hopefully doing okay for now.

schnipke

In the Brooder
7 Years
Apr 2, 2012
17
0
22
nw ohio
I've been caring for 6 baby chicks since Sunday, April 1st. I'm estimating they are between 1 and 2 weeks old, maybe someone can tell from the photos. Hoping they are all hens :)


These are the bantams, Despereaux and Bukowski.

Rock cross, Edda Jo and white pullet, Foghorn. The red pullet on the far left is Avis.

Avis with Foghorn in the background. Red/ white pullets.

They are being kept in a makeshift brooder in my bedroom. I don't have a heat lamp on them, but I have a space heater than keeps the room at a solid 85. They are eating DuMor chick starter and drinking diluted sugar water until the gallon is gone. They are on aspen bedding and have a "nesting/cuddle" box for sleeping. I usually give them food 2-3 times a day and fresh water as needed. They do stay inside now. The pictures were taken the day they arrived, they were out for about 5 minutes.

So far, Foghorn is the most friendly, she'll jump out when I open the door to the brooder, onto my lap if they're free-ranging the bedroom and fall asleep on me. Avis is curious, but also calm and quiet. I really like the personalities of the two pullets. Despereaux is really loud and obnoxious- curious but independent. Bukowski is calm and affectionate- much cuddlier and quieter than Despereaux, the other bantam. They both fall asleep almost instantly when I put them on their backs in my hand. Edda Jo and Benson, the rock crosses, are a bit more skittish and standoffish. Benson is not pictured.

I only have two questions for right now and I appreciate any pointers. Do chicks need a grit supply? I'm not feeding them an extra treats right now.
The other question I have is about feeding. They usually free eat throughout the day, and have no food from 12pm-9am. They seem to have really full crops, but are still pooping. A lot. The poop is mostly solid, healthy looking poop. Is free-feeding okay for chicks? I just don't want to over feed them and risk crop impaction. Am I rightfully worried?
 
I'm no expert but since their not meat birds i would leave feed out 24 hrs. As far as grit some say yes some say no, they'll prob be fine but once you start giving treats then you should supply grit. And they all look very cute too.
 
Your chicks are beautiful, great pictures! :welcome
Grit, it's not necessary when they're still this young. If they're going outside, they'll pick up grit from the ground anyway. But if they're just on chick feed grit isn't strictly necessary.

Free feeding, by what I know of the term which isn't much, is fine. Everyone in my family works or goes to school till late, and the chicks are fine by themselves at home for the majority of the day. Feeding twice, once in the morning and at night, does fine for them. :p
 
Thank you both so much! :)
The chicks are being raised as pets, but we'll also collect their eggs, not to sell, but either to eat or feed back to them.

Oh, I also wanted to give an update. The crops were a lot smaller when I checked them this morning. Definitely a learning experience, chicks are.
 

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