[Rosemary]

I bought 41 day old chicks a few weeks ago. I've never bought as many in one go before - it's always been a dozen Hubbards. One night, early on, the brooder lamp blew - I'm adding this for info but don't know if it is significant. All chicks were alive in the morning and heat restored. They are on Farmgate chick crumbs with ACS, adlib. There has never been any hint of diahorrea, sniffles etc.

They are now 5 weeks old. So far, I have had two die and I culled one. All of them had gone off their legs - and seemingly trampled by their flock mates. Another two will be culled today as they are showing a head tremor and deformed legs. The three otherdead ones may have been the same but I can't swear to it. The rest look fine and healthy, although they are quite variable in size.

So, five dead from 41 - 12% mortality. I'm a bit disappointed with this - am I right to be? Any comments, tips, advice welcome. I was planning to get another batch from the same supplier but not so sure now - but the fault may be mine.

[daddymatty82]

there a fast growing breed arnt they? its very common that there body just cannot cope with growth rate losing 5 is nothing id say

[Rosemary]

Sorry, didn't make myself clear. The 41 aren't Hubbards - they are a hybrid layer.

Day-olds in the past have been a dozen Hubbards and we've only ever lost one - culled when it broke its leg.

[daddymatty82]

ok sorry could it be an infected lot you got in?

[Rosemary]

Infected with what, though?

[daddymatty82]

there are alot of chook infections so it could be a whole number of things. how close together are they dying?  have you cut one up to look at the insides?

[Rosemary]

Not dying close together. None of the usual signs of infection - normal poo, normal breathing, eating and drinking - just off their legs and one culled today with a distinct head tremor and deformed legs but otherwise bright and healthy.

[Beewyched]

Are they by any chance trampling each other - we've got 14 in a small indoor pen at the moment ( the run IS being built tomorrow, so they can go outside) - it's amazing how rough they are getting with each other when they pile-up in a corner 

[doganjo]

Not dying close together. None of the usual signs of infection - normal poo, normal breathing, eating and drinking - just off their legs and one culled today with a distinct head tremor and deformed legs but otherwise bright and healthy.

Hmm - reputable breeder I assume - stock strength at fault maybe?  Heart problems?

[Rosemary]

Are they by any chance trampling each other - we've got 14 in a small indoor pen at the moment ( the run IS being built tomorrow, so they can go outside) - it's amazing how rough they are getting with each other when they pile-up in a corner 

I think that may be part of the problem. I don't think I'd do 40 together again - maybe 2 x 20 and split the brooder in two. Some defo had a head tremor. We only culled one yesterday - I'm hoping the other one on Death Row might be OK.

I didn't like having the brooder box in the loosebox - not enough natural light and I prefer more ventilation, so the box is going out in the barn for the next batch.

Yes, reputable breeder - so maybe I was either unlucky or had unrealistic expectations. I HATE anything dying on me 

[doganjo]

Yes, reputable breeder - so maybe I was either unlucky or had unrealistic expectations. I HATE anything dying on me 

Have you spoken to him/her about it?

[BlueDaisy]

Could shaky legs be vit D deficiency, making them more susceptible to trampling?
Think I would also speak to the supplier about it - they should be helpful, then you can better guage whether you want to use them again.

[princesspiggy]

i dont think 5 out of 41 is too bad. could u not split them into smaller groups so less chance of trampling.
wev hatched out 20 so far and not one death (touchwood) but last year we lost quite a few but mainly due to delayed hatching.

we had a variety of breeds last year but only one breed had poor legs.. they were twisted/club etc and had to be culled...from my research i found that it was most probly due to deficiency in parents diet (whom i didnt own as we bought in the eggs).
wev had splayed legs in the past that is supposed to be due to incorrect temp, but they all recovered by gently tying their legs closer together with string for 2 weeks, then then can walk normally again. (but dont keep them as breeders incase its heredity)
if they are the same age and breed, i wud think they should be the same size?

goodluck tho cos its sad when it doesnt go to plan.