when to introduce chicks to different food

[Feike]

I had 5 Red Ranger broilers chicks (the 1st time I have something else then layers and guinea's)....one passed away last night...it was smaller then the 4 other ones .... and was panting the whole time....I tried electrolytes again but it gave the chick runny poop and well this morning he/she was life-less...is the lamp too hot which causes them to pant? and when do I start feeding the chicks with their meat poultry feed? I posted the same questioin under meat birds but no response yet....

 

[nicolets]

The only thing I can answer is about the light. Yes, it is probably too hot (to be sure, watch their actions... my guess is they are avoiding touching each other and staying as far as possible from the lamp) & you should raise it or lower the temperature. Make sure the temperature is not uniform throughout the brooder.

 

[Feike]

Thank you....I'll keep my eyes on it since I put the lamp up higher