2 questions about chicks

[amlee1234]

Hello!
My husband and I are getting chicks next weekend for the first time in our lives. (Chicken math hit us hard, we were going to get 6, then decided 8, ended up ordering 12)

1: what do you brood 12 chicks in when they get bigger? We found a used “Chick-N Hutch” (it’s 2’x3’), but will that house 12 chicks until they can go to the coop?

2: What items should we get to have on hand? We have the basic supplies. I’m wondering more about first aid items. On my list so far is, Preperation H, Apple Cider vinegar, Sav A Chick probiotics and electrolytes, epsom salts, and Vaseline. Any other items to have ready?

Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It depends on where you live. If it is above 40F, I brood chicks in the coop but you'll need electric for that.
If brooding indoors, I use a Premier 1 heat plate and use large cardboard moving boxes from Lowe's. They're about $1.30 each. As the chicks grow, if you can't move them outside yet, you can add boxes cutting doorways between them.
When you're done using them, you can compost them - boxes, feces, bedding and all.
Chicks grow very fast so they may outgrow the space before you are ready.
3 products you may want to have are:
Gro2Max probiotic powder. https://gro2max.com/
Nutri-Drench for poultry. http://www.nutridrench.com/nutridrench_poultry.html
Corid - in case they come down with coccidiosis. It's not very expensive and lasts many years before it expires.
Given enough space, a warm spot and plenty of cool space, plenty of fresh air, fresh food and water, you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Broody Bist]

Well we’ve never had 12 chicks at once, the most we’ve had at one time is 6, but we kept them in a large Rubbermaid tub until they could go out. We cut a big rectangle in the lid and attached rabbit wire to it (since we have cats) and there are a few sets of holes in the sides for extra ventilation. You probably already have one, but a heat lamp is important too. We didn’t know when we get our very first batch.

As for first aid, the only thing I know you will need you already have: Vaseline. Vaseline was a lifesaver when it came to pasty butt. One chick we had was constipated, and feeding them a bit of Coconut Oil helps with that. I wouldn’t worry about that though, the odds are pretty slim.

Here’s a pic of our brooder that we currently have 6 silkie chicks in, just to give you an idea.

Congrats on your new little chickies

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The gro2max probiotic powder aside from making them grow better will prevent pasted vent.
Most people use a Rubbermaid tub but it isn't expandable when space gets tight and doesn't have good ventilation.
A red infrared heat lamp is probably too hot for such a small space and it prevents a dark period. If not using a heat plate or mama heat pad, I prefer a lower wattage (75-150) ceramic heat emitter. That way you can give the chicks a much needed daily dark period.

 

[Bamabexchicks]

Hi,welcome to BYC. I would add something to the heat lamp requirement: do not get a teflon coated heat lamp bulb. It will kill your chicks. Lot of people use the ceramic heat bulbs for reptiles so the chicks dont have to be in light 24/7

 

[imnukensc]

The cardboard moving boxes would be a good idea as ChickenCanoe stated. A 2'X3' brooder is not going to be anywhere near enough space for 12 chicks.

 

[amlee1234]

Thank you all! To follow up on some points made; we are going to brood them inside. Indiana’s weather is too fickle on a good year for me to feel comfortable brooding outside. In all that I’ve read and researched, I think I have found one person that addresses having more than 8 chicks and what to do when they grow. She also suggested cardboard boxes, so that might be the winning answer.
We have opted to use a heat plate (Titan brand) in lieu of a heat lamp. I have read they are safer and better for the chicks.
Thank you all, keep the ideas and info coming! I’ve done research of course, but you can never have enough advice

 

[amlee1234]

Also, this is the hutch setup we have. There of course will be bedding (puppy pads for the first week, then pine shavings) I was wanting to keep them in there for the first week, then upgrade as they get bigger and stronger.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ditto on the cardboard boxes. By 8 weeks or so they need at least 2 ft of floor space by 2 weeks so that'd be a pretty large set up for 12 chicks if they stay inside that long. I give 2 sq ft of space per chick right from the start but I only get a few chicks at a time.

Also since I don't think anyone mentioned it yet, you need some sort of cover for the brooder as they start hopping around as they grow, and they can jump quite high. Some sort of netting or fairly small wire mesh is the best choice as it provides open air flow.

 

[feathermaid]

Your brooder looks really good, but might only last that many chicks about a week. I think you'll find that after 4 or 5, weeks those chicks will be difficult to keep in your house, regardless of how much space they have. The dust and dander is practically unbearable and will coat every surface in your home... you'll still be cleaning and dusting months later! Chick dander is waaaaay different than dogs or cats.

You already have a heat plate so your chicks really should be fine in the coop. Many folks have successfully brooded their chicks outside, even in freezing temps.
Have you read these articles?
You Certainly Can Brood Chicks Outdoors
Start Raising Your Chicks Outdoors
They may help you become more comfortable with the idea. You could also try adding a heating pad for some extra warmth.