The same thing happens every time...

[Katy]

So am I understanding correctly that you've got almost 80 3 week old chicks in a refridgerator box? Isn't that getting farily crowded?

 

[NewChickieMommy]

No, it's not. And there aren't that many anymore. I could take pictures and post them. It's not crowded in the slightest. The box is approximately 7 feet long and 3 feet wide.

We lost nearly 10 the first weekend that we got them. Most of those within 24 hours of their arrival. Two or three more since then for whatever reason but all were within 3-4 days of their arrival.

Then they started these symptoms of lethargy and wobbling/off balance several days ago. None have died though.

 

[Shadowhills Farm]

I hope everything gets better!

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Given the fact that they were in good shape when they arrived, I recommend that you put your brooding techniques under the microscope. Any group that size is risky, but I would examine every detail of the hatchery, the shipping and my own brooding with the massive losses you have had.

You said: "My problem is we have lost every chick that we have bought in the last year and a half. It seems that if I buy them grown, they make it. If I try to raise chicks, they always catch something and die. I don't understand it. The first batch we had died due to Marek's. We have never figured out why we lost the rest but in retrospect, I think that the Marek's got into the untreated wood of the brooder and infected every flock that we've bought and tried to raise since then. These chicks were put into a brand new brooder and seemed to be doing really well (one or two smothered but other than that...fine) until now."


I think you really need to examine your chick brooding process.

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
Given the fact that they were in good shape when they arrived, I recommend that you put your brooding techniques under the microscope. Any group that size is risky, but I would examine every detail of the hatchery, the shipping and my own brooding with the massive losses you have had.

You said: "My problem is we have lost every chick that we have bought in the last year and a half. It seems that if I buy them grown, they make it. If I try to raise chicks, they always catch something and die. I don't understand it. The first batch we had died due to Marek's. We have never figured out why we lost the rest but in retrospect, I think that the Marek's got into the untreated wood of the brooder and infected every flock that we've bought and tried to raise since then. These chicks were put into a brand new brooder and seemed to be doing really well (one or two smothered but other than that...fine) until now."


I think you really need to examine your chick brooding process.

Well considering we lost nearly 10 in a 24 hr period...I don't know that I would say they arrived in good shape. I was shocked we had that kind of loss right after they got here. Most were in 4 hours of their arrival. The rest were over night and into the next day. I agree that the brooding process needs to be examined. But what could I possibly do differently?

 

[Katy]

If this has happened several times and you haven't raised a single chick to adulthood you need to really rethink how you're brooding them...everything from the moment you get them. I don't know what is or isn't happening since I'm not there, but it's not normal to lose every chick.

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
I completely agree. I just don't know what to do differently. I've followed every recommendation from hatcheries, friends that raise them and have farms, temperature, water, feed, etc.

I have a black chick thumb.

 

[FortWorthChicks]

I am thinking that maybe you should go with fewer chickens at a time.

10 deaths within 4 hours of arrival makes me think they got too cold on the trip. So they were in bad condition when they arrived.

I agree with the check the water containers. I would clean everything.


Other than that I have no idea.... thats sad and terrible. sorry this keeps happening.

 

[ranchhand]

I have kept thinking on this, because I know it is troubling and frustrating for you. Me too, really. 18 years and I've only had 1 chick die in all that time. I think we need to go back to the basics:

What kind of bedding are you using? (Cedar is not good)

How often is bedding changed/cleaned? (that many chicks means a LOT of cleaning)

What kind of feed are you giving them? (Chick starter is recommended, no treats until later.)

Any additives to water or feed when they arrive? (Nothing, unless you have a very specific problem.)

What temperature in the brooder box, and do you have a thermometer in there at chick level? (90-95F the first week, decrease by 5 degrees each week)

Can the chicks get away from or closer to the heat lamp? (Smothering shouldn't be a problem, unless they are too hot or too cold. They should not be piling up.)

Do you have multiple feeders and waterers? (For so many chicks you need LOTS of both)

Is any food getting wet? (moldy food is deadly)

How often is it replenished? (Food should NEVER run out, nor should water)

Any drafts from windows, doors, central heat or air? (Close vents, prevent drafts. But fresh air is a necessity)

How much space overall for how many chicks? (Chicks need a lot of space)

I'm not being mean, I'm trying to help because I suspect you have a basic problem and we can solve it.

 

[chookchick]

Yes, everything that Ranch hand says--I would also add--don't put anything in the water--no ACV, no colloidal silver (?), no elderberry syrup (sugar or honey can cause diarrhea and dehydrate them). Keep them on a standard, medicated chick starter and nothing else.