Surprise chicks, help please!

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Nickles

Nickles

In the Brooder
Aug 27, 2015
62
1
33
Florida
Hi, I'm new here. I have 3 hens, good girls, they've been really simple and I've had no problems with them. Today, someone knocked at my door and handed me two two-day-old chicks. Said something got their hen and the rest of the chicks, they have zero interest in trying to keep them. They knew I had chickens so thought I'd be their best bet.

I have never had babies. I have no idea where to even start. Right now they're sitting in a box with some grass under an extra heat lamp from a reptile set up. I don't know what to feed them, how much to feed them, how to water them, how hot or cold to keep them, where to keep them, nothing. I'm googling around and getting so very overwhelmed. My kids are in love, I'm kind of in love too, and I want to do everything I can to keep this from turning ugly. I can't get to a feed store until tomorrow, everything's closed for the night. I have layer feed, I don't think they're supposed to eat that yet?

Any and all advice would be great, please.
 
It's pretty easy. You have the right setup, assuming your heat lamp doesn't catch the box on fire. All you need is starter feed and water. Don't feed them layer feed, make some scrambled eggs for them.
 
Last edited:
Ok great, thanks. Maybe I'll transfer them over to a rubbermaid, I don't think it's a fire hazard but hey, better safe than sorry lol. I never ever would have thought of scrambled eggs though, thank you!
 
Toddrick said:
It's pretty easy. You have the right setup, assuming your heat lamp doesn't catch the box on fire. All you need is starter feed and water. Don't feed them layer feed, make some scrambled eggs for them.
Click to expand...
x2 Scrambled eggs make an excellent substitute for young chicks until you can get them some starter. If you don't get medicated starter, make sure you have some Corid or other medication for coccidia, just in case.
 
Toddrick said:
It's pretty easy. You have the right setup, assuming your heat lamp doesn't catch the box on fire. All you need is starter feed and water. Don't feed them layer feed, make some scrambled eggs for them.
Click to expand...

Thank you, one more question. Do I leave the heat lamp on 24/7?
 
Yes. They need a heat source to keep them warm until their feathers are all grown in. Gradually raise it a bit every couple of days. At the end of 4-5 weeks, they should be able to tolerate 70-75 degrees with no problems.
 
Last edited:
junebuggena said:
Yes. They need a heat source to keep them warm until their feathers are all grown in. Gradually raise it a bit every couple of days. At the end of 4-5 weeks, they should be able to tolerate 70-75 degrees with no problems.
Click to expand...

Awesome, thanks again :)
 
for a temporary waterer, a lid from a mason jar works great. you just have to refill it a lot. if your desparate, this is a great substitute for a regular one! :)
 
Bubbles12345 said:
for a temporary waterer, a lid from a mason jar works great. you just have to refill it a lot. if your desparate, this is a great substitute for a regular one!
smile.png
Click to expand...

That's exactly what we're using, lol. My husband was so proud figuring that out, he doesn't really love or hate the chickens but I think these little cheepers are getting to him.
 

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