received chick shipment 5/21 - 1 dead another fading fast

[luvmichicks]

I received my shipment of buff orrpingtons on 5/21. One chick came out of the box not looking well and died 24 hrs later. This morning another chick is not looking well, had dried feces on her bottom. I washed those off and she pooped but still not looking well, I don't think she'll make it. I have them on paper towels at this point and have changed daily. Ample chick starter and water available, the other 13 (out of 15) seem to be doing well. Should I be adding anything to the water? Should I be worried at this point about the rest? Thanks!

 

[kargo]

Do you have a heat lamp on them? Also, I'm not positive, but I think using shavings is much better than paper towels.

 

[luvmichicks]

I do have a heat lamp on them. I have read various things about shavings - chicks eat them, not healthy for them, newsprint too slippery/dirty, thought this was a good alternative for the first few days? Open to suggestions??

 

[kargo]

I have read that as well. Perhaps you could get a small package of them and put some inf ont of the little guys to se if thy eat them? Some chicks don't. Mine peck at them and pick them up, but I have never seen one actually eat a shaving.

 

[cmom]

I have always used pine shavings and have never had any problems with my chicks. I have also seen the chicks peck at the shaving but have never actually seen them eat the shavings either.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

What I use for my babies is the puppy piddle pads, they work great!

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Forgot to tell ya I'm sorry you lost your chickie, hope the other one will be ok!