week old chicks having hard time breathing and some have died

[terri1nd]

I have 80 CORNISH X ROCK chicks, actually 73 now, I've lost 7 so far. I had seen no signs of problems till today, I've notice 2 chicks seem to be having a hard time breathing. Is this something that terramycin can take care of or should I get something else to put in their water? Four families have gone in together for these chicks and the idea was to have 20 chickens each. This is serious and I'm at a loss as what is wrong with the chicks. This is the 2nd time I've had chickens and the first time several years ago I had no problems at all other than a mink killing some. Please help, I have no idea what to do.
thanks so much,
Terri in North Dakota

 

[gumpsgirl]

What kind of bedding do you have in the brooder with them?

 

[terri1nd]

I have them on pine animal bedding I got from the feed store. They are on feed for meat birds and for 3 days now I've put a small amount of terramycin in their drinking water. I have not put any grit in with them yet (was wondering when I need to). Their poop looks normal. The only symptom I've been able to see is today with a couple of them having trouble breathing.

 

[chickenannie]

Put grit in now. Small grit for small chicks. Bigger grit when they get bigger.

If they are too hot, they might breathe heavy. Do they have a place to go away from the heat lamp if they get hot? Check the temp in the brooder.

Do they have enough water, and are they drinking it? (If they're getting too hot).

 

[gumpsgirl]

I was thinking it might be the bedding, but the pine should be just fine. Hopefully some more experienced people on here will step up and help you out. Sorry for your losses. :aww

 

[terri1nd]

I tried putting a thermometer in there with them but they sit all over it and poop on it, so I'm not sure of the exact temp. On warm days I turn off the heat lamp when I see them going to sides of the metal tank (like they are displayed in the stores) in.

I keep checking on them and when I know the temp is going down I turn it back on. They have plenty of water and I check on the water and feed and them about every 3-5 hours during the day.

Should I take them off the terramycin and put them on something else?