We lost our first chick today Update: more are dying :(

[seminolewind]

Chick crumble mash has also been a hit with mine, as well as vanilla yogurt on my finger.

 

[red166]

My new chicks came in 4 days ago from McMeyer Hatchery. All 25 have been doing fine, I also have a 250 watt bulb over them but off to one side. I lay a thermometer in the pen with the light on to see the temp, it ranges from 102 to 70. When it gets hot they get on away from it, and of course when it gets cold they huddle. They are outside in a stock trailer with all the elements. But where they are stays warm. First causality this morning. I will be surprised if I do not lose a couple of more, waiting on pin feathers, hence the reason for buying 25. I have had or raised chickens for 40+ years. As far as I can tell and for the last 40+ years you always lose a couple for unknown reasons.

 

[bock]

Horrible news.

I went out this morning to find 2 more chicks dead, smashed in to the bedding. Another two I thought were dead, but they moved when I picked them up. I rubbed some life into them under the heat lamp and got them to drink. The easter egger is moving around, but the Black Austrolorp is gasping and not moving much. Another Easter Egger is gasping too, and refuses to drink. Unfortunately, 1 of the 2 turkeys passed away too. I do not know how they got so cold, I feel absolutely terrible. I had two 250 whatt heat lamps over their brooder plus blankets over the top. It got down to 24F last night and it snowed a bit, but they should have been warm. I think I am going to bring them into my bedroom later. I know it will be a mess, but it is worth it if I can save their lives.

 

[bock]

Well, good and bad news. The gasping EE has passed away

, but the other two are starting to walk around. I am keeping a close eye on them to make sure they are okay. Thanks for all the support everyone!

 

[Ladybird CA]

Oh no, maybe the cold somehow got into the barn? It looks like the lone poult will have to grow up with the chickens. That is what happened to my poult when his hatchmate died.

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I just give mine the yolk mixed with the crumbles and a little water.
I give the white to my dogs. I have a dog that can't have the added protien. She has CECS-Canine Epileptoid Cramping Syndrome(used to be known as Spike's disease)... the extra protien causes her to have epileptic episodes.

I keep seeing this mixup. Egg whites are essentially 100% protein, egg yolks are primarily fat.

 

[bock]

Quote:
Yup we put him back in with the chicks. He isn't looking so good either though.

The chicks are doing better, at least as far as I can tell. Probably due to the stress, they are starting to develop pasty but. I will put some ACV in their water, but they already have sugar and vitamin and electrolyte mix in there. Some of the chicks are a little weak, but I can't even tell which ones I found almost dead this morning. At least they perked up!

 

[Ladybird CA]

Glad some are doing better! I hope the little turkey pulls through. That is odd with pasty butt though, it is usually associated with having high temps.

ddawn: really? I always thought the yolk had the protein but I guess it makes sense that it is fat as thats where the cholesterol is I think.

 

[feather and mountain man]

Sorry wish I could help

 

[pascopol]

Quote:
250 W infrared bulb only 4 inches above their head?!

Your chickens got fried, and the ones trying to get away get cold since the area of effective heat is very small (bulb too close to the floor).

You hang 250W infrared bulb no less than 18 inches from the floor, and you should keep them in a tub or box so the cold does not penetrate from sides.

This way 50 F would be no problem.