Several baby chick deaths

[Eggs-ellent]

Hello,

I have successfully incubated and raised a few chicks in the past. When I was starting out a few years ago, I learned that some of the mistakes that resulted in chick deaths could have been avoided, had I researched more.

Well, I decided to grow my flock last week (since I was blessed with all roosters the first time around), but instead of incubating, this time I bought chicks from Tractor Supply. From the bantams that I purchased (10), so far I have lost 5. They all had pasty butt, which I cleaned up daily. But I just can't shake the feeling that I somehow could have avoided their deaths. It was difficult to steady the brooder temperature with the red heat lamp, but they never showed signs of being cold or hot. I thought that if they were too cold, they may have "cheeped" to signal their discomfort. Most died overnight but one died in my hands, and I just didn't have the strength to kill it myself. It makes me wonder if I should even own chickens if I can't do what needs to be done when necessary.

I feel guilty because these deaths may have been avoidable, and it seems that because so many died under my care, I am to blame. Did I buy too many at once? Should I have them under 24-hr surveillance for the first week after bringing them home? I didn't put them under a heater in my car, but I blasted the heat on the drive home-and they were quiet then too. I just can't figure what I am doing wrong to keep losing them.

Any advice would be appreciated. I love my chickens, and it makes me feel terrible that I have lost so many this time around.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Hello,

I have successfully incubated and raised a few chicks in the past. When I was starting out a few years ago, I learned that some of the mistakes that resulted in chick deaths could have been avoided, had I researched more.

Well, I decided to grow my flock last week (since I was blessed with all roosters the first time around), but instead of incubating, this time I bought chicks from Tractor Supply. From the bantams that I purchased (10), so far I have lost 5. They all had pasty butt, which I cleaned up daily. But I just can't shake the feeling that I somehow could have avoided their deaths. It was difficult to steady the brooder temperature with the red heat lamp, but they never showed signs of being cold or hot. I thought that if they were too cold, they may have "cheeped" to signal their discomfort. Most died overnight but one died in my

Usually they do, but if they’re huddled together in a heap under the lamp, then they’re too cold.

hands, and I just didn't have the strength to kill it myself. It makes me wonder if I should even own chickens if I can't do what needs to be done when necessary.

I feel guilty because these deaths may have been avoidable, and it seems that because so many died under my care, I am to blame.

Don’t beat yourself up about it. You did your best, and sometimes even then you can’t help them (for example, I had a RIR-we tube fed her, kept her inside, got her on meds, etc, but she still didn’t make it)
It’s really not your fault. I don’t mean to be rude, but TSC doesn’t always have the healthiest chicks.

Did I buy too many at once?

I don’t think so. It depends, though. How big was the brooder?

Should I have them under 24-hr surveillance for the first week after bringing them home?

I never have. I check on them in the morning, evening, and whenever I just want to watch them, but 24/7 seems too excessive. If you’re at work or something and worried, then you can set up a camera to watch them if you want.

I didn't put them under a heater in my car, but I blasted the heat on the drive home-and they were quiet then too. I just can't figure what I am doing wrong to keep losing them.

Sometimes it’s nothing that we do, but I’ll ask some questions anyway.
Did you dip their beaks in water when your brought them home?
Pictures of brooder and setup?
What are they being fed?
Did their poop look weird?
Does their water have electrolytes?

Any advice would be appreciated. I love my chickens, and it makes me feel terrible that I have lost so many this time around.

I know it’s hard, but please don’t beat yourself up about it. We all learn, sometimes the hard way. I’m so sorry for your losses.

 

[Eggs-ellent]

Usually they do, but if they’re huddled together in a heap under the lamp, then they’re too cold.

Don’t beat yourself up about it. You did your best, and sometimes even then you can’t help them (for example, I had a RIR-we tube fed her, kept her inside, got her on meds, etc, but she still didn’t make it)
It’s really not your fault. I don’t mean to be rude, but TSC doesn’t always have the healthiest chicks.

I don’t think so. It depends, though. How big was the brooder?

I never have. I check on them in the morning, evening, and whenever I just want to watch them, but 24/7 seems too excessive. If you’re at work or something and worried, then you can set up a camera to watch them if you want.

