine 12 hours and then take it away... now I just make sure they always have food... they eat when they are hungry... they don't over eat... I process at 6 weeks... they have a great reputation... but it takes time effort and a few losses... don't worry, just be careful!