week old chicks died

[wells06]

We only had 2 that hatched and late last night they were fine. Around 1 am our blue was laying with his wings spread out and one leg out. Then at 4 am my husband said they weren't acting right that they were very slow to respond. Then at 8 am my kids woke me and said they are not moving. I wonder if the cedar chips could be to blame. I know they were pecking at it and one chip was in their vitamin water. We couldn't find pine ones and alot of breeders said it wouldn't hurt them. I am very upset as I don't like when animals die. They are also on biddie food. I took out the chips and will be going without chips or find pine ones.

 

[AnitaElliott123]

I'm not positive...but I think cedar is toxic to chickens.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I have used cedar chips in nest boxes for grown hens with no ill effect, to keep away bugs (not supposed to spray insecticides in nest boxes). Little chicks though - I have not used them. I have done this because I have had SUCH a problem with mites in the past that I was desperate to keep bugs out of there.

Cedar chips aren't recommended for chickens, but just wanted to let you know my experience.

But I wouldn't use them for chicks, for sure. I am sorry for your losses. Chick rearing - we learn new things all the time and it is hands-on learning for sure. It is quite possible they had some kind of internal defect and just wouldn't have made it anyway. I really doubt it was the cedar chips, personally.

If his wings were spread out, I would suspect overheating. Overheating kills chicks very quickly. So I would check your temps under the light and also on the other side of the brooder (they need a cool spot) and make sure they have room to get away from the heat. Temps should be 90-95 for the first week of life and decrease by 5 degrees per week until fully feathered even on the head, usually at 6 weeks.

 

[newmarch2014]

I have read time and time again that cedar chips are bad for chickens, the oil is terrible for their respiratory system. This is both adult and chicks.

 

[debid]

It's hard to say with the small amount of information given what happened to kill them. Ventilation is so very important but a lot of folks are terrified that their chicks will be cold so they close them up and crank on the heat. Unfortunately, the fumes from cedar build up in an enclosed space as does heat (and ammonia if the litter isn't changed often enough). Any of those could be to blame. If they didn't drink enough water because it tasted badly from the vitamins or there was too much vitamin concentrate added and they overdosed, that would be a problem. Or, if the hatch rate was low because the chicks were genetically compromised, it could simply be that they were very weak to begin with.

 

[chickisoup]

It's hard to say with the small amount of information given what happened to kill them. Ventilation is so very important but a lot of folks are terrified that their chicks will be cold so they close them up and crank on the heat. Unfortunately, the fumes from cedar build up in an enclosed space as does heat (and ammonia if the litter isn't changed often enough). Any of those could be to blame. If they didn't drink enough water because it tasted badly from the vitamins or there was too much vitamin concentrate added and they overdosed, that would be a problem. Or, if the hatch rate was low because the chicks were genetically compromised, it could simply be that they were very weak to begin with.

some very good points and a great response!!!

I would just like to add, that if there were only 2 anyway, why chips under newborns at all??? I use paper towels (not newspaper, too slippery so could cause injury) until they are several days + old to avoid the risk of chicks eating chips while they learn what is and is't food and providing a more stable surface to walk on. Also makes for simple clean up first few days and nothing to get kicked into the water.

BTW-cedar chips are bad for most critters. Also, if you were feeding quality chick starter, week old chicks did not need the vitamin water.

So very sorry for your losses. The worst part of raising chicks.