Urgent. Sick chick.

[zeeanimallady]

Im very New at chickens and need alot of help as any newbie would. We've had hens kill off 5 chicks in a clutch. We first thought it was jealousy because 3 hens are all sitting in the same spot. I was able to "retrieve" 3 of the 5. I'm now thinking its because they are sick that the hens are trying to kill them because they have kept 4 of the chicks alive and well for nearly a week now. I've noticed that all three had abnormal poo (runny and green or brown) and 2 of the three had saliva like liquid come out of their mouths when I was giving them sugar water with a dropper to build up strength. From what I've read it could be candidiasis and apple cider vinegar is what is used to treat it. All suggestions appreciated

 

[Fancychooklady]

If it is at all possible, I would separate the momma hen and her chicks from the others. At least for a few weeks.i find that while my Roos are very good with the chicks, the same cant be said for hens. They will either steal the babies for themselves or attack them and the momma hen.

 

[zeeanimallady]

Ok thank you but do you have any suggestions for the sick chicks???

 

[Judy]

I let my mamas raise their chicks in with the flock, as many here do. If things go well, the mamas will protect the chicks from other hens.

I would consider treating them for coccidiosis with Corid.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/775739/blood-in-older-chicks-stool/0_20#post_11087272

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/778478/sick-chicks-post-2/0_20

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-another-looking-sick-help/0_20#post_11221175

 

[zeeanimallady]

The hens have kept the chicks they HAVEN'T tried to kill the mother hen hasn't done anything she may well be the one killing them. . I read the symptoms of cocci and it doesn't match. I also can't get corrid here. Unless I order it on line and by the time it comes the chick will probably be dead. I also don't know where they would get it from as all our fowl are healthy and we haven't had any new fowl? These chicks are only a few days old one of the ones killed was only a day old. It hatched atleast 3 days before any other chicks..

 

[zeeanimallady]

If it is cocci shouldn't all the chicks be dead by now then?

 

[Fancychooklady]

It is much better for the chicks to be raised with their mum, but when all isn't well I would take them out of a dangerous situation . You say they had poo stuck to their butts, have you researched "pasty butt" ? Have they started eating? Are they drinking?
Apple cider vinegar usually does the trick, and a little Greek yoghurt for pro biotics.
Unfortunately not all hens make good mothers.

 

[Eggcessive]

With broody raised chicks you need to watch them for a couple of days just to make sure she is not pecking them and is feeding them. I usually put 1 broody and her chicks in a dog crate for a few days, then when I see she is doing her job, I let them out with the others. New chicks usually aren't sick. Just make sure their litter is clean and dry, with clean water and chick feed (not scratch or layer crumbles) as you would for any chicks.