Chick Checklist

[Weasleymum]

I am about to try raising newborn chicks for the first time! (Previously, I've gotten birds that were 6-7 weeks old, already feathered out and ready for the coop, and last spring I let a broody hatch some eggs, but I didn't have to do anything.) Trying to put together a checklist of everything I'll need, so that I'm not running all over town after I get the chicks.

* Container to serve as brooder: done.

* Heat lamp: done
-- bulb: done
-- thermometer

* Bedding (sand or hay, not sure yet): pine shavings: done

* Watering system (after reading a lot here, have ordered chicken nipples from Amazon)
-- water bottle, hanger, nipples: done, just need to assemble.
-- apple cider vinegar: done

* Feed: done
-- feeder: done
-- grit
-- Nutridrench: done
-- electrolyte/ vitamins: done


So, am I missing anything?

 

[ZooSD]

Congratulations! How many are you getting and what breed(s)? Last October I raised 26 from day old and now I have 15 Cornish X and 12 assorted layers who are all 5wks today.

When I have mine in the "brooder" I use pine shavings. They seem to be more absorbent and keep the odor down.

 

[Weasleymum]

Just 3! Buff Orpingtons. I have two full-grown Marans, they were some of those that hatched last spring. Five is about as many birds as I can have in this downtown area! (seriously, we have 1/8 acre lot, in a neighborhood just off downtown.)

 

[ZooSD]

3 is much easier than 26 at a time. They grow really fast and around 3-4 weeks will be able to fly out of your container unless it's got tall sides or some sort of cover. I love my orpingtons. Of the 5wk olds I have now, 2 are Marans. I've never had them before and the kids wanted dark eggs. I start taking mine out during the day at about 4wks and by 6 they get moved out of the house.

 

[ZooSD]

Forgot to ask, what type of feed are you going to use?

 

[Weasleymum]

I use Countryside Organics, a local company that offers organic, soy-free feeds. http://www.countrysideorganics.com/product.php?productid=136&cat=0&page=1&featured

Nothing but the best for my spoiled girls...

 

[ZooSD]

Those are some lucky girls. Unfortunately I don't have any place close by to buy organic and shipping is outrageous. It seems Countryside's prices are pretty good too. I've been fermenting my crumbles with ACV and have had good luck with that. It sounds like you've got everything for your new babies. They're even more addictive than the older ones, my kids (and myself) would stand and watch them all day if they could.

 

[Weasleymum]

Actually, I don't have ANY of it yet-- that's my pre-shopping list! I thought maybe JUST FOR ONCE, I'd try to get organized before buying anything, hence the checklist and the thread here.

 

[ZooSD]

For heat I just use a regular incandescent light and watch their behavior, if they are under it constantly huddling together I figure they're too cold and adjust the light. I've never given the chicks grit, and if you use sand for the floor you won't have to. A little stick in there for a perch is helpful after a couple of weeks. I also hang the feeder or set it up on a brick (depending on the type) so they don't fill it with shavings and poo.

 

[Weasleymum]

Thanks! I have bricks in abundance, so no troubles there.

Where do you buy ACV?