This is our 2nd time raising chicks (day-old, purchased from feed store). Last year, all 6 did wonderfully--this year, one died today (hatched on 15th, today is the 19th) and another is sick. All 6 were fine first day--eating/drinking normally. One black-rock rooster, 3 plymouth rock hens and 2 red shaver hens. They are kept at about 85-90f in our home-made brooder box (wooden, vent holes, cardboard bottom changed 2x/day kept in the kitchen) too drafty? The one that died, and the one that is sick now just stopped eating, and layed down in a crouch position, very lethargic. We've kept the medicated chick feed and the medicated powder ("Stress Lyte")for water in the freezer all year, and took it out last week for use. Could it be bad? I think my husband may have over-medicated the water once, as it looked too yellow, but since then we've used just about a teaspoon in 6 cups. Some watery poop, but some looks normal, but just before the rooster died, his poop was very black. I'm going back to order some more, we certainly didn't expect to lose any, seems like losing some is 'normal' but we're distressed, can't think of WHAT we're doing wrong. Brought them home in 85f weather--perhaps stress of 4 children peering in and occassionally handling them? Any advice would be appreciated, this is a fantastic site, and I've been pouring over other posts for 2 days to find answers.

The starting temperature should be 95 degrees. Lay a thermometer on the bottom of the box directly under the heat source and check the temperature frequently. It's best if the box is big enough for the chicks to find their own comfort zone. Put the heat source at one end, not in the middle. Then put the feed and water away from the heat a ways to start. After they are eating and drinking, put the feed and water further away so they have to venture out into the cooler part to get to it. There ought to be instructions for the vitamin supplement, but a teaspoon in six cups seems like a lot! Are you sprinkling a little chick grit like salt on the feed? If you are using crumbles, the grit tends to settle down into the feed rather than staying on top like it does with mash feed. Let us know how they do.

patty,
I had a similar problem last year.
It was suggested to me to put their box in the bathroom with the door shut, this was the easiest way for me to keep the whole area hot enough for the chicks.
In the bath tub with the curtain/door partially closed kept all chance of drafts to a minimum, and do just like Dr Bruce says!
Good Luck.

AHHHHH ... thank you...it was the chick feed, had gone bad from the year before. The sick chick got better, and is now thriving wonderfully!