Why are my birds dying

[duckychick11012]

I recently got 26 chicks, 10 ducks, and 3 african geese. I have them separated. They were all doing fine up until day 5. I’ve lost 2 chicks, a goose and a duck all within 24 hours. The ones I already had picked out as acting different than the rest the day I got them. There’s 1 more duck and 2 more chicks and a duck that have also acted “off” since the beginning. So with the trend I’m on I’ll be loosing those guys. Am I doing something wrong? I’ve already lost $50 worth of birds and I really don’t want to loose more. Ducks are on duck food crumble, chicks are on chick starter. Always have water and ample heat. Also places to get away if too warm. Ducks waterer is deep enough to dunk their heads into.

 

[Penpal]

Years ago I never lost a chick. Now, I have been loosing them. Like you, just about 10%. I have been told a 10% loss is normal. I think the chicks and ducklings we are getting are not as well bred and some are just not healthy enough to survive.

That being said, after loosing a few this year I put kefir in the brooder when yet another chick appeared to be doing poorly. I don't have a lab and have not done a scientific study, but that last sickly chick got better & is bouncing around with the others. If it is the kefir that turned the tide I would suspect a digestion problem.

 

[FrostRanger]

How are they acting off? Are their bums clear of poop? Are their droppings normal? Is everyone eating and drinking normally?

 

[duckychick11012]

How are they acting off? Are their bums clear of poop? Are their droppings normal? Is everyone eating and drinking normally?

No pasty butt, I check for that quite a bit. Just not reacting to me if I put my hand in the brooder, or sitting under the heat lamp for most of the time. And their eyes are like squinty? Not sure how to explain it. The ones who are normal are bouncing around and acting like I would expect. Loosing the gosling really upset me and that was my last straw. Besides being $25 alone, the geese are just so freindly and seem like they love people. I messaged the hatchery I got them from and they said to put apple cider vinegar in their water for 5 days.

 

[duckychick11012]

Years ago I never lost a chick. Now, I have been loosing them. Like you, just about 10%. I have been told a 10% loss is normal. I think the chicks and ducklings we are getting are not as well bred and some are just not healthy enough to survive.

That being said, after loosing a few this year I put kefir in the brooder when yet another chick appeared to be doing poorly. I don't have a lab and have not done a scientific study, but that last sickly chick got better & is bouncing around with the others. If it is the kefir that turned the tide I would suspect a digestion problem.

I’ll have to try that! I really hope it helps.