2 questions about chicks

[ChickenCanoe]

Nice brooder setup, but I see you have a thermometer mounted on a wall.
No offense, but I think that is worthless information. You really don't need it if your heat plate is working. The temperature where your thermometer is mounted doesn't matter. Keep in mind how a broody hen keeps her chicks safe and warm. She will raise them successfully in any weather. She provides a warm/hot space under her where they run to warm up and they are out running around in ambient temperatures the rest of the time no matter what those temperatures are. So it doesn't really matter what the ambient temperature is(where your thermometer is).
In fact, the more variable the ambient temperature, the more adaptable and healthy the birds will be.
A hen doesn't raise all the ambient temperature.
Also, be prepared to continue raising water and feed on blocks of wood or bricks as they grow or they'll kick bedding/feces into them.
12 chicks may go through a quart of water and feed more than once a day. You can migrate them to adult gallon size units in a few days.

 

[Al Capon]

Styptic powder.

 

[amlee1234]

Nice brooder setup, but I see you have a thermometer mounted on a wall.
No offense, but I think that is worthless information. You really don't need it if your heat plate is working. The temperature where your thermometer is mounted doesn't matter. Keep in mind how a broody hen keeps her chicks safe and warm. She will raise them successfully in any weather. She provides a warm/hot space under her where they run to warm up and they are out running around in ambient temperatures the rest of the time no matter what those temperatures are. So it doesn't really matter what the ambient temperature is(where your thermometer is).
In fact, the more variable the ambient temperature, the more adaptable and healthy the birds will be.
A hen doesn't raise all the ambient temperature.

That does make perfect sense. We originally were using a heat lamp, and I was monitoring that sides heat during test runs. I just didn’t take it down.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That does make perfect sense. We originally were using a heat lamp, and I was monitoring that sides heat during test runs. I just didn’t take it down.

That's cool. My experience with 250W heat lamps in a small space is that they will cook chicks.

 

[blackdog043]

Do you have a coop for them yet, they grow real quick?

 

[amlee1234]

Do you have a coop for them yet, they grow real quick?

We are building it this weekend, so we’ll have a few weeks to tweak it before they go in. We are going to use an 8x8 shed, and initially an enclosed run. My husband wants to free range, but we live in the woods so I’m not sure that would be safe for them.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Your brooder is a good start, and I do hope it has a cover too. If you've ordered any bantam chicks, they will likely get through those 1" wire openings, so hardware cloth would be best for them.
Make sure that your post office knows that chicks are coming, and that you want to be called immediately when they arrive! Visit in person, with your phone numbers, soonest.
Then, plan to have everything up and running, and get them right away.
I do hope your coop is ready, and if possible, have them out there in two or three weeks max. NOT indoors!
The only extra that I might use an electrolyte mix, for a couple of days, if they are stressed on arrival. Otherwise, good chick starter, fresh water, and dry bedding are what you need.
Have a plan if your electricity goes out! It's happened here, and just have that friend or relative warned and willing to 'chick sit' in an emergency...
Post pictures! We all love pictures!
Mary

 

[Acre4Me]

Good Luck!

A year ago we started our chicken adventure with 17 chicks. We started them indoors for 1 week, then into a brooder in the garage with a heat plate. The brooder we built is 6'x3' (x2' tall), with solid wood floor and sides, but HWC top. This worked great for chicks. We didn't get the coop built as quickly as we wanted due to weather not cooperating with days off, so they lived in this for quite awhile, but they were allowed outside in the run most days (unless terrible weather). They survived and didn't even squabble with each other. So, aim for as much space as you can give them, but, if they are doing well, even in a smaller than supposedly ideal size, don't worry. The coop you are planning sounds plenty roomy for your chickens.

Enjoy your new adventure!

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Welcome to BYC! Do invest in a good quality air purifier. I brooded 6 chicks in my house last year. I thought I was prepared for the dust, but OMG. I believe chickens invented dust. I'm still finding bits of hidden chicken dust around. Also, great idea to not use the heat lamp. Your electric bill will be much lower. Don't keep them in your house any longer than absolutely necessary. Don't hesitate to turn to your BYC friends for any advice, we have all been there at some point in time.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Welcome! Your brooder is a good start, and I do hope it has a cover too. If you've ordered any bantam chicks, they will likely get through those 1" wire openings, so hardware cloth would be best for them.
Make sure that your post office knows that chicks are coming, and that you want to be called immediately when they arrive! Visit in person, with your phone numbers, soonest.
Then, plan to have everything up and running, and get them right away.
I do hope your coop is ready, and if possible, have them out there in two or three weeks max. NOT indoors!
The only extra that I might use an electrolyte mix, for a couple of days, if they are stressed on arrival. Otherwise, good chick starter, fresh water, and dry bedding are what you need.
Have a plan if your electricity goes out! It's happened here, and just have that friend or relative warned and willing to 'chick sit' in an emergency...
Post pictures! We all love pictures!
Mary

Good points.
I don't buy chicks any more but for the post office, I used to go talk to the post master a day or two before the chicks arrive and get the phone number of the sorting room. The listed number isn't answered except during business hours but the phone in the sorting room is answered whenever it is occupied which is when mail is brought in. I would call about 5 AM and ask if the chicks had arrived. The constant peeping makes the mail people want to get rid of them ASAP. Then I drive around back, knock on the door and they bring the box out. Bring your camera in case there is any damage or dead birds.