Chicks are coming in 2-3 days—hope we are ready!

[MagistraTn]

6 barred rocks are hatching tomorrow and then making the (one state) journey to their happy home with us. I’m suddenly nervous that the brooder space is too small. Do I need to make a quick change? This bin is 28”x18” (the feed and water are chick size and arriving with them) What else should I panic buy?!

 

[Huntmaster]

6 barred rocks are hatching tomorrow and then making the (one state) journey to their happy home with us. I’m suddenly nervous that the brooder space is too small. Do I need to make a quick change? This