UPDATE 5 day old Brahma died....new mom

[chickie-is-obsessed]

Twelve hours ago he was standing by himself with his eyes closed. He had a full crop but he started to pass clear liquid/jelly stuff and then this morning died. Is this a fluke or should I be concerned about the rest of the chicks? Everyone else seems fine. Any idea what happened?

 

[nelgkel]

sorry you lost a baby....hope everyone else is ok, eh...

 

[MareeZoCool]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Just a suggestion; be sure your chicks have access to grit. Some free-range time could give them plenty of opportunity to find the necessary grit and micro bugs/nutrients.

 

[chickie-is-obsessed]

They are on Purina Chick Starter so I didn't think they would need grit yet. I guess I'd better stop and get some after work.

 

[TinyLittleFarm]

I'm so sorry about the little one.

I don't think the 5 day olds need grit if all they are eating is starter.

 

[hearthnsoul]

Oh I am so sorry, a loss is a hard go at it.

 

[ChooksChick]

I think it's important to know that a much larger ratio than one would like die within the first week.

They draw the yolk into themselves right before hatching and use it for the next several days while they learn the ropes oustide the egg. There's something about the time frame when the yolk runs out that brings about the deaths of some of them. I don't know if it's that their digestive system isn't right, or maybe they can't get the digested food out appropriately, or a thousand other complications, but it's not necessarily anything to be concerned about with your other babies.

Standing around fluffed up is a common sign something's wrong. Keep an eye on everyone else and we'll help if you see something!

I'm sorry for your loss-

 

[chickie-is-obsessed]

It's crummy and we are a bit disappointed. I know I am doing the best I can for them by changing their paper towel bedding twice a day and cleaning the water container twice a day. They have a cozy bed and lots of food so it's frustrating ....but the rest are healthy

 

[Hens_And_Chicks]

So sorry for your loss - the first one is always the hardest one.

The most important thing to remember about nature is that only the strongest survive to perpetuate future generations.

It sounds like you are taking very good care of them and loss, while difficult to accept, is part of the normal realm of being a chicken farmer.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

If the poop is clear, maybe he didnt learn how to eat, or wasnt eating.