anything special i might need to know about raising chicks?

[MattMansChickens]

i know all the basics, and have done a ton of research, but is there anything else i might need to know about raising chicks? i get them tomorrow, the 8th

 

[Urban Chaos]

I'm sure you've read through the forums, so you are well armed. One thing to make sure of is that your brooder is not too hot. Some information that is out there about heat lamps leads to brooders that are just to hot for the chicks. Do you have any specific questions? What age are the chicks you are getting? What is your set up?

Have fun and prepare to be consumed by all things chicken

 

[AKsmama]

When they sleep, they look dead. Many times I looked in my brooder and almost freaked out until I got used to it! When they get older and stretch out in the sun, they look dead too, almost like something stepped on them

Let's see. . . when you first offer them treats, they will probably run away or act freaked out. That's normal. Chickens are not the world's brightest creatures and are suspicious of everything and everybody until they have time to adjust.

Oh, one of my fave pieces of advice for a newbie- use a thermometer in your brooder. The whole "oh, you'll know if they are hot or cold by the way they act" doesn't always end so well for fragile little chicks. Have a thermometer to help you judge your temps.

Give them time to get used to you. It takes a lot of time and patience (and treats!) for them to NOT act like they're going to have a heart attack when you try to interact with them. They generally do not like to be held, cuddled, or picked up very often. Sit quietly with them and let them run around you, hop up on you, peck your shoelaces, stuff like that. Not saying you won't have some who like attention, but they're chickens. They're not puppies.

Take lots of pictures. They grow faster than you can imagine!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

How old are they going to be when you get them?

You can also make them a little perch in their brooder (this can be a simple as a little piece of wood a few inches off the floor of the brooder). Mine seemed to enjoy that. I also put a little log in their brooder once they got a little bit bigger for them to perch on.

Congrats!

Dont forget to post pics!

 

[Rachy]

Quote:
This is SO true, they've scared the life out of every member of the family

 

[JoePa]

Don't get too attached to them - then if one bites the dust you won't collapse - remember the old saying - "a bird in the hand is better than one in the bush " -

 

[silkeysandra]

i started with pullets--teenage girls and feel that's the way to go for beginners. I was given two pet Silkies for Christmas and I now have 6 pet chickens, 4 Silkies and 2 Belgian Mille Fleurs. The Silkies are the easiest to care for, quiet and give an egg every so often. They are recommended for novices, like me, and they are hearty enough to seem to do ok. I do extra to keep them cool and warm, so it's not like they take no care at all. a safe place to sleep is all they seem to want.==well good layer feed and fresh water. They get daily fresh water and feed, plus all the bugs they can eat in our backyard.

 

[stcroixusvi]

and they peck each others' eyes at first - especially the lighter colored chicks. They peck at anything, actually.

 

[horsefreak]

Hi
First make sure that the brooder is not to hot- use a 75 to 90 watt bulb- no higher, no lower!
Read the sticky in "Raising Baby Chicks" it will be helpful
LOL
Horsefreak

 

[ll]

Be prepared for alot of little poop

I didn't handle ours for a few days to let them get settled in and used to the sight of us.

Good luck!