Seriously !!!!!!!!

[wyo-helpmeet]

I just wanted to send you hugs. I'm a new chickie momma (1 week & 2 weeks), and I fear everyday I will wake up to a baby passed.

 

[xBRIANx]

Yes, we are using a red bulb. The bedding is wood pellets, which Jennifer said are commonly used by BYC readers. Is there any problem using these with baby chicks?

 

[Eureka Jennifer]

jojo@rolling acres farm :

Yes, I agree...just move it upwards a little and see if that changes the amount of time they spend under it "sunning" - it sounds like normal chick behavior for the most part. How old are they now? Are you using a red bulb?

They are 8 days old and I do use a red bulb for them. I guess it is just a waiting game... The waiting game here just sucks.​

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I've never used them...I always use paper towels and pine shavings - so I'm not sure. I sure hope they turn around for you soon. Best of luck to you with the rest of your babies...keep us posted.

 

[Eureka Jennifer]

Quote:
Thank you, your hugs are welcome. I hope you never have to experience loosing a chickie...

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

I am so sorry you're having problems with your babies! I know how you feel tho at least the part about loss. I lost one two days after they came in the mail, two days later I lost another! it really is difficult when you do everything that is needed for them to be healthy and you still have trouble!
The pasty butts I have been thru and I think many of us have, it's kinda pesky but not serious.
I think now, you and your little ones deserve some good times, don't give up cuz they will come to you!!! We'er all here to keep you going!

 

[JennsPeeps]

Jennifer,

I'm sending you hugs, too. What a lousy time you've had. I'm sorry to read of your troubles.

It does sound, as others have said, that it's a bit too warm for them. Lowering the temp (by raising the lamp) will help the pasty butts, too.

Good luck with them.

 

[SpringChickens]

Normal chick behavior will include running all over the brooder. They may sleep piled up (a little), but they will be fairly spread out while awake. When they start avoiding the heat lamp areas, it's a good sign that it's too hot for them.

If you see them huddling up while awake, or REALLY piled deep while asleep, its a good sign that it's too cold.

Hope they start doing better for you.

It can be stressful to be a new chick owner!!

 

[xBRIANx]

Wow it was

hot in there!!!

After so many of you mentioned the heat issue, we dug out the kitchen thermometer to double check. It was 98 degrees...the thermometer we were using was 10 degrees off! We adjusted the light and the birds seemed more comfortable right away.

Thanks for the help, I'm very hopeful that was the source of our problem.

 

[ChooksChick]

I had a similar problem and started using at least 2 thermometers for each successive brooder.


If they sleep standing up, they're too cold. If they sleep flopped all over like rag dolls, they're really comfy. If they avoid being under the light or pant, they're too hot. Make sure the lamp is at one end of the brooder to give them plenty of room to escape the heat if they'd like. Look for panting, too- though that's not always present when too hot.

I'm sorry about your losses. It's awful when the little ones are beyond help- it put me in tears for hours!

I hope all of your babies make it now and that it becomes great fun and good times!