1st post, 1st chicks..critique me please

[Judy]

The temp range usually given on here is 95 to 100 the first week, 90 to 95 the second week, and so forth. I found this was too warm for them as they would gather as far from the light as they could get. Since they are outside, I would check on them once or twice during the night to be sure they are not either shivering under the light or piled in a heap in the far corner. And do double secure that light so it can't fall in the bedding!

If there is enough space, you really don't have to be fussy about temps, just so they can get close to or away from it. They will tell you whether they are comfortable.

 

[maizey]

well they will have to wait till monday for grit... pet store only had the kind i already bought
Hubby, in addition to getting my coop half way to completion also buckled down my heat lamp...he really just doesnt want me to burn down his shed.. but still he was sweet. Extra cuddles for him

iceman.. i cant tell you where i live.. what if you are an axe murderer?

Thanks everyone for your advise and imput..it was very helpful. My chickens are happy, im happy

 

[SassyKat6181]

I have 6 BR in my brooder now, this is my first time raising chicks. I have found that the BR prefer a cooler temp than recommended. At 2 weeks, they are at about 80 degrees right under the lamp and feathering out nicely. Here's a pic of one of my girls yesterday. Good luck with your chicks!

 

[Lbrad7]

Pull that calcium asap. If they aren't at the age where they are starting to lay it can damage their kidneys. Other than that, it sounds like you are good to go!

 

[6blackchicks]

Sorry to crash the post, i am just wondering what breed are your chicks SassyKat6181? Its just that they look exactly like the ones i brought yesterday, and they didn't tell me what they were.

Thanks!

 

[Loco Ken]

Welcome, maizey!

Don't let my friendliness fool you as I'm new here as well but addicted to this site and crazy about chickens.

So......I guess I can't really give much advice as the rest of these fine people here as I'm just starting out with chickens as well, but I will ask you if you could post some pics of your little peeps for us. I would like to do some comparing as far as coloring goes with you since I have a couple of BR's as well. Anyway, glad to have you here and keep us informed with pics and how you're doing! Cheers!


Quote:
I hope I'm not stealing Sassy's thunder here, but those chicks of her's are Barred Rock's for your info 6bc. By far the most calm ones I have out of the three types I bought. Can't wait to see what they all look like all "growed up"!

 

[geebs]

I feed medicated feed due to cocci issues... It is a good practice to start...until they are 4 months old

 

[SassyKat6181]

Quote:
The one is the picture is a 2 1/2 week old Barred Rock pullet.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

No grit until they are 4-5 weeks old. The starter food is made to melt down when eaten. Let the chicks grow & develop before giving them grit. They don't need extra calcium until they start producing eggs.

 

[SassyKat6181]

I've been giving my chicks grit (granite that I got at the feed store) since a few days old. If you are going to feed them anything other than chick starter they will need it.