Abstract
In a nipple waterer study, 55 (6.11%) of 900 total chicks were found dead the day after placement with another 25 to 30 chicks alive but in apparent respiratory distress. Examination of temperature and humidity records revealed no aberrations from the respective set points; however, examination of the dead chicks showed most to have a mass of litter (pine wood shavings) in the mouth cavity. The litter mass appeared to be wet and to physically block the opening of the larynx. Reexamination of the house showed the water line to be 3.5 cm higher than the factory recommended level. Furthermore, several nipples had leaked, which resulted in wet litter. We concluded that in their attempt to satisfy thirst, the smaller chicks consumed the wet litter beneath the leaking nipples and succumbed to choking.
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