babies not on the morning truck:(

[schmoo]

Rafter 7 or anyone else that knows. How old do the chicks have to be before you can put dirt or sand in the brooder?

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Any age. They don't really need it if they are only being fed starter, but doesn't hurt to provide it. They'll enjoy bathing in it if you provide a large enough container to roll around in.

 

[keljonma]

Quote:
Like Accidental Farm said, they don't need it if they are being fed the commercial feed only.... If you want to use it as grit.

But, you can put sand in a small box in the brooder area and they will use it for a dust bath area at any time.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Quote:
I'd definitely order more if you really want them. You will eventually anyway

Will you have enough room to brood the newest ones separately? I've put day olds in with week olds, with no problems, but I don't think I'd try it with say..day olds and 3 or 4 week olds. However, chicks really grow so fast that you'd only have to keep them separated for a relatively short time. How soon do you plan to move your chicks outside to the coop?

The 6 new birds I'm picking up tomorrow will be going in the brooder with 17 (1) week olds, and (4) 2 week olds. I don't foresee a problem, but I'll let you know if there is one.

If you order more from a hatchery, I've heard great things about Meyer's. They ship small amounts and add in a heat pack or warmer, and sometimes an extra bird or two. They may even be closer to you. I really like Ideal Hatchery, don't get me wrong- but I'm considering giving Meyer's a try so as not to get so many extra roo's.

Oh, and Barred Rocks and Buff Orp's are great birds. I don't have any RI Whites, just 2 RIR's. I like them really well, too. I'm currently enamored with my new Ameraucana baby- have you thought about that breed? I've posted a pic here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=5398

 

[schmoo]

I was just worried about them eating the sand instead of their food??

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I wouldn't worry about that, schmoo. If they are eating their food just fine right now, then they know what it is and will only eat sand or dirt in small amounts. Perfectly normal.

 

[aran]

will take a look at meyer. Yeppers I have another 70G plastic fish tank for a brooder for the lil guys...thats what this batch are in currently. I was planning on putting em outside at about 4-5weeks depending on feathering. The silly things have lil wings now and are trying to fly albeit really unsuccessfully!

That chick is really cute AF...ill take a look at those too. I just want a colourful flock really...productivity is not a concern of mine...just relaxed easy going colourful birds is what me and my boy want.

 

[aran]

So i looked at Meyer...the birds look good...mind you there is a $15-20 charge if you dont get 25 birds! then the shipping on top of that i assume...would make an order of 15 chicks cost me around $50! Same order from Ideal is $30 with shipping.

have i got this wrong?

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I haven't really looked at meyer that closely, but have been planning to. That does sound very expensive. Probably a charge for the heating pad, maybe one for different breeds, and then the small quantity charge...I assume. And I don't think Meyer's chicks themselves are cheap. I know their fertile eggs are not.

Hmm. Just don't know what to tell ya on that. I don't know of many hatcheries-McMurray, Meyer, Privett (New Mexico), Ideal, and My Pet Chicken (from what I can tell, they get their's from Meyer-but not positive on this). There are individuals and smaller farm/hobbyists that will ship chicks- maybe a google search?

I do really like Ideal, though. I know you didn't have the best experience with them, but it is quite a distance between you and the hatchery. Like I said before, if you were to order the 25 minimum at Ideal (or anywhere), factoring in any loss due to shipping would probably put you right at the flock size you wanted. And that number of chicks will stay much warmer than your previous order. And, if there is no loss, then your only over your flock size by a couple of birds. If you order more -from anywhere- you may have to make plans to pick them up at your regional post office, if that is a possibility for you. You'd be able to get to them quicker.

I can't help thinking the postal service is really backlogged right now for some reason. My feed store has an order that Ideal shipped out Monday, and it is due to arrive today. Another 2 day shipment on a +/- 4hr. trip. Go figure. Ideal orders usually reach us next day.

I'm sorry I'm not any real help on this. If I come across any hatcheries closer to you, I'll sure let you know.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Ok, don't know if this will help, but there is a man listed in upstate NY on this website- looks like he only has white delawares, but if you email him, he may be able to give you some help on a closer place to get chicks.

http://jubileeacres.net/chicken_breeders.html