Sudden chick death, no symptoms.

[foreverlearning]

I started this year with 6 hatched out chicks and no problems. I have a hot/cool industrial brooder that works great with lots of room for them to choose their temps. I didn't have a single loss from these at two weeks so I bought 6 molted java chicks from TSC. Everything was going fine in the brooder that night and the older chicks were mothering the younger ones. There was no pecking or fighting of any kind. The next day one of the Java died and I chalked it up to either failure to thrive or shipping stress (TSC just got them in that morning). They have had outside time and chick grit access since 3 day olds and my soil has not had cocci or any other illness in it for at least 30+ years. Four weeks down the road the hatched chicks were fully feathered and went outside for their grow out pen. They were quite lively and showed no problems. Two weeks after that the Java joined them and they were acting like they did before with each other. The next day (today) 2 Java (TSC) and one of my hatched ones all died with no symptoms of any kind. They used this same grow out pen for their outside time when they were in the brooder so if there was a problem you would think it would have showed before then. They are eating the same feed, have the same water supply, and still have access to grit. I checked on them and they were all scratching around or taking dust bathes then an hour later just dropped dead. All the organs look great, there is no leakage, no crop problems, and no pooping problems. I thought at first it might just be a problem with mine but then people I know all over the state I live in are having the same problem after getting chicks from TSC this year. Some of us are using medicated feed and some of us are not. We all got chicks from TSC on the same day and all of the chicks are dying on the same days. Does anyone have a clue what is going on here?

 

[Judy]

I believe I would be calling my county extension agent.

 

[Eggcessive]

I hope you find the reason for this and keep us informed.

 

[foreverlearning]

Thank you for looking. A few of us are bringing them to the state lab, if we find anything out I will let you know. This is the first time I have ever lost anything after they feather to something other then a predator. I just hope whatever this is can not be caught by our main flocks. Right now we all have our chicks isolated outside for the protection of out flocks.

 

[casportpony]

Thank you for looking. A few of us are bringing them to the state lab, if we find anything out I will let you know. This is the first time I have ever lost anything after they feather to something other then a predator. I just hope whatever this is can not be caught by our main flocks. Right now we all have our chicks isolated outside for the protection of out flocks.

Sorry for your losses. Hopefully the necropsies will find a cause of death.

-Kathy

 

[Eggcessive]

Thank you for looking. A few of us are bringing them to the state lab, if we find anything out I will let you know. This is the first time I have ever lost anything after they feather to something other then a predator. I just hope whatever this is can not be caught by our main flocks. Right now we all have our chicks isolated outside for the protection of out flocks.

How much do they charge for a necropsy in Ohio? I have been tempted to check into it, but haven't needed it yet? I'm looking forward to any answers the state vet has.

 

[casportpony]

How much do they charge for a necropsy in Ohio? I have been tempted to check into it, but haven't needed it yet? I'm looking forward to any answers the state vet has.

I found this link:
http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/addl/

"Consignments of multiple specimens must include animals/birds with similar clinical problems. Referring veterinarians should notify the Pathology Section and if necessary, consult with the pathologist, prior to the submission of a carcass or live animal. Upon submission of necropsy cases, the owner will be billed an initial deposit of $75.00 to cover the necropsy examinations. The maximum charge for one necropsy accession, excluding toxicologic testing, is $200.00, plus the accession fee. Ancillary testing beyond the gross examination is at the discretion of the pathologist. There is no charge for necropsies performed on animals/birds submitted as suspects or reactors for which there is a state or federal regulatory program. Cosmetic necropsies will not be performed and no portion of the carcass will be returned to the owner. "


-Kathy

 

[Eggcessive]

I found this link:
http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/addl/

"Consignments of multiple specimens must include animals/birds with similar clinical problems. Referring veterinarians should notify the Pathology Section and if necessary, consult with the pathologist, prior to the submission of a carcass or live animal. Upon submission of necropsy cases, the owner will be billed an initial deposit of $75.00 to cover the necropsy examinations. The maximum charge for one necropsy accession, excluding toxicologic testing, is $200.00, plus the accession fee. Ancillary testing beyond the gross examination is at the discretion of the pathologist. There is no charge for necropsies performed on animals/birds submitted as suspects or reactors for which there is a state or federal regulatory program. Cosmetic necropsies will not be performed and no portion of the carcass will be returned to the owner. "


-Kathy

Thanks Kathy. I had contact info, just haven't ever called to ask about it. Thanks for the link.

 

[foreverlearning]

Two of us each lost one Java yesterday. I don't know the circumstances on the other one, but mine was running to me for pets and just fell over mid run.