new chicks

[ravenking]

so im getting new baby chicks what light bulb should i get for week old chicks and is pine shavings or hay good and any other info i need

 

[Nyfarmer30802]

we use a heat lamp for them but sometimes it gets a little to hot so we don't put it in direct contact with them don't know what wattage though. And we use pine shavings over hay but they both work good.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Here are a few articles that should be able to answer your questions! Also I would use pine shaving over hay any day, I've been told hay isn't good for the chicks because it has a lot of dust and can easily mold and there are some other problems.

How To Raise Baby Chicks
Raising Your Baby Chicks


How To Care For A Chick - First 60 Days:

• You'll need a chick brooder - See our list of hmemade brooders
• Flooring - Pine shavings & corn cob bedding are best. Stay clear of newspaper since it doesn't absorb well and can be slippery.
• Temperature - 90 to 100 deg. for the first week, decrease 5 deg. per week. Be VERY careful of fire hazards!
• Food & water - chick crumbles / starter & a chick waterer (see our list of homemade feeders & waterers)
• Play time - Play with your chicks when young to get the use to being around people.
• More details: Article: How To Raise Baby Chicks - Forum Section: Raising Chicks

 

[mymilliefleur]

You have gotten some good advise from Chicken girl1. Definitely go with pine shavings over hay.
Why not go with the mama heating pad method: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/brooding-with-mama-heating-pad It is much safer and healthier than a conventional heat lamp set up.