Two chicks died within 2 days, should I be concerned for the others?

[Hezz]

Hi all, I just bought a few EE chicks Thursday and already lost 1 on Friday at 2 pm, and another Saturday at around 10 pm. They seemed fine at first, then the first one suddenly couldn't use her right leg and was dragging it behind her, her foot was curled under, and she was walking on the top of her foot, when she did try to walk. She was very unstable, like drunk, and she was just very weak, like a little rag doll if you picked her up.

The second one was fine all day Thursday and Friday, and then Saturday she seemed to be acting a bit "off". About an hour after we got in from a picnic, she died. She seemed ok when we came in and I checked on them.

They were both very weak all of the sudden, walking around like they had too much to drink, and both had one or both wings hanging, like they weren't holding them up.

What could be wrong with them, and should I be worried about the other 6 I have left? I have never had chicks die on me before, except one, and he was sick when I brought him home, I just wanted to see if I could nurse him back to health, but he was already too far gone.

I'm scared they're all going to start getting sick and dying now. Thank GOD I didn't put them in the brooder box in the coop with my other girls. I would take a big hit if that were the case, as I have 50 hens!!!

I'm worried this is contagious, and I'm going to lose the rest of the babies now.....

Help please!

I have no idea what could be wrong with them.

 

[kellysmall87]

Is the brooder too hot for them? Open wings is usually a sign of heat exhaustion.

 

[sonew123]

How old are these chicks and where did you buy them from?

 

[Hezz]

How old are these chicks and where did you buy them from?

They are only about a week old. I bought them from a private breeder, and she has had no problems with the other chicks that she still has.

 

[sonew123]

Botulism?? Spoiled moldy feed? Way too soon tomsee mareks signs.."

 

[Hezz]

Can't be moldy food, I just bought a brand new bag of chick starter for them. Not sure about Botulism, I'll have to check into that. Maybe stress from traveling to new home? I'm not sure, but the rest of them are ok as of now, normal little chick behavior, and alert. I have been checking on them on and off all day just to make sure none of them are acting funny.

 

[Sylverfly]

May I ask what brand of feed are you using I'm having very similar problems with my ducks, If its the same brand then maybe the company has some tainted feed out there, like the pet food recall or something.

 

[Hezz]

I use Dumor. I did buy Purina a few times when they didn't have the Dumor, but this bag is Dumor.

 

[Sylverfly]

Interesting, that's what I'm feeding too, starter/grower. My ducks all seemed healthy then one day one had a slight limp, then was dragging one leg around and couldn't walk, then the duck got really sleepy and died overnight. I've lost 4 so far. a new one gets sick every day. I'm going to call the company tomorrow and tell them whats happening to my birds and switch them off the feed for sure, I may have to drive a ways to get another brand but I'm willing to try anything at this point. I'll make a post if I find anything out from the feed company.

 

[Hezz]

OK, do that. I'm interested to see what they say.