The same thing happens every time...

[Minniechickmama]

I thought for sure you were going to say they were in your basement somewhere and I was thinking radon or something like that.
I am out of thoughts on this too. It does sound like everything you are doing is right. I don't blame you for not medicating them, our ancestors didn't do all of that. Then again, they let the hens do all the work. Perhaps there is your answer, get some broody hens and hatch your own.
I feel for you, I know how it feels to lose your animals, I have gone through more of that lately than I care to think about.

Good luck. I hope you can work it out. I do think electrolytes are a good idea, and I don't think that really goes against your "natural" values.

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
I started taking advice because I thought I might be doing something wrong. I'm not assuming anything isn't the problem...I don't understand the problem when I'm doing everything that you are "supposed" to do. Following the advice of the hatcheries...standard chick care...all I want is for the darn things to live and understand why they are getting sick. They are growing...feathering beautifully (at least most of them).

I think there were several variables as to why we lost the ones in the past. I'm trying to focus on the ones I have sick right now. No one dead since our initial "death spree" when we first got them which they are supposedly reimbursing me for. I've heard more than once it may have been the cold. So...we have off balance chicks using one wing for support, booties wobbling, lethargy, and everything I described before. After three days...we still have no deaths and some seem to be improving and are closely watching the rest for symptoms. Does this sound like AE. I have not found these same symptoms for anything else...I am scrutinizing everything from top to bottom...I'm just at a loss as to what I could do differently.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Read on, the elderberry syrup was only used AFTER the chicks got sick.



I understand the naturopath part, got that right away. But I have to examine each and every detail. Because this is making me as nuts as you.

AE is extremely rare here. I seriously doubt disease is an issue. There has to be something we're missing. Perhaps the organic cleaning products? Organic doesn't mean non-toxic.

BTW, if it gets too hot in here, PM me. Right now though, I am headed for sleep! I'll be thinking on it meanwhile, because I am now determined that you shall raise chicks!

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
Read on, the elderberry syrup was only used AFTER the chicks got sick.



I understand the naturopath part, got that right away. But I have to examine each and every detail. Because this is making me as nuts as you.

AE is extremely rare here. I seriously doubt disease is an issue. There has to be something we're missing. Perhaps the organic cleaning products? Organic doesn't mean non-toxic.

BTW, if it gets too hot in here, PM me. Right now though, I am headed for sleep! I'll be thinking on it meanwhile, because I am now determined that you shall raise chicks!

The only thing that has been used in that particular room is the steam mop. The vinegar water & organic cleaners are used in the rest of the house.

LOL...I really wish I would have a chicken go broody so they could raise them instead of me. lol

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Do you have a seperate building you could move all of them too?
Maybe even a friends garage?
There must be something in your house that is causing this.
Radon does come to mind. Possibly a low enough level that its not affecting you in a noticable way, but birds are very sensative to such things.

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
That's actually what we thought part of the problem was when we first started...but we have moved to the country since then. Different house. So...it's me somehow...I just don't know what.

 

[tamelroy]

I didn't read all the post but I think the berry thing is toxic in birds. and second you said a sun room, just a thought here, if you have lights, plus a sun room could it be too hot? Do you have a therm. inside w/them to see their actual temp? I would say within the first 24 hours were just the chicks died from stress of shipping, but after that there is something not right.

Did you have the birds from the get go on that berry stuff?

 

[NewChickieMommy]

Quote:
I know about the berries...but that is in regard to raw berries. People can't eat fresh elderberries either. After they are cooked they have antiviral properties. No...they were not given those drops until I started seeing what looked like AE symptoms to me...which is viral...as I stated it was out of desperation and they seem better not worse.

We call it the sun room because there are many windows in that room but the sun actually never directly shines into it. Yes, we keep a thermometer in there to make sure they aren't too hot. No panting going on either.

 

[redrocketrooster]

My thoughts go out to you and your chicks. :C
I can't imagine how terrible it is to keep having your chicks die.

From the hatchieries you listed however you are not the first to have a lot die.
There are tons of reviews like yours for those...Maybe ordering from a smaller closer hatchery may raise their chances of being healthy.

Oh, I really don't know Honey! I'm so sorry. :C

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I know space was mentioned before, and you don't think this is the problem.
Just let me tell you about my experiences.
I have one brooder room that is in the barn that measures 8 feet x 10 feet = 80 square feet. I can only brood 100 chicks in this space for 5 weeks at the most. And that is pushing it.
I have tried to increase the number of chicks when I was short of brooder space. They started dying, 4 & 5 or more at a time. It seemed like they had plenty of room, but they were dying anyway.
Once the number of chicks went down around 100, the deaths stopped. I believe it was the ammonia they create that killed them. It didn't smell to me, but probably at ground level, with no drafts, there was never enough time for the air to clear.

You said your box was 7 feet x 3 feet = 21 square feet. And you started with 80 chicks. I'm tired and my math might not be right, but I figure that is only about 3 inches x 3 inches per chick, without any feeders or waterers taking up space.
If you figure the space for 2 one gallon waterers and 3 chick feeders, I don't think your chicks have enough room.

If I remember right, you also said you got red broilers, they need lots of room IMO, & they are pooping machines and it is very strong smelling compared to other breeds. I think you may have what is commonly called brooder pneumonia.

I would be glad to hear what others think about my idea about this. I haven't raised any chicks in the house, so my thoughts may not apply to house brooded chicks. I know that people who raise them inside have to do a lot more bedding cleaning than I have to. I use the deep litter method.

Jean