[tegan]

Hi
I've read these forums for a while and found them really helpful so I'm hoping someone can help with my chicks.
I've had 4 laying hens for a year and 6 weeks ago bought 10 week old chicks.  We kept them separately and they all thrived until 3 days ago when the first died.  2 more days and we are down to 7 chicks.  Going to check on them now another has started with the same symptoms, eyes closing, looking like shes asleep.
Please can anyone help as i dont want to lose them all.

[newatthis]

hello and welcome to the mad house of chicken keeping, so sorry to hear of your chicks dying, im not sure why, was there any other signs?

[tegan]

not really, one day they were fine and the next they seemed really sleepy and not very aware of their surroundings.  Their breathing was quite laboured and their eyes kept closing.
I wonder if they have some sort of virus but they have not been in contact with any other chickens

[newatthis]

how long have you had the chicks?, have you spoke to the breeder you got them from? so haven't been much help

[joyfull]

vets straight away!! is it just the new ones that are ill and dying? Ask the breeder about it, has he/she got any more with the same symptoms? but in the meantime get that appointment at the vets made before you risk losing them all.

[tegan]

all the chicks were from the same breeder and are the same age, i have  mailed him but havent had any reply as yet.
i will ring the vet monday morning.

[Basil_UK]

Is there any more news ,  just wondered how you are getting on.

[tegan]

Sorry, I should have let you know how they are getting along.  We have lost a total of 4 now but the remaining chicks all seem very healthy, in fact I gave them a little run in the garden today - they loved that1
I have no idea why the others died, i've e mailed the breeder but he doesnt reply, perhaps hes on holiday.
thanks for you concern