Jake Harper
Day-old chicks are shipped weekly, and they can survive on the energy from their egg yolk for three days. However, they may arrive weak, chilled, or lethargic due to various factors. To revive a weak chick, it is crucial to regulate their body temperature, provide hydration, and address any health concerns. Brooder temperature should be maintained at 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and hydration can be provided through lukewarm water or a vital pack with electrolytes. Additionally, it is important to check for pasty butt, which is common in shipped chicks due to stress and fluctuating temperatures.
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What You'll Learn
Keep them warm
Newly-hatched chicks have a difficult time maintaining their body temperature, especially when exposed to low temperatures. They are likely to be even less capable when deprived of food (as shipped chicks often are). In fact, a single newly-hatched chick can become hypothermic when exposed to an ambient temperature of 66°F (19°C) for just 15 minutes.
To keep shipped chicks warm, you can use a brooder with a temperature of 95 degrees for the first week. If the chicks are struggling, increase the temperature to 105 degrees for the first few hours, but only if you can monitor them closely. Brooder heating plates and heated pads are also good alternatives to heat lamps, as they are less of a fire hazard.
If you are reviving a weak chick, it is important to keep it warm and preferably put one other healthy chick in with it for company and warmth. This will also encourage the weak chick to eat on its own faster.
Chicks are often shipped with warming packets and they huddle together in the box to generate warmth. However, if the ambient temperature is too low, this may not be enough to keep them warm.
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Provide food and water
Providing food and water is essential for reviving shipped chicks. Firstly, it is important to note that chicks can survive for up to three days on the energy from their egg yolk. However, they will become dehydrated if not offered water, and it is recommended to start them on food and water within the first 24 hours.
When offering water, it is crucial to ensure it is lukewarm or room temperature. Dehydration is a significant concern, as a water loss of 10% can be fatal for a chick, whose body is 70% water. Additionally, a high brooder temperature can lead to dehydration, so maintaining the optimal temperature is vital. The brooder temperature should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week, and it is acceptable to increase it to 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit if the chicks appear chilled.
Regarding food, it is important not to force-feed chicks, as this can lead to aspiration and pneumonia. Instead, offer food once the chick's body temperature is warm. A syringe of mushy soft food can be offered, but be cautious not to push the food into the chick's throat. For lethargic chicks, raw egg yolk can provide the necessary nutrients to stimulate their appetite. Warm scrambled eggs or plain yogurt are also suitable options for a nutritional boost.
It is worth noting that chicks are susceptible to "pasty butt," a condition caused by stress, which can be more common in shipped chicks. This can be treated by gently cleaning the affected area under warm water and ensuring the chick is completely dry before returning it to the brooder.
In summary, providing food and water is a critical aspect of reviving shipped chicks, but it must be done carefully, ensuring optimal temperature conditions and avoiding force-feeding.
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Check for pasty butt
Pasty butt, also known as chick pasting up, is a common issue in young chicks, especially those that have been shipped. It is caused by stress, extreme temperature changes, poor hygiene, and poorly digestible ingredients. The condition can be prevented or treated with proper care and knowledge.
To check for pasty butt, examine the chick's vent, which is just below the tail, not to be confused with the chick's belly button, which is further down towards the belly and legs. Look out for a white, pasty substance around the vent area, and droppings stuck to the down surrounding the vent. If the chick has pasty butt, you may also notice behavioural changes, such as lethargy, decreased water and feed consumption, and the chick may crane its head to try and preen the poop clump off.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take action immediately. Gently wipe away the pasty material from the chick's vent with a cotton swab dipped in warm water, or hold the chick's rear end under lukewarm running water to loosen the dried manure. Be very careful when doing this, as the chick's skin and vent are fragile and can be torn.
To prevent pasty butt, it is important to minimise stress, maintain proper temperature and hygiene, and provide a complete starter-grower feed as the sole diet.
