our week old chicks were healthy for 5 days. day before yesterday they started expiring at 2 to 3 per day. they have runny droppings, and are lethargic a day before they die. this is our first brood. is this a natural process whereby the 'weak" die. the others seem perfectly healthy and happy.
You can get meds for chicken "runs" at the feed store. If they are confined they may be eating each others droppings and getting sick. The meds I refer to are usually dissolved in their water. Are you feeding starter feed? Trying to feed grain too soon can cause the runs too. They dehydrate very very quickly - you might try feeding the lethargic ones a bit of water from a dropper.
Gwen, At what temperature are you keeping the chicks? They should be 95f for the first week--no warmer, then slowly lowered about 5 degrees a week until the chicks are well feathered and outside temperature is moderate to warm. Too warm and they may get pasty bottoms--plug up, hunch and just stand--don't eat much. They usually cry if they are cold, but then just huddle and if either too warm or cold, can just quietly die. And do you have chick Starter for them--their only food? And water that all can reach? I am opposed to force-feeding chicks, instinct will lead them to food and water if they are hungrey or thirsty. If they are not eating, grated hardboiled egg sometimes will get them going--and a wee bit of clean sand, if you do not have chick-grit. This can get their system moving. Since their digestive systems are totally different from ours, it isn't the same as a sick person needing some sustainence. Hope you find the cause quickly and can save the rest of your little ones. I am devastated if I ever lose even one chick. CJR
By Maggiej on Tuesday, May 2, 2000 - 09:08 pm:
In all honesty I do not have a lot of experience. Please be sure to check back as I am sure someone who really KNOWS will answer soon!!! Good Luck.
By Cjeanr on Tuesday, May 2, 2000 - 11:40 pm: