oeufingabout Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Hello All I took delivery of my first hen on Sat (a beautiful blue silkie). She came with 5 x 2 week old chicks (4 Lavender Leghorns and 1 Black Silkie). All seemed to be well until yesterday. I found one of the smaller chicks lying in the run dead. No obvious signs of damage. Again today at about the same time I went out and the other small chick was dead. All were feeding well and drinking. In fact only this morning the smaller chick was eating out of my hand. The only thing with the second chick was there was a poo on the back feathers which were matted and around the back near the vent. I tried yesterday to remove this pasting with warm water and some cotton wool. I am completely new to chicken keeping and feel like the grim reaper today. Anyone any ideas what could be happening here? Any advice would be welcome. I have two small children who are very upset at the loss of one chick. I now have to break the news about the other. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A chickychickychick-ENN!! Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 I'm no good on chicks, but I'd like to say welcome to the forum and sorry for your experience. Poor chicks! Anna x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Sorry to hear it. What have you been feeding them on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oeufingabout Posted October 9, 2008 Author Share Posted October 9, 2008 I am feeding them on chick crumb and a bit of toast. Gave Mum some corn kernels day before yest which chicks nibbled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Have they always been a outside or where they with mum in a barn or something previous to that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 I wondered if they might be in a draught. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oeufingabout Posted October 9, 2008 Author Share Posted October 9, 2008 Could be.It isn't esp chilly though here. They have been in a run the same as mine with surrogate Mum chicken for about two weeks before coming to me. They have had matted back feathers and there is evidence of diahorrea esp with latest chick death. I have three left and one more looks a little runny around the back. I have used a week Milton soloution to clean hen house and water feeder tonight. could they have arrived with disease already? Any advice greatefully received. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Sounds like they might have already had some nasty tummy bug - I'de get some Avipro in their water and get them to a vet fast. Little chicks are like baby humans, they can go downhill very quickly Get the vet's opinion and then speak to the breeder, could be cocci, but I can't say without seeing them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 Sorry to hear that . How worrying for you . Hope you get to the bottom of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 9, 2008 Share Posted October 9, 2008 They have had matted back feathers and there is evidence of diahorrea esp with latest chick death. ........ could they have arrived with disease already? Sounds like it. Poor little things. Avipro is excellent for upset tums. Have you informed the breeder/supplier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oeufingabout Posted October 10, 2008 Author Share Posted October 10, 2008 Yes breeder got them of someone else for me. She maintains there was no problem when with her but has ofgfered to come a pick up and replace with adults or pullets. going to vet today with them so let you all know outcome. Would a urban vet sell Avipro? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 10, 2008 Share Posted October 10, 2008 Would a urban vet sell Avipro? They shouldl sell it, or at least could order it in. Check the price online first - you may be able to get it cheaper there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
