Bedding suggestions

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Dalluge56

Dalluge56

Chirping
6 Years
Jan 2, 2017
27
12
99
Looking for bedding suggestions for first timer raising baby chicks? And any other best practices?
 
When I first got my flock as chicks, I used pine shavings. Other chick-raising tips:
For the first week or two, put marbles in the water. Even in small, shallow waterers, very small chicks can still drown.
Use a red heat bulb. It often helps keep chicks from picking at each other.
You can give chicks as young as 1 week cooked spaghetti as a treat. They love it!
You can give older chicks clumps of grass, roots and all, hung in the brooder.
When they are about 2 weeks old, you can make a chicken-wire box or cut the bottom out of a storage tote and let them go outside. even in the box, keep an eye on them!
Handle them often. It will make them nicer as adults.
It may be worth it to get them a swing made for small pet birds. Mine were able to fit in it up until about a month of age, and some of them loved it.

Just curious, what breeds are you getting?
Also, welcome to BYC! It is a great place to ask questions and learn about poultry.
Good luck with your chicks!
 
Thanks for all the info!!! That is a great idea about using a cut out bin to take them outside. As for breeds, I was looking at the dominques, buff orpingtons, silver laced Wyondette and either an Easter egger or golden comet. what breeds do you have or recommend for layers?
 
I use pine shavings. The first week I put down paper towels on top of them to help them walk better and to find food easier. I sprinkle some food on the paper towels. Change as necessary. After a week I remove it.
 
I personally like buff Orpingtons. EE can add colorful eggs. Wyandotte are pretty but seem to need more room than other breeds, I haven't had any troubles with mine but others find them aggressive. Sex links can be pushy and need a higher protein feed as adults. Other good breeds are barred rocks and Australorp.
 
Thanks! Good to know that about the different breeds. How many wyandottes do you have compared to space? Just trying to get an idea of what might not be enough.
 
Mine have lots of space, a 40x40 pole shed with 40 acres to roam. My Wyandotte have always been meek and haven't shown any aggression towards other birds.

I do read posts about them being bullies sometimes, but I like mine. I personally would get some if you wanted them and see how it goes.

I used to keep a pair in a smaller coop with some Orpingtons and didn't have troubles either. They are one of my favorite breeds because of the colors they come in and their smaller combs.
 
I agree with @coopinthewoods... I used fine pine shavings ( got from my local Agway) & the marbles in water. Worked great! Just make sure you stage your waterer up a couple inches so the chicks don't step & poop in the waterer.
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Is easier on your cleanup process. Add a splash of ACV to the water to- helps to keep the insides of chicks healthy .

I have had good luck with my silver laced wyandottes, auracuanas & black australorpes & salmon favorelles. Tho they have had a few disagreements here & there for most part they all get along.

Good luck!
 
You got it! ACV. My hens are 8 months old now & I still put ACV in their water. im a firm believer in it- that it's the key to how healthy they are.

All the best
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