Sometimes it’s nothing that we do, but I’ll ask some questions anyway.
Did you dip their beaks in water when your brought them home?
Pictures of brooder and setup?
What are they being fed?
Did their poop look weird?
Does their water have electrolytes?

I know it’s hard, but please don’t beat yourself up about it. We all learn, sometimes the hard way. I’m so sorry for your losses.

 

[Eggs-ellent]

Hello Lemon drop,

I didn't dip their beaks in water immediately like I should have because I didnt know I was suppose to do that. I tried to compensate for this on day 3, after I had already lost a few, and I think it may have led to one aspirating -so I was scared to do it again. However, I did direct them to the water and observed they were all drinking soon after, and fresh water was always provided with electrolytes and nutri-drench (according to directions). I am feeding them medicated Purina starter crumbles. Poop looks normal but some bantams still have pasty butts.

I have posted a picture of brooder setup. I would put them in the bathtub, but they are still very small. I thank you for your help and support.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

I have always used broody hens to hatch eggs. I have purchased eggs from a breeder who was 1 hour away and I have picked up the eggs myself. I find broody hens are my best bet, I don't trust myself to be a chicken momma. I am just the chicken caretaker and head hen in charge, even when I have a rooster.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Hello Lemon drop,

I didn't dip their beaks in water immediately like I should have because I didnt know I was suppose to do that. I tried to compensate for this on day 3, after I had already lost a few, and I think it may have led to one aspirating -so I was scared to do it again. However, I did direct them to the water and observed they were all drinking soon after, and fresh water was always provided with electrolytes and nutri-drench (according to directions). I am feeding them medicated Purina starter crumbles. Poop looks normal but some bantams still have pasty butts.

I have posted a picture of brooder setup. I would put them in the bathtub, but they are still very small. I thank you for your help and support.

Your setup looks like a fine size to me. There’s a chance they’re too warm. Are they usually near the edges? I would consider moving the heat lamp up a little. Pasty butt can be caused by stress, too. I’m not sure what they’d be stressed about, though. I need to sleep, but keep on wiping off the pasty butt until it clears up. It’s pretty important, because they can’t poop if it’s clogged. This link may help you. https://the-chicken-chick.com/pasty-butt-in-chicks-causestreatmen/

 

[Eggs-ellent]

Hello Ursuline Chick,

That is a great suggestion. One of the reasons why I decided to add to my flock was because I only had roosters (no hens) from my one incubation attempt. So maybe this time around, I will get a few hens that can do this part for me. Although I must admit, I may miss the excitement of the hatch.

Thanks!

 

[Eggs-ellent]

Your setup looks like a fine size to me. There’s a chance they’re too warm. Are they usually near the edges? I would consider moving the heat lamp up a little. Pasty butt can be caused by stress, too. I’m not sure what they’d be stressed about, though. I need to sleep, but keep on wiping off the pasty butt until it clears up. It’s pretty important, because they can’t poop if it’s clogged. This link may help you. https://the-chicken-chick.com/pasty-butt-in-chicks-causestreatmen/

Thank you, I will adjust the heat lamp and keep an eye on the butts.

Have a good night.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Hello Ursuline Chick,

That is a great suggestion. One of the reasons why I decided to add to my flock was because I only had roosters (no hens) from my one incubation attempt. So maybe this time around, I will get a few hens that can do this part for me. Although I must admit, I may miss the excitement of the hatch.

Thanks!

Having broody hens can be exciting also. Or at least it has been for me.

 

[samdrussell]

Hi! I’m also a beginner, so I might not have enough info to help. I totally understand how you feel though. I lost one of mine this week and I’ve been wracking my brain to figure out what I could have done differently. Do you have any electrolites you could add to the water? They may be drinking now but if their electrolites are off they might benefit from some extra support. I recently had some with pasty butt in the last group I purchased. I have attached some info I found online. You might also want to consider probiotics.
Also, you shouldn’t be so hard on yourself. It is entirely possible that they were already sick and nothing you did could have changed the outcome.
Good luck!
Please keep us updated!