Black Australorp chicks arrive tomorrow

[LD Jackson]

Okay, as some of you may already know, I have 25 Black Australorp chicks arriving tomorrow. I will be cleaning out a small portion of my former pigeon loft/coop, a place where the pigeons were nesting, to be used as a brooder. There will be pine or cedar shavings and the open end will be blocked to keep of the south wind. The eaves do have vents, but that will be about two feet over their heads and they will be in a small cubbyhole that was used as a nesting area. Heat lamp will be provided, of course. The age of this chicks will range from 1 week to 2-3 days old. I know it's hard to say without seeing my setup, but pictures are unfortunately not available at the moment. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[hunter109]

hey man i got a couple of them comming today just wondering if you have any big australorps and how do they lay

 

[wannabchick]

Awesome..and when u have some extra pullets you don't have room for..pleaaaaase keep me in mind..I just want an austrolop pullet so bad...
Xoxoxo

 

[LD Jackson]

I seem to be having trouble locating the proper feed. A man I work with raises several different breeds of chickens and he says for the larger birds, I need a starter that is at least 28% protein and most of the chick starters are 16-18%. Am I likely to have health or growth problems if I feed the lower protein feed?

 

[Jeneane]

I read some where that you don't want to use cedar shaving for chicks because it can poison them. Not sure if it is true or not but wouldn't want to take a chance.