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Prevent infection
Chicks are prone to a variety of illnesses and diseases, some of which can be fatal. Here are some ways to prevent infection in shipped chicks:
Yolk Sac Infection (Omphalitis)
Omphalitis, or yolk sac infection, is a common cause of death in newly hatched chicks. It is often caused by an Escherichia coli bacterial infection, although other bacteria can also be responsible. Chicks can become infected during incubation, hatching, or in the brooder. Improper disinfecting of the incubator, equipment, and eggs can lead to bacterial contamination. To prevent this, ensure all equipment is thoroughly disinfected, and avoid setting dirty eggs in the incubator. Keep the incubator and eggs dry, and eliminate infertile or dead embryos to prevent bacterial growth.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is caused by an intestinal parasite, coccidia. Chicks become infected by ingesting coccidia eggs from their environment, often by pecking at contaminated feces. To prevent coccidiosis, focus on reducing the amount of coccidia in the coop. Keep the coop dry, especially the soil around where birds congregate, and prevent water spillage. Change bedding frequently to reduce the chances of infection.
Marek's Disease
Marek's disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause tumors and/or paralysis in birds. It is almost always fatal. Most hatchery chicks are vaccinated against Marek's disease within the first 24 hours of hatching, or even while still in the egg. You should also consider vaccinating your day-old chicks, as their response to the vaccine decreases with age.
Salmonella
Baby poultry are a common source of Salmonella, which can cause illness in humans. To prevent Salmonella infection in your flock and reduce the risk of transmission to humans, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling chicks or touching their environment. Keep children under 5, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems away from live poultry.
Avian Influenza
Avian Influenza, or bird flu, is a highly significant poultry disease with no cure or vaccination currently available. To prevent transmission to your flock, practice good biosecurity and management. Keep everything clean and dry, and consider vaccinating your flock, especially if they are in close proximity to affected birds.
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Keep their environment clean
Chicks are delicate creatures that require a clean and safe environment to stay healthy. They are prone to various health issues, including "pasty butt", which is caused by stress from shipment, fluctuating brooder temperatures, and low-quality feed. To keep their environment clean and sanitary, follow these steps:
Maintain a Clean Brooder Area
The brooder area should be cleaned daily and kept dry. It is essential to provide a warm, safe, and draft-free environment for the chicks, especially during late winter and early spring when temperatures are cooler. A brooder is typically used to provide these necessities, and it can be purchased or built yourself. Ensure the brooder has proper ventilation during the brooding period.
Provide Adequate Bedding
Use clean and absorbent bedding materials, such as pine shavings, to line the brooder. This helps maintain hygiene and provides a comfortable surface for the chicks.
Practice Good Hygiene
When handling the chicks, wear clean gloves, and wash your hands before and after interacting with them. This helps prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Additionally, wear dedicated shoes or boots when tending to the chicks to avoid bringing in external contaminants.
Sanitize Feeders and Waterers
Keep the feeders and waterers clean and free from mould or any other contaminants. Rinse and refill water containers daily, providing fresh, clean water. Wash and sanitise food trays regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria or mould, which can be harmful to chicks.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Regularly clean and dispose of any waste or soiled bedding to prevent the buildup of bacteria and foul odours. This helps maintain a hygienic environment for the chicks and reduces the risk of disease or pest infestation.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that the chicks' environment remains clean and conducive to their health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure your chick is warm. The brooder temperature should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, but if your chick is struggling, increase it to 105 degrees for the first few hours. Chicks need to regulate their body temperature so their internal organs can function properly.
Offer lukewarm water to your chick upon arrival, as they are often more thirsty than hungry. You can add sugar, molasses, or honey to the water for an energy boost, but only for an hour or two. After rehydration, provide water with electrolytes. You can also feed your chick room temperature raw egg yolk, thinned with a bit of water and carefully fed with an eyedropper.
A healthy chick will be bright-eyed, dry, fluffy, moving around, and interested in its surroundings. If your chick is lying by itself and not moving, this is a cause for concern.
Chicks are prone to mites and coccidiosis, which can be deadly. Always practice biosecurity and keep their environment clean to prevent disease. Check for "pasty butt," which is common in shipped chicks and caused by stress, fluctuating temperatures, and low-quality feed.
