Polish Hens
In the Brooder
- Jul 7, 2023
- 7
- 3
- 21
Hi all,
So until about a week ago I had 27 healthy chicks, all 7 to 8 weeks old. They have all made it through their younger days, and I was very happy about it. Then about a week ago I found one of them dead – none looked weak or ill the evening before, and the dead chick was whole – no injuries, no poop on its butt. I was sad, but, okay, some die, and I know it happens. Then I found another one dead last Friday. Once again, no external signs of injury. I became concerned. Went to the coop this morning (Monday) and found a chick that looked weak and aphatic. Took it inside, tried hydrating it with sugary water + some salt as electrolytes, but the chick is deteriorating rapidly, and now I just wish it won’t suffer too long. I tried to water it since it’s the only thing I can do; I don’t have chicken meds. My chicks all have access to fresh and clean water. Went to the coop again, ten minutes ago, and there’s another one looking unwell. It still looks better than the one I found this morning, but it won’t run around from me, like the rest of the bunch. I’m afraid it’s about to go through the same process.
There’s one reason I can think of, but it’s not a very plausible one, in my opinion. It’s not our first time raising chicks, and we had no issues with this practice before, but the thing is we fed them starter feed until they were about four weeks old, and then switched to layer feed. I know the common wisdom is you are not supposed to feed them layer feed until they are 16 weeks old or so; the thing is we can’t get starter feed easily around here, and have to drive far away to get it, while we can get layer feed nearby. Plus, once again, had no issues with this practice of switching early before. I will now drive and get starter feed tomorrow morning and switch them to it, but I’m afraid it’s not actually the issue, and am afraid of losing the entire bunch.
I feel sad, heartbroken, guilty, and mostly helpless. What should I do to assist my chicks? I hate losing birds in general, but losing them at this stage, when they are almost pullets, is even more disheartening. Can I do something to prevent the last bird spotted today from dying?
I would really appreciate your advice.
So until about a week ago I had 27 healthy chicks, all 7 to 8 weeks old. They have all made it through their younger days, and I was very happy about it. Then about a week ago I found one of them dead – none looked weak or ill the evening before, and the dead chick was whole – no injuries, no poop on its butt. I was sad, but, okay, some die, and I know it happens. Then I found another one dead last Friday. Once again, no external signs of injury. I became concerned. Went to the coop this morning (Monday) and found a chick that looked weak and aphatic. Took it inside, tried hydrating it with sugary water + some salt as electrolytes, but the chick is deteriorating rapidly, and now I just wish it won’t suffer too long. I tried to water it since it’s the only thing I can do; I don’t have chicken meds. My chicks all have access to fresh and clean water. Went to the coop again, ten minutes ago, and there’s another one looking unwell. It still looks better than the one I found this morning, but it won’t run around from me, like the rest of the bunch. I’m afraid it’s about to go through the same process.
There’s one reason I can think of, but it’s not a very plausible one, in my opinion. It’s not our first time raising chicks, and we had no issues with this practice before, but the thing is we fed them starter feed until they were about four weeks old, and then switched to layer feed. I know the common wisdom is you are not supposed to feed them layer feed until they are 16 weeks old or so; the thing is we can’t get starter feed easily around here, and have to drive far away to get it, while we can get layer feed nearby. Plus, once again, had no issues with this practice of switching early before. I will now drive and get starter feed tomorrow morning and switch them to it, but I’m afraid it’s not actually the issue, and am afraid of losing the entire bunch.
I feel sad, heartbroken, guilty, and mostly helpless. What should I do to assist my chicks? I hate losing birds in general, but losing them at this stage, when they are almost pullets, is even more disheartening. Can I do something to prevent the last bird spotted today from dying?
I would really appreciate your advice.
