Two dead chicks - now what?!

[seminolewind]

I should add that the doctor told me the vaccinated chickens would only 'shed' the Marek's if stressed and non-vaccinated chickens could be susceptible if they were around them. So maybe its like a person getting shingles after the chicken pox, not common, but possible under extreme stress or advanced age?

Eggie, vaccinated chicks can not shed the virus, only if they have been exposed to it. The vaccine does not give them Marek's. The worst thing is that a vaccinated chick can grow up, be exposed and carry the virus, and never have a symptom because they were vaccinated.
From what I've seen with my Marek's nightmare, it worked like a contagious virus, not like shingles .

However, I have heard the theory that they all carry it like shingles and stress causes shedding. But none of mine were stressed when they got it. I think this other scientist is more correct in saying you have to assume all birds have been exposed, so any of them are capable of shedding virus. I had a "closed" flock for 2 years and never had a problem. Then I went and bought a pullet. That's when I started having problems, and the worst has been the last 2 years.

But I think your chicks are too young for Marek's and it doesn't sound like coccidiosis.

If it were me, based on that vomit, I would toss all the food, and the shavings. They may have been contaminated, moldy, poisonous. Go buy new food and shavings,

And I would always give chicks access to an area in the brooder that is 85 degrees . And let them decide what they want.
Update, please!

 

[EggieRowe]

Just a quick update - I've lost 4 out of 28 chicks. So far its been about 34 hours since I lost one. Most are back to their normal selves, but I still have a few puffy, lethargic ones. They seem to be getting stronger, so I can only assume it was coccidiosis and the Corid is working. Crossing my fingers that we're through the worst of it. Their new coop will be done this weekend and disinfecting the feeder & waterer. I'm tossing the rest of the bag of shavings I introduced Monday as well as the last bag of food to be safe. I'll update again if things take a turn for the worse. I think taking a chance on the Corid was the best decision since there's no harm (other than nullifying the vaccine).

 

[ChickSter99]

Just a quick update - I've lost 4 out of 28 chicks. So far its been about 34 hours since I lost one. Most are back to their normal selves, but I still have a few puffy, lethargic ones. They seem to be getting stronger, so I can only assume it was coccidiosis and the Corid is working. Crossing my fingers that we're through the worst of it. Their new coop will be done this weekend and disinfecting the feeder & waterer. I'm tossing the rest of the bag of shavings I introduced Monday as well as the last bag of food to be safe. I'll update again if things take a turn for the worse. I think taking a chance on the Corid was the best decision since there's no harm (other than nullifying the vaccine).

Thanks for the update. I hope this helps solve your problem and you don't lose any more chicks.

 

[seminolewind]

I'm glad to hear that things are improving.

 

[EggieRowe]

So I lost one more over the weekend and today at lunch I found one struggling. At this point I guess I'm going to have to take one in for a necropsy. Not sure what else to do - no more bloody poops and most have firmed up. They look better and more active everyday. This is just crazy! Total death count is now 5, with 6 on the horizon. 7 if this one doesn't make it to tomorrow and I have to pick another chick to be prodded then euthanized for a necropsy.

 

[leadwolf1]

Save one of the deceased for necropsy. Put it in a sealable plastic bag and refrigerate. Start looking for a place to have the necropsy done. Tissues will be fine for a couple days in the fridge. No reason to sacrifice another.

I have never had a chicken spit up pink stuff...I still think that is where the problem lies...I just have no idea what it is.