Baby chickens may die due to factors like improper temperature, poor nutrition, disease, stress, or inadequate hygiene in their environment.
Losing baby chicks is heartbreaking for any poultry owner. While some mortality is normal, sudden or repeated deaths signal serious problems. This guide covers all potential causes with actionable solutions to save your flock.
1. Temperature Issues in the Brooder
Chicks can’t regulate body temperature for their first weeks. Even brief exposure to cold kills them fast.
Signs of Temperature Problems
- Huddling under heat source (too cold)
- Panting at brooder edges (too hot)
- Lethargy or weak chirping
Proper Temperature Guidelines
| Age | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 95°F (35°C) |
| Week 2 | 90°F (32°C) |
| Week 3 | 85°F (29°C) |
| Week 4 | 80°F (27°C) |
Use a thermometer at chick level – heat lamps often create uneven temperatures. For more on coop setup, see our guide on proper coop sizing.
2. Water and Dehydration
Chicks dehydrate within hours without water. Common water mistakes:
Deadly Water Errors
- Deep water containers (drowning risk)
- Dirty water (change 2x daily)
- Medicated water refusal
- Frozen water in cold climates
Add marbles or pebbles to waterers to prevent drowning. According to University of Minnesota Extension, chicks need 1.5-2 times more water than feed by weight.
3. Nutritional Deficiencies
Improper feed kills chicks slowly through malnutrition.
Critical Feeding Rules
- Use starter feed (20-24% protein)
- Never feed layer feed to chicks
- Check feed expiration dates
- Provide grit if offering treats
Store feed in airtight containers to prevent mold. Some breeds like Ayam Cemani may need specialized nutrition.
4. Disease Outbreaks
Common deadly chick diseases:
Major Chick Diseases
| Disease | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Coccidiosis | Bloody diarrhea | Amprolium (Corid) |
| Marek’s | Leg paralysis | No cure – vaccinate |
| Aspergillosis | Gasping, weakness | Antifungals |
Quarantine sick birds immediately. The PoultryDVM recommends strict sanitation to prevent disease spread.
5. Stress Factors
Stress weakens immune systems. Major stressors include:
- Overcrowding (minimum 6 sq in/chick)
- Loud noises or predators
- Frequent handling
- Transport stress
6. Genetic Weakness
Some breeds have higher mortality rates:
Delicate Chick Breeds
- Silkies
- Polish
- Seramas
- Ayam Cemani
These may need special care like higher temperatures or probiotics. Always source from reputable breeders.
7. Toxic Exposure
Common toxins that kill chicks:
- Cedar shavings (use pine or paper)
- Cleaning chemical residues
- Moldy feed
- Lead in old water pipes
8. Predator Attacks
Even in brooders, predators strike:
Top Chick Predators
- Rats
- Snakes
- House cats
- Raccoons
Use 1/4″ hardware cloth – chicken wire won’t stop predators. Learn more about protecting chickens from predators.
9. Brooder Setup Mistakes
Fatal brooder errors:
- Slick surfaces (leg splay)
- Sharp corners (chicks pile up)
- Inadequate ventilation
- Damp bedding
10. Shipping Stress
Mail-order chicks often arrive stressed:
- Dehydration
- Temperature extremes
- Physical trauma
Always inspect new chicks and quarantine for 30 days.
11. Age Mixing Problems
Never mix ages:
- Older chicks bully babies
- Disease transmission risk
- Different temperature needs
12. Sudden Death Syndrome
Sometimes healthy chicks die suddenly from:
- Heart failure
- Seizures
- Internal bleeding
This affects about 1-3% of chicks with no known prevention.