When is it for sure....

[Nicole01]

That you know your chicks are going to live? I hear so many sad stories about people bringing their chicks home and they don't make it. I only had my 3 girls a week, but I would be absolutely crushed if they didn't make it. I'm so attached to them already! They look strong and healthy so far. Am I out of the woods yet? Will my girls for sure make it???

 

[julie75]

There's no guarantee at any age for a chick. When I ordered chicks through the mail, I usually lost the sick/stressed ones usually within the first two days. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

 

[Nicole01]

Well, that is good news. We made it past the first few days mark. I love hearing them talk amongst each other. They do sound happy. This morning when I walked up to the brooder, Gyspy Rose was flying at me to see me. That is so neat. Perhaps she thought I had food in my hand.lol

 

[TwoCrows]

The first 6 or 8 weeks is the most critical time for chicks as their immune systems are not up to par yet. As it has been said, there is no guarantee that they will all live. Just keep the brooder as clean as possible, change the water often and keep poo out of the feeding and drinking areas. I use probiotics in their water for the first 6 weeks of life to help pump up the immune systems. A healthy gut keeps the entire system healthier. A product called Probios you can get on amazon is what I use and is put in their water. I have hatched many broods with this system and never lost one of my babies. Good luck!

 

[Nicole01]

I just bought the probios on amazon. How much do I mix with their water, or do I sprinkle in their food? Thank you for the suggestion. I hope it comes fast.

 

[Nicole01]

I have some childrens probiotics(Culturelle). Can I use that until the other stuff comes in the mail?

 

[TwoCrows]

Mine came pretty fast when I recently ordered, but I am sure your babies will be fine. I mix a 1/4 teaspoon in 4 cups of water and change it out twice a day. You can mix it in the food also, but water soluble stuff goes to work fast in their system than eating it. Plus you know when they are drinking it, you know they are getting good doses of it. If you have other probiotics, you can start them on them also, or if you can get them to eat yogurt that is also a great probiotic for the system. The babies would probably be scared of a spoon full of yogurt!

LOL

 

[Nicole01]

Quote:
Thank you! We don't have any yogurt in the house yet. No one likes plain yogurt here.lol. I will mix some probiotics up now. I actually change the water about 5-6 times a day. They are kicking the pine chips in there constantly. Plus, I've been cleaning the poo out several times day and I change the pine every other day. Perhaps I'm overdoing it??? LOL. I don't want them getting sick.

 

[FireTigeris]

I did a hatch here last year and for no reason 4 dropped dead at week 12 (fully feathered) they were also much larger (1/2 again larger) then the others so I'm guessing there was some giant-ism going on...

 

[TwoCrows]

LOL I don't think you are over doing it at all. I hover over my babies like a scared first time mom every time! I clean up their poo all day long, change out the water and fuss over them constantly, adding new bedding. They used to come running constantly to my hands thinking I was bringing a treat for them, but most of the time I am cleaning up things. So now they must think "there is that Hand!... with out treats for us, cleaning up our mess! We need to make more work for her!" LOL

I am going to take my babies outside right now for a short time in a small fenced in area I have for them. It is 70 degrees out and this will be their first "field trip"! They are 3 1/2 weeks old today. Time for something other than this brooder on my living room floor!!

Good luck with your babies! Leyla