what to do?

[Mtn Laurel]

I have my chicks on a double thickness of paper towels over top the pine shavings. I did that just to make it easier for them to move about as I was afraid the cardboard under the shavings would be slick plus it keeps them from eating the shavings. Maybe the shavings are giving off dust or fumes as was mentioned above. Try some paper towels on top and see if that makes a difference as I'd think the paper towels would prevent the fumes/dust from rising up as badly.

Just a thought.

 

[tallmanfarm]

I think you have been given some excellent points and real sound information based on my studying. I have raised two "batches" of chicks so far and utilized many of the points you were given, however, with regard to bedding, I have never thought wood was a natural bedding. For me and for my reading I utilized long grass clippings and when colder I would use straw. I was simplying basing my decision off of what the mother hens would use for the nest. I certainly am not an expert but this was a very inexpensive method and has been successful for my chickens so far. I definitely agree with quarantining the two that are showing "unusual" behavior vs. the others just to be safe; I hope all works out for your chicks and they remain safe and sound.

 

[emilyschartz]

so you think I should still separate the two from the other three? Since I moved their light up they aren't opening their mouths and are acting normal.

 

[tallmanfarm]

My initial thought is if they are no longer exhibiting the "unusual" behavior then it could very well have been they were too hot/warm; if you feel comfortable the behavior has improved go with your "gut" feeling. When I began I was faced with adversity as well; and would make decisions based on gathered information and "gut" feelings. If they seem normal now and no other chicks start showing the behavior, they were probably just hot.
When I set up my area for chicks which really was a large box or plastic "tub" (which ever was available), they measured about 4ft in length and 2ft in width. The light for warmth was at one end; hence if the chicks would be cold they could move to the light to be warm and if they got warm they would move to the end without the light. I guess I just felt they would move naturally to what they would need.

 

[emilyschartz]

Ok ill see how they are doing tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. The light does get pretty hot so hopefully that's what was wrong.

 

[emilyschartz]

Ok the first chick that was holding it mouth open is doing it again and breathing hard now. The other one isn't doing it anymore. Is this perhaps something more serious where I should separate and get medicine for the one chick?

 

[nbenevento]

What happens if you take it completely out of the brooder for few minutes? Not outside, just in the house? If it were my birds, I would separate them anyway just to be cautious. It just sounds like it is still too hot but if the others are not hot, then it is a little bit of a mystery. Are there any other possible respiratory challenges in the air?

 

[emilyschartz]

Its a little dusty in the room other than that not really. She doesn't hold her mouth open all the time just every once in a while and only breathes hard when she is laying down. They all are still eating drinking and pooping normal and still run around the box. Do you think it could be some kind of respiratory problem?

 

[nbenevento]

Hmmmm...not sure. I guess if it were me, I would just wait and see what happens. But that's just me. Keeping it quarantined might be a good idea but it may not matter. Check your temps but other than that, I really don't know what it would be.

 

[emilyschartz]

I checked the temps and they seem to be ok. I did put some duromycin medication in their water and they seemed to be a lot more active and aren't holding their mouths open as much. They were on it most of the day and around 1pm the two that were holding their mouths open stated doing that again and started sneezing a lot. Why is that? They ate drinking a lot and eating and running around like normal still? Could it be because of dust or something?