Buff Oprington Chicks and questions

[Quailbuddy]

Hello, Im not sure if this should go in this section so please tell me if it is not . . .Today I picked up two little Buff Orpington (2 days old) chicks

These are My first chicks and I am so excited! I also wanted to get a barred rock and some EE's but they wont have those two breeds in until next week

But anyway here they are. * Also if I have a few questions:

1) The bigger chick is taking the dominante role between the two, it pecks the other one sometimes but also flaps its wings alot. Also she ( hopefully it is a she) is always the first to investigate anything . . . and she is WAY louder than the other chick . . . What are the sign of a rooster? I know it might be too soon to tell but i am not zoned for roosters

2) is this brooder okay? is there anything i need to change to it?

3) My infrared heat lamp is a 250 watt light bulb and i didnt want to burn the little gals, should it be higher or lower?

4) when can i give then goodies?
ETA: When can they go outside? If Is it not windy and warm can they go outside for just like 20 min? I would sit there and watch them . . .

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Below the blueish gray thing in the cage is a stuffed animal that they cuddle with . . .

below is chick #1 . . she is very sweet and kind of shy

Below is chick #2 ** She/he is very curious and dominate over the other chick

 

[buildingmyark]

Still new to chicks, but I'll answer to the best of my abilities. First, your brooder looks fine as long as drafts are not a problem. Also, you may want to keep an eye on the temperature, although the best way to telll if the chicks are comfortable is to observe them. If they are snuggled up tight under the heat lamp, it's probably too cool for them. If they're sprawled out far away from the lamp they may be too hot. They will tell you what they need with their "body language". Second, I have found that there will always be a dominant chick whether there are roos are not. Girls are not too good for the pecking order thing! Good luck with your first chicks! If you are anything like me, you will have many more to come!

 

[buildingmyark]

One more thing... Buff Orpingtons are the best! I have three 2 week olds. Little angels!

 

[Quailbuddy]

Quote:
Okay I will look at how their body language is, but the hard part is right right now and ( actually for a while) they have been running around stealing shavings out of eachothers mouths haha

One more thing... Buff Orpingtons are the best! I have three 2 week olds. Little angels!

So far I agree! They are very sweet

 

[buildingmyark]

They are playing! That's a good sign that they're happy! Mine found a rubberband today and you would have thought it was a $100 bill!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

Congrats on your chicks

I always kept a thermometer in the brooder, mainly because it made me feel more relaxed knowing that the temp was in the correct zone. Otherwise, observing them is also totally valid.

Mine seemed to trade dominate places in those first few weeks. I would watch and guess and now at 20 weeks, I'm still not sure who's the Big Cheese hen. They are entertaining, that's for sure!

 

[Quailbuddy]

Yes they are very entertaining

When can i feed them goodies and what can i feed them?
Also when can they play outside in a playpen? How old?

 

[buildingmyark]

Once again, I'm no expert at this, but if it's warm where you live (90s or above) I see no problem in allowing them a little "recess" time. Just make sure that they are closely supervised and in some sort of inclosure to keep them safe from predators (and to make sure that nobody escapes!).

As far as treats go, I've read on here that you should not feed them MOST treats until they have access to grit. My understanding is that the exceptions are hard boiled eggs ( I know, ironic, right?) and plain yogert. My little ones are not the least bit interested in these two options though.

 

[Quailbuddy]

Quote:
Wow that is ironic haha

hardboiled egg . . . . I would of never thought of that ! I will try those in the morning

Thank you for you advice !

 

[buildingmyark]

You're more than welcome. To make sure about the treats and find other ideas you may want to do a search for "treats" under "raising baby chicks". Have fun with them. They grow up soooooooooooo fast!