Need Chick Help ASAP

[stellarsav]

Hello, I have had an extremely difficult time with these chicks. My family has two hens in our backyard and one was broody but no rooster to make a baby. We got her some fertilized eggs from a farm near us, and five out of six hatched. When the first chick hatched, our hen did everything she was supposed to. My second (not broody) hen decided to lay an egg in the box with the fertilized eggs and then broody hen would have nothing to do with them. Second chick hatched and broody hen tried to kill it so we brought it and the eggs inside. All hatched fine except one that took too long and died soon after. The next day, our broody hen suddenly died. We didn’t think to separate that chick from the others. We had them in a warm garage (no insulation in June in Georgia) in a rubbermaid storage bin. We bought a heat lamp and moved them to our screened in porch and they seemed to be fine. Probably a day or so later, the oldest chick that had been with the hen died. Since then, two chicks have been very lethargic and not wanting to eat/drink. We read tips on here about giving them sugar water and eggs and the nutrient stuff for their water. One has perked up and will drink on its own but the other is still very lethargic and falls asleep unless being actively stimulated. We have to make her drink. We think they may have upper respiratory infections because you can hear a crackle noise when you hold them. It seems like they switch off as to who is sick and weak today. We’ve lost two and have three left. We don’t want to lose anymore!! They are about a week old and the one that died was a few days older. Any advice would be appreciated. I know this was long but I am at a loss. Thank you in advance!
PS I have heard about oxine but it is only available online and I don’t think my chicks can wait

 

[Wagnit09]

Do you have a thermometer in the brooder box? It could be your temp is too high. The light should be off to one side to allow them room to move to cooler areas as needed.

If temp is fine,there might be a build up of fumes in the box. Drill some small holes in the side to allow for ventilation.

 

[stellarsav]

We do have a thermometer and don’t let the temperature get below 80 or above 95. They aren’t closed in and the light is off to one side so that they have a cool area to go to.

 

[Wagnit09]

I had a majority of my first set of day-olds die. Even with the top of the box open and constant litter changes, we think that there was fume build up of some kind. Once we drilled holes in the sides we didn't have any more issues. Unfortunately, with something like that, you can't see or smell it.

Hoping your littles pull through.

 

[stellarsav]

Okay we will try anything at this point so we’ll definitely give it a shot! Thank you for responding!!

 

[CluckNDoodle]

First off, welcome to BYC! I'm sorry that your having such a difficult experience with your chicks! I do think it seems odd that your broody hen passed away and now the chicks are passing away. Are there any other symptoms you're seeing other than lethargy and crackling noise while breathing? Are any of the other chickens in your adult flock showing symptoms?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I'm so sorry for your losses, and wonder about a few things here.
Mites or lice? Look at the birds at night with a flashlight, especially around the vent and neck.
Often it's best to isolate or fence off a broody, so there are no issues with flockmates.
The brooder may be too warm or underventilated; have you checked temps, and did the chicks have a cool area in it?
Respiratory or other illnesses are possible, and having necropsies done may be a good idea. Mycoplasma can pass though eggs if the other flock is infected, for example.
I do hope that things go better!
Mary