We lost one

[ORChickFam]

I was mentally prepared to pick them up from the post office yesterday and have a couple not make it. So I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were all chirping, running around, and being loving. Not a single sign of any of them not making it. Then around 2100 one of the RIRs was very lethargic, wouldn't open her eyes, when I tried to give electrolytes, she wouldn't open her beak. No heavy breathing, no sounds of pain. By around 2300 I had to go to bed since the alarm goes off at 0400 for work.

I had high hopes last night that she would just pull the strength out, drink, and be chirping away when I got up. Sadly not the case. We haven't named any of them yet to help mainly me not get so attached. Still just stinks.

 

[ORChickFam]

Make it two now, a barred rock. They were all chirping away when I came in, she looked a little lethargic, dipped her beak in water, she drank, put her down she walked around. I went out to my office started on some work went back about 30 minutes later and she had passed.

 

[song of joy]

I've never done electrolytes in the water for chicks. Is there a risk of heart or organ failure if the dose isn't exactly right? I'm not saying this is the problem - just trying to help. I'm so sorry for your losses!

 

[ORChickFam]

Oh I know you're not. I've tripled question everything I've done since they came home from the post office

I didn't introduce the electrolytes till the end of last night as from the get go, they've had sugar water., but no I did make sure it was mixed in a gallon jug before pouring over to a water dropper. Which might I say feels like such a waste when you have to make a gallon and only want half a cup. lol

they had clean vents, access to food, lots of space to run in, temp is a perfect 95 on one side of the box, air flow, they got to listen to me sing when I did laundry (which my husband claims might be the reason for their passing).

 

[ScenicViews]

So sorry for your loss!

 

[song of joy]

I'd recommend not using a dropper unless a chick absolutely cannot drink on its own. There's just too much of a risk of them aspirating the fluid.

I hope the losses are over and the rest grow to be strong and healthy!