Confused. Different opinions re chicks immune system

[Fontaine]

I have seven healthy chicksAges 3 1/2 and 4 1/2 weeks in the kitchen. after a few days of paper towels, they are on large shavings. So far they’ve been exposed to nothing which may not be the best. I have a flock of 11. I live in Florida, so the weather is not really an issue as far as them going outside which they haven’t yet on a field trip. I’m trying to decide when it’s safe As far as germs to move their “ brooder” into the coop. I have electricity if they need their heater . my concern is they will be going directly onto a sand floorWhich is been used my my hensOver the year. I scoop poop every day, but know there must be a wealth of bacteria in that sand. It’s dry. should I “work up “to exposure i.e. putting some of that sand in there brooder in the kitchen? Should I wait until they’re older and would have a better immune system? Ideally, I’d like to put them out when the youngest are five weeks old. They will have quite a large area once I open their BrooderTo a larger chick only section but that’s also. “used sand”And would take many bags of store bought sandIf it had to be replaced now. I have a ton of sand delivered every Christmas and at that time replace all the sand in the coop. I’d appreciate input on my issue .I got wordy, but to summarize I will enclose a picture of my “brooder” And asking when it’s safe to move it out, inside the coop directly on used sand. Thanks so much.

 

[rosemarythyme]

IMO exposure should be done early as possible so you're already past that point - for reference I now brood outdoors from the start with chicks 2-3 days old. The only time I've had coccidiosis issues were with chicks brooded indoors for 5 weeks. It won't hurt to bring in outdoor sand/dirt from the run location now but have Corid on hand to treat for coccidiosis if it becomes an issue.

Or you can begin the "field trips" now and start the see but no touch part of integration as well. There's no benefit to waiting to 5 weeks, especially if you don't have cold weather to deal with.

 

[Sefirothe]

While they were still indoors and on medicated chick feed, I started grabbing a hunk of grass with roots and dirt attached and put it in the chicks' brooder. This allowed them to start getting exposed to stuff from the outdoors. This was when they were about 3-4 weeks old.

Then a week or two later they started getting some trips outdoors while I worked on their grow out coop/pen.

I dont have other chickens, so I didnt have to worry about integration into a flock.

 

[Fontaine]

@rosemarythyme is correct about the immune systems of baby chicks being that the narrow window where immunity to bacteria and other pathogens is two weeks from hatch. This is one reason in favor of brooding chicks in the run from day one. Not just baby animals, but baby humans also benefit from exposure to germs, in moderation, of course. In other words, a bacteria-free environment isn't ideal for babies. The immune system needs to be taught to deal with the bad guys.

It's not too late. Start taking them out for brief gradual "field trips". It will get them acclimated to outdoor temps as well as outdoor pathogens. Feeding them medicated chick feed during this time can be helpful to get them resistant to local coccidia in the soil.

Yes I’m taking them out today after BYC information . I am feeding medicated chick feed so hope that helps my negligence not getting them exposed earlier . Thanks,

 

[Fontaine]

I am replying to individuals on their posts. Now I think I was supposed reply here!If it’s not obvious, I am of the typewriter generation, my children have left home so they can no longer help and I muddle through computer issues!A big thanks for everybody’s help. I couldn’t do this without you . At my age my chickens are my main delight, and I just want to get it right!

 

[Fontaine]

Thank you for clearing up some things for me also. Although they will be separated in the coop from the flock, I was concerned, some food may be spelled either into the brooder or out of the Brooder. The ladies are on f Flock Raiser With Oyster shell on the side. I have three older hens Who are not laying. And I’m waiting for one of my eight teenagers to give me my first egg! I have corid in my emergency kit, but I’m going to check the expiration now as I’ve never used it. Just in case I need it. This will be my last batch of chicks, so I’m hoping all goes well. I’ll try to get a picture of my teenagers and post it.

 

[Red Horse]

I kept my first flock in for 2 weeks per a Mommy blog's suggested timeline for acclimating them to the outdoors, and they catch a new strain of coccidiosis everytime I bring home a new load of straw or if a wild bird looks in the direction of the coop for too long. I will never do that again, and my next batch of chicks will be getting non-medicated feed and a tray full of dirt from my current run in the brooder on day 1.

 

[Fontaine]

Yes, I wish now I had done that. I thought I’d add some pictures ofSome of my existing flock of 11.Couldn’t get them to stand still for a photo shoot!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I am replying to individuals on their posts. Now I think I was supposed reply here!If it’s not obvious, I am of the typewriter generation, my children have left home so they can no longer help and I muddle through computer issues!A big thanks for everybody’s help. I couldn’t do this without you . At my age my chickens are my main delight, and I just want to get it right!

There's no wrong or right way. Best to quote people if you're answering a specific post, but if you're just making a general statement, then an unquoted response to everyone works fine too.

 

[Fontaine]

@rosemarythyme is correct about the immune systems of baby chicks being that the narrow window where immunity to bacteria and other pathogens is two weeks from hatch. This is one reason in favor of brooding chicks in the run from day one. Not just baby animals, but baby humans also benefit from exposure to germs, in moderation, of course. In other words, a bacteria-free environment isn't ideal for babies. The immune system needs to be taught to deal with the bad guys.

It's not too late. Start taking them out for brief gradual "field trips". It will get them acclimated to outdoor temps as well as outdoor pathogens. Feeding them medicated chick feed during this time can be helpful to get them resistant to local coccidia in the soil.

Thank you. Yes I am feeeding medicated feed. They have been outside and so far so good