Chick Preparations

[The Chickens' Maid]

Hi! I'm kind of new here. We're hatching out chicks for the first time, and I just wanted to know if I have the preparations right.
The hen's in a main coop nesting box right now; I don't want to move her, so I was thinking that I'd let her hatch the eggs in there. Then I'd have a medium size dog kennel ready to put her and the chicks in as soon as they hatch so that the other hens don't bug them. The dog kennel would have a towel on the floor and shavings underneath that. I have a small cement block about an inch and a half tall that I've put the chickens' food and water on before. I thought I'd put that in there to put their water on so it didn't tip (I'm using a quail waterer so they don't drown themselves). I have a small dog dish for their food (chick starter from Tractor Supply). I was also thinking of putting some hay in there for the hen to nest into.
Just wanted to make sure I was doing this right. We're just bouncing off the walls; 100% fertilized and they hatch next week!
Oh, and what should I give the chicks for grit, if they even need it?
Thanks!

 

[lukewride]

Hello!!

It sounds to me like your pretty well organised. i cant think of anything else you'd need . in regards to grit, it isent essential until you start to feed the chicks anything other than chick crumb. they need grit to help them digest greens or treats and whatnot... i mixed a small amount in with the chick crumb when mine were around 2 weeks old and started to feed small mealworms, styrawberries and peices of bread.. they went crazy for the worms..

something i was told i should do when mine were a day old was add a teaspoon on sugar into their water to help give the weaker chicks energy but this is something that alot of more experianced breeders say isent nessesary.... i suppose its down to each persons individual tastes.

best of luck!!

we expect pictures.

 

[The Chickens' Maid]

Chicks are due for next week, but here's a picture of the momma.