Ask your chick related questions HERE! (Newbies welcome!)

[LotsOLopsChicks]

So if you ask a chick related question, I'll do my best to answer, I think it's a good idea because it'll help me and you learn more about chicks!

Simple/Stupid questions ARE NOT stupid in my view- when your just starting out you don't know lol!

We were all there once so ask away!!

~LotsOLopsChicks

 

[Scottw]

Hi,
Is it normal to have one chick that is not growing as fast as the others.
I have had them for a week today, and all of them have doubled in size except for the one little one...

 

[LotsOLopsChicks]

Hi,
I have my brooder set up (chicks any day) and I know the temp should be around 95 (I'm using a rubbermaid with chickenwire attached to the lid). Anyway, I have a digital thermometer under the heat lamp and it's reading about 93 (ambient air- I can tell because it varies when there is a draft). I do have a very nice laser spot checker, but when I use that to check the temp at the bottom it's reading 101! So... what the heck?! How does everyone measure their temps and which should I believe? If I raise the light the temp in the brooder drops to 70 something, but my readings on the spot checker are closer to 90. I haven't really done much for bedding (just paper towels), so it could just be the plastic getting hot. Any advice? I don't want to freeze and/or fry them.

Hello Svenskavessla,

Congratulations on the new additions to the family! (Trust me, chicken math will get ya)
You've got the correct temperature, 95 first week, and lower by 5 degrees each week.

Now, the laser thermomenter is probably reading the plastic, as other person stated. ((Thanks for your input!))

But, really the best way to measure temperature is by the chicks! 95 is roughly, 93 is fine too. But the chicks are the best way, follow the chicks, not the books, is a good idea. Books are great btw! But chicks will tell you if they are comfy.

So, the legend for reading the chicks:

~Chicks Huddled Under Heat Lamp= Chicks too cold
~Chicks Huddled Away From Heat Lamp= Chicks to warm
~Chicks Huddled Against the brooder, in any place=Chicks are probably facing away from a cold draft
~Chicks Distrupted evenly throughout brooder, some under heat lamp, some not=Chicks are perfecto!
~Chicks sleeping under heatlamp ((Not huddled))=Most likely perfecto!

The book Hatching &Brooding Your Own Chicks is an awesome book, I don't own it but I borrowed it from the libarary and I would love to own it! It focuses on chickens, but goes over guineas, waterfowl, poults and more I think. It has a very good description of the chicks comfort level in it, as I just told you. I recommend you to check it out!
Here is a link to buy it off Amazon, you may also find it at your local library:
Hatching and Brooding Your Own Chicks

Best of Luck!
~LotsOLopsChicks

 

[LotsOLopsChicks]

Hi,
Is it normal to have one chick that is not growing as fast as the others.
I have had them for a week today, and all of them have doubled in size except for the one little one...

Hi Scottw,

I'd say it is. You may want to watch and make sure this chick gets feed and water, or do the others get there before them? Also check backside for pasty rear end. I can't think of any reason he'd stop growing besides those two things, really. How old are they? Can you post size compariosn pictures? Where did you get them from? The same place, same time? Are they the same breed? A lot of things can key in, so if you could answer those questions that'd be great.

thanks!

~lotsolopschicks

 

[Heidi72]

I just had a thought. I might try separating them to see what happens.

 

[dmfmfl]

Thanks for your info. I have plenty of sand. I live in Florida. They are now getting those pert little tail feathers. They are so cute. I have a Silver Laced Wyandotte, a Buff Orpington and a New Hampshire Red. I'd like to get a Columbian Rock ....if I can ever find one. Can't wait to give them some veggies Thanks again.

 

[huntersmommy611]

...

They should be fine, keep them in tonight and put 'em out tommorow if you want, add the heat lamp

As long as you have no open windows or places were rain should get through you should be good!

LotsOLopsChicks

Thank you for all your help! I'm turning into a helicopter chicken mom. Hovering and worrying about everything!

 

[LotsOLopsChicks]

how do I regulate the temp in the brooder? Im using a plastic tote with a red heat lamp bought at TSC. I have 2 thermometers in the brooder and they both read over 105. I have moved the light out as far as I can get it and still able to clip it to the side. I dont wanna cook the chicks. I had my first born(hatched) today and Im trying to get the brooder set up for when they are ready.

Hi bmdakk,

Good question! I hope I can provide a good answer.
Well first, you can make sure the brooder is not covered if you have no other animals in the house, so cool air can get in. 2nd, the heat lamp wattage may be high, in that case you'll need to buy a lower watt bulb. 3rd, no matter what, make sure they have room to get away and feed and water is not under heat lamp. Also, if you can figure out a way to securely hang the lamp, that may help.
Let me know what you figure out!

LotsOLopsChicks

 

[azygous]

Victorville California Chicken Ordinance


By: Grey Bird Farm
Posted 3/29/10 • Last updated 3/29/10 • 1,346 views • 0 comments

Victorville California Chicken Ordinance

Are Chickens Allowed in this location Yes
Max Chickens Allowed no chickens allowed on lots under1/2 acre. Upto 3 poutry on lots over 1/2 acre with permit. Multifamily dwellings (regardless of lot size) are considered to be less and 1/2 acre lot.
Roosters Allowed No
Permit Required Yes
Coop Restrictions Animals must remained confined at all times.
City/Organization Contact name 14343 Civic Drive Victorville, CA. 92393-5001 Phone: 760.955.5000 [email protected]
Additional Information Title 7 7.04.035 lot size and number of bird restrictions outlined in sections 2 and 3
Link for more Information http://library2.municode.com/default-test/home.htm?infobase=16674&doc_action=whatsnew
Information Last Updated 2010-03-29 21:09:46​

 

[Miniflock]

Got my first egg on Monday! One of my 3 1/2 month old pullets laid it - don't know which one - but I haven't seen another one yet (as of Thurdsay evening). Is this normal when they first start laying?