Jake Harper
Chicks are very fragile, especially during the first few weeks of their lives. There are many reasons why chicks die, including failure to thrive, chick sudden death syndrome, heart failure, stroke, fright, malnutrition, suffocation, bullying, predators, and disease. It is imperative to have sound management to keep your flock healthy. If you notice symptoms such as lethargy, gasping for air, shaking, or a lack of energy, it is important to consult a veterinarian for advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal mortality rate | 1-5% |
| Causes of early chick mortality | Genetic, management, disease, and nutritional causes |
| Lethal gene mutations in birds | 21 |
| Congenital tremors and congenital loco cause death within | 1 week of hatching |
| Brooder temperature | Should be stable and suitable for the age of chicks |
| Brooder corners | Should be rounded to avoid suffocation |
| Food and water | Should be replaced daily and always available |
| Feed | Should be fresh, dry, of good quality, and contain trace minerals and protein |
| Light in the brooder | Should be sufficient for chicks to see food and water |
| Waterers | Should not be spilling or leaking |
| Pasty butt | Caused by stress from shipping, being overheated, too cold, or from something they have eaten |
| Dehydration | Caused by high brooding temperature |
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What You'll Learn
Dehydration
To prevent dehydration, it is crucial to ensure that chicks always have access to fresh, clean water. The water should be at the right temperature, as chicks won't drink water that is too warm or too cold. It is recommended to provide water that is around 55°F. Maintaining the proper temperature in the brooder is also essential to prevent overheating or chilling, both of which can contribute to dehydration. The optimum body temperature for a day-old chick is approximately 40-40.5°C (104-105°F).
If chicks arrive dehydrated, it is helpful to gently dip their beaks into the water to encourage drinking. Additionally, providing an electrolyte supplement or a vitamin/electrolyte solution can aid in rehydration.
While dehydration is a significant concern, it is important to note that there are also other factors that can contribute to chick mortality, such as genetic, nutritional, and disease-related causes.
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Poor management
One aspect of poor management is inadequate brooder setup. The brooder should be clean and sanitized before introducing chicks. Proper ventilation is crucial, ensuring airflow without drafts that can chill the chicks. Rounding the corners of the brooder can prevent chicks from packing themselves into a corner, reducing the risk of suffocation. Maintaining the appropriate temperature and humidity levels is essential, as too much heat can lead to dehydration and affect the chicks' growth.
Another management issue is improper feeding practices. Chicks have specific nutritional requirements, including trace minerals and protein. Using low-quality feed or feed that is not suitable for their age can impact their health. It is important to provide grit to help chicks grind and chew their food, and introducing treats too early should be avoided. Mixing different types of poultry can also be detrimental, as larger birds can trample smaller ones.
Stress caused by rough handling or transportation can also lead to chick mortality. Chicks should be handled gently and calmly, reducing any sudden movements or loud noises that can induce panic. When transporting chicks, special attention should be given to stocking density and microclimate to minimize stress.
Finally, poor management can also lead to the spread of diseases and infections. Keeping the brooder clean and maintaining proper hygiene practices are crucial to prevent the transmission of pathogens. If chicks show signs of illness, prompt veterinary attention is necessary to diagnose and treat any infectious diseases before they spread throughout the flock.
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Lethal gene mutations
There are over 50 known lethal genes in chickens, with more loci being discovered all the time. These genes tend to be breed-specific, and they can be autosomal or sex-linked. For example, the “creeper" gene, which causes short legs in Japanese bantams, results in a quarter of chicks being unhatched. Similarly, the ear tuft gene in Araucanas is lethal because it affects the skeletal structure or organs, causing death before hatching. Other known lethal genes include the Cornish lethal gene, which causes short beaks and wings and bulging eyes, and the Barnvelder lethal gene, which causes "Donald Duck syndrome," where the beak curls upward or downward.
To manage lethal genes in your flock, it is crucial to research the breeds you are breeding and test your breeding stock for known lethal genes. Responsible breeding practices, such as keeping records and monitoring progress, can help reduce the prevalence of lethal genes over time. However, it is important to note that there is currently no cure or treatment for lethal genes.
