Random chick deaths?

[WhiteWyan]

State dept of agriculture or a state veterinary school might be a good place to start looking. You could try opening one up yourself and taking a look-see too.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

puffed up and not moving around at all

I feed them layer pellets.

I agree with @KikisGirls on both counts. It won't hurt to start them on Corid - could be Coccidiosis since they are puffed up and lethargic.

The feed is concerning. Layer pellets are formulated for actively laying hens, so if they are only 2.5months old, the feed could be a problem - too much calcium at an early age can be damaging to the kidneys. Most layer feeds are also lacking in enough protein for growing birds.

Either switch to chick starter for them or provide an all flock/flock raiser feed for your entire flock. A Flock Raiser formula can be fed year round to birds of all ages, it makes it easy. I use it for chicks and adults, no having to switch feeds and it has 20%protein. Just provide extra calcium for you layers via oyster shell free choice.

 

[Jharmsma]

I agree with @KikisGirls on both counts. It won't hurt to start them on Corid - could be Coccidiosis since they are puffed up and lethargic.

The feed is concerning. Layer pellets are formulated for actively laying hens, so if they are only 2.5months old, the feed could be a problem - too much calcium at an early age can be damaging to the kidneys. Most layer feeds are also lacking in enough protein for growing birds.

Either switch to chick starter for them or provide an all flock/flock raiser feed for your entire flock. A Flock Raiser formula can be fed year round to birds of all ages, it makes it easy. I use it for chicks and adults, no having to switch feeds and it has 20%protein. Just provide extra calcium for you layers via oyster shell free choice.

The thing with that is I live in a very small town. Our local food store only sells layer pellets. The chicks have been on chick starter for two months, like i said I live in a small town we have to go outta town to get chick starter and I pretty sure they don't send year round. Also I'm not sure where to get corid locally, not really into ordering stuff online

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The thing with that is I live in a very small town. Our local food store only sells layer pellets. The chicks have been on chick starter for two months, like i said I live in a small town we have to go outta town to get chick starter and I pretty sure they don't send year round. Also I'm not sure where to get corid locally, not really into ordering stuff online

Can you ask your local feed store if they can order any other type of poultry feed for you?
I know it stinks not to have what you need available locally, but correcting the feed will be helpful.
Corid can be ordered online and is found at most feed store chains like Tractor Supply as well.

In the meantime, you can up the protein intake by offering egg, tuna or meat. Organ meats (beef liver/heart) and leafy green vegetables can provide some of the vitamins they are lacking (don't overdo - just a small amount). This may help with protein, but won't fix the excess calcium in the diet.

I don't know of anything that can replace the Corid (Amprolium) off hand. If you have a vet there locally check with them for Corid or they may be able to prescribe a sulfa drug.

We aren't vets or experts, we can only take a good guess by the information you have given us. Putting your location in your profile can be helpful. You also asked about necropsy - if you are in the US, each state has a diagnostic lab where you can send birds for testing/necropsy.
https://agr.wa.gov/FoodAnimal/AnimalHealth/statevets.aspx
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/nahln/downloads/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf