Sophie Bennett
Raising chicks can be challenging, and sometimes, despite our best efforts, they fall ill or die. If your chick is dying, there are several factors to consider, such as their living conditions, diet, and health. It's important to act quickly and seek advice from resources like the Meyer Hatchery blog or forums like Backyard Chickens to help you troubleshoot and provide emergency care. Common issues include incorrect brooder temperatures, inadequate diet, genetic factors, and health problems like coccidiosis or chick sudden death syndrome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diarrhea | May be caused by high temperatures, or if the brooder is not clean and dry |
| Time of death | If chicks are dying at night, it may be too cold; if during the day, it may be too hot |
| Isolation | If a chick is being bullied or excluded, separate it from the group until it is stronger |
| Causes of death | Heart failure, stroke, fright, malnutrition, suffocation, bullying, predators, failure to thrive, chick sudden death syndrome |
| Brooder temperature | Should be 95F in the warmer parts during the first week for very young chicks |
| Brooder ventilation | Should be ventilated but draft-free |
| Space | Chicks need enough space to move about freely and not trample each other |
| Food and water | Should be replaced daily and always available; feed should be fresh and dry |
| Light | There should be enough light for chicks to see to find food and water |
| Feed | Organic grits, cereals, ground oats, and sunflower seeds are good alternatives to commercial feed |
| Genetic factors | Lethal or creeper genes can cause chicks to die during development |
| Parasites | May be a cause of death |
| Dehydration | Chicks will become dehydrated if not offered water |
| Age | Chicks under one week old are very fragile and have a higher chance of death |
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What You'll Learn
Keep the brooder clean, dry, ventilated, and draft-free
Keeping the brooder clean, dry, well-ventilated, and free of drafts is essential for raising healthy chicks. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Cleanliness
Maintaining a clean brooder is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases among chicks. Clean the brooder daily, and thoroughly sanitise it after each use. You can use a 10% bleach solution to sanitise the brooder, feeders, and waterers, ensuring they are dry before introducing chicks. Puppy pads are a great option for easy cleanup, as they provide a non-slippery surface and can be easily hauled out and composted. Regularly clean the feeders and waterers, as chicks are messy eaters and drinkers.
Dryness
In addition to keeping the brooder clean, it is essential to ensure it stays dry. Wet litter can lead to coccidiosis, a deadly disease for chicks. Keep the bedding clean and dry, and use large-flake wood shavings to absorb moisture and manage droppings. Avoid cedar shavings due to potential toxins.
Ventilation
Good ventilation is necessary to maintain fresh air circulation within the brooder. Stale, oxygen-deprived air can be detrimental to the chicks' health. Ensure the brooder has adequate ventilation without creating drafts that can chill the chicks.
Draft-Free
A draft-free environment is crucial to prevent stress and chill in chicks. If the brooder is open on the sides, use cardboard to block drafts. Ensure the brooder has a lid to keep chicks safe from external dangers and maintain a stable temperature.
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Maintain optimal brooder temperatures
Maintaining optimal brooder temperatures is crucial for the health and survival of chicks. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations to achieve this:
Firstly, understand the ideal temperature range for chicks. Brand new baby chicks prefer temperatures just under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with their need for heat decreasing by about 5 degrees each week until they are about 10 weeks old. This gradual reduction in temperature should be continued until the chicks can maintain their body temperature without assistance.
To achieve the optimal temperature, use two heat lamps with incandescent 60-watt bulbs, suspended 12-18 inches above the floor of the brooder. If the chicks are huddled together directly under the lamps, the brooder is too cool, so lower the lamps or use higher-wattage bulbs. Conversely, if the chicks are spread out around the perimeter, the temperature is too high, so raise the lamps or use lower-wattage bulbs. Additionally, consider using a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
It is important to ensure proper ventilation in the brooder. Air should be able to circulate to prevent stuffiness, but drafts should be avoided to prevent chilling the chicks. Cardboard can be used to cover open sides and help retain heat, but flammable materials should be kept away from hot bulbs. Maintaining a relative humidity between 50% and 70% is recommended for the chicks' comfort and ability to cool themselves through panting.
Regularly observe the chicks' positions and behaviour. If the temperature is just right, chicks will be evenly spread out in the brooder, and you will hear them making contented peeping sounds. If they are distressed, silent, or panting with drooping heads, investigate and adjust the temperature accordingly.
Finally, keep the brooder clean and dry. Diarrhoea in chicks may be a sign of excessive heat or coccidiosis if the brooder is not clean. Additionally, ensure that the brooder corners are rounded to prevent chicks from packing themselves into corners and suffocating. By following these guidelines, you can provide a comfortable and healthy environment for your chicks.
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Provide fresh, dry food and clean water daily
Providing fresh, dry food and clean water daily is essential for keeping chicks healthy. Chicks need access to clean water at all times, and it is recommended to use a waterer that is the correct size for the flock to prevent spillage and contamination. Water should be kept at room temperature, and the waterer should be cleaned daily with warm water and vinegar or a poultry-approved sanitizer to prevent the spread of disease.
Chicks should be monitored to ensure they are drinking enough water, especially in their first few hours, as dehydration can occur quickly. It is also important to ensure chicks are drinking before they start eating to prevent sticky bottoms, and a few drops of sugar water can be added to provide a boost of energy.
When it comes to food, it is crucial to provide a complete chick starter feed with at least 18% protein to support early growth and overall health. Feed should be fresh and dry, and it should be replaced daily to prevent spoilage and contamination. The nutritional needs of chicks change as they mature, so it is important to adjust their feed accordingly. For example, at 18 weeks, layer chicks require a higher-calcium feed.
It is also important to note that chicks should be fed age-appropriate food. For instance, layer ration should not be fed to chicks as the high calcium content can damage their kidneys. Additionally, some human foods, such as raw beans and onions, are toxic to chicks and should be avoided.
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Separate weak chicks from the flock
If you have a weak chick in your flock, it may be necessary to separate it from the other chickens. Chickens tend to pick on sick or weak members of the flock, especially if they see blood. Cannibalism is a risk, and a weak chick may be bullied or trampled.
To separate a weak chick, you can use chicken wire to protect it from the others without complete isolation. You could also bring it inside in a crate with food and water, or keep it in a large dog crate or other enclosure with food and water within the run. It is important to ensure that the weak chick has access to adequate food and water, as well as a suitable temperature and ventilation.
If you are introducing new chicks to a flock, it is recommended to implement the "look but don't touch" method for at least one to two weeks before letting them mingle. This involves keeping the new and old chickens in separate but adjacent enclosures, allowing them to interact through fencing. This gives the older chickens time to get used to the new ones without feeling threatened, and lets the newcomers adjust to their new space in a stress-free manner.
Once the chickens have had time to adjust to each other's presence, you can begin the process of integrating them into the same enclosure. This should be done slowly and carefully to avoid aggressive behaviour and fighting. It is important to monitor the chickens during this process and separate them again if there are any prolonged fights or continued bullying.
Overall, taking the time to properly introduce new or weak chickens to the flock will help to ensure the safety and well-being of all the birds involved.
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Contact a veterinarian
If your chick is dying, it is important to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to provide professional advice and treatment to help save the chick's life. Here are some reasons to contact a veterinarian:
- Dehydration: Chicks can quickly become dehydrated, so it is important to ensure they always have access to water. If you suspect your chick is dehydrated, seek veterinary help immediately.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea in chicks can be caused by high temperatures or coccidiosis, an infection. If you notice diarrhea, contact your veterinarian for advice on treatment and to prevent dehydration.
- Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a serious issue in chicks and can lead to death. Ensure your chick is receiving a balanced diet with the necessary trace minerals and protein. If you suspect malnutrition, consult a veterinarian for advice on improving your chick's diet.
- Temperature regulation: Chicks need a stable and appropriately warm environment. If they are huddled together near the heat source, they are too cold. On the other hand, if they are all trying to stay away from the heat source, the brooder is too warm. Consult a veterinarian for guidance on maintaining optimal temperatures for your chick's age.
- Illness: If your chick is displaying signs of illness, such as lethargy, constant chirping, or beak gaping, contact a veterinarian immediately. They can advise on the necessary treatment and help improve your chick's chances of survival.
By promptly contacting a veterinarian, you can receive expert advice tailored to your chick's specific needs and increase their chances of recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
First, check for signs of distress such as repeated or constant chirping. Then, check the brooder temperature and ensure the chicks have enough space to move about and not trample each other. Also, check for diarrhoea as this could be a symptom of coccidiosis. Finally, ensure food and water are being replaced daily and that the feed is fresh and of good quality.
A chick that is close to death will lie on its side, not chirping, with its beak gaping and eyes closed. Other signs include lethargy, repeated chirping, and wings held low.
You can try feeding a dying chick sugar water and minced egg white and yolk. You can also add electrolytes to their water, such as Poly Vi Sol baby vitamins or Nutridrench.
