Hey all, I stopped loosing the broiler chicks after the third day, ended up at 5% of total chicks, not so bad, still have two seperated and on antibiotics. MM replaced all dead ones and added a few more, they came up on Sunday, looking strong as can be, I put them with the week olds and the week olds have about doubled in size! But the last two nights I have lost two more of the week old broilers. Same old thing, they look fine at night and in the morning they are laying under the heat lamp dead. I ended up cutting one open this morning, dead less than six hours and its abdominal cavity was full of a clear yellowish water, not much smell at all. But alot of it. some of them look like they have big bellies on them from the back. I called MM and they said it was probably ASCITES SYNDROME, they faxed me a sheet and it says to limit food right away(I was going to wait two weeks to limit stress). Is this the same as water belly? MM said it is not genetic, what do you think? What is the best option from loosing more? By the way, my layer chicks are doing GREAT!!! Thank you Craig

-- craig swasnon (craig@rswcorp.com), April 10, 2001

Answers

Craig, I am ignorant of ascites syndrome,but is it possible they are simply piling up under the light at night for warmth, and some get trampled? You might try putting in another light. I don't remember how many chicks you have, but if too many try to get in one spot, some will easily be trampled to death especially at night.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), April 10, 2001.

http://www.rockingtranch.com/ If you go to this site and ask about the disease you'll get an answer usually by the next day. They raise several breeds and part of what they do is give free information and advice. Good luck with your chicks. Enjoy your life. Deborah

-- Deborah (bearwaoman@Yahoo.com), April 10, 2001.

My understanding of ascites is its a heart condition caused by the abnormally rapid growth of these jumbo cornish crosses. Their hearts cant keep up with the rate of growth. (One reason I don't raise em anymore). I always take feed away at night; they need their feed restricted to prevent heart attacks and leg problems

-- Earthmama (earthmama48@yahoo.com), April 10, 2001.