While lethal gene mutations can be a cause of chick mortality, it is important to consider other factors such as parental health, nutrition, and environmental conditions when investigating chick deaths. Poor management, high brooding temperatures, and inadequate ventilation can also contribute to early chick mortality.
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Infectious diseases
One of the most common infectious diseases in chicks is Infectious Bronchitis (IB), caused by the IBV virus. IB is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads rapidly in a flock. It is characterised by respiratory signs, renal disease, and a significant drop in egg production. Chicks infected early in life may sustain permanent damage to their oviducts, resulting in false laying or a complete inability to produce eggs. Most birds recover from IB with supportive care, and antimicrobials can be administered to prevent secondary infections.
Another common infectious disease in chicks is Fowl Pox, caused by the fowlpox virus. Fowl Pox is characterised by crusty and nodular lesions on the unfeathered portions of the bird, such as the head, legs, and vent. In some cases, lesions may occur in the mouth and trachea, causing respiratory distress and even death due to suffocation (known as the "wet form" of Fowl Pox). Fowl Pox is transmitted by mosquitos and can be controlled by spraying to kill mosquitos and vaccinating poultry flocks.
Avian Encephalomyelitis is another infectious disease that primarily affects chicks 1-3 weeks old. It is transmitted vertically from parent to offspring and is more common in backyard poultry due to a lack of vaccination by specialty breeders. There is no treatment for Avian Encephalomyelitis, but vaccination of breeders is critical to prevention as it ensures the transfer of maternal antibodies to protect young chicks.
Other infectious diseases that can affect chicks include E. coli infection, Newcastle Disease, Marek's disease, and Congenital Tremors.
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Ventilation issues
Chicks are very fragile, especially during the first few weeks of their lives. While some mortality is normal, anything higher than a 1-5% mortality rate should be taken seriously.
One of the biggest chick management factors for early death is brooder temperature. Brooders that are too hot can cause dehydration, which can be fatal. Chicks are 70% water, and a water loss of 10% will cause death. Dehydration can also be caused by a brooder that is too cold, as the chicks will be chilled when they drink. Brooders should be draft-free, with circulating air, and the ability for chicks to move away from the heat source if necessary.
In addition to causing dehydration, high brooding temperatures can lead to "pasty butt", or ""pasted vent", a condition where loose droppings stick to the down surrounding a chick's vent. This can be caused by stress from shipping, being overheated, too cold, or from something they have eaten. When droppings build up and form a blockage, chicks can die if it is not removed.
Inadequate ventilation can also lead to exposure to toxic gases such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, which can be fatal. Chicks require a minimum of 100% air exchange six times in a 24-hour period.
To avoid suffocation, the brooding house's temperature and humidity should be at the right levels and uniform throughout the pen. A centralized heat source can help to prevent chicks from huddling together for warmth, which can lead to suffocation.
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Frequently asked questions
There could be several reasons why your chicks are dying. It could be due to poor management, such as incorrect brooder temperature, inadequate ventilation, or exposure to stress, cold, or predators. It could also be due to genetic factors, disease, or nutritional deficiencies. It is important to consult with a veterinarian or an expert to determine the specific cause and take appropriate action.
Some signs that your chicks may be unwell include lethargy, heavy breathing, fluffed-up feathers, and gasping for air. If you notice any of these symptoms, separate the affected chick from the rest of the group and consult with an expert for further guidance.
To prevent chick mortality, it is important to provide a clean, sanitized, and well-ventilated brooder with an appropriate temperature for their age. Ensure that they always have access to food and water, and a suitable heat source. Minimize stress by avoiding loud noises and providing a safe environment away from predators. Additionally, supplement their diet with apple cider vinegar and vitamins to support their immune systems.
If your chicks start dying, immediately separate any remaining sick chicks from the healthy ones. Contact your veterinarian for guidance and, if possible, send the deceased chick to a diagnostic lab for further analysis. Implementing proper management practices and seeking expert advice can help reduce chick mortality and prevent further losses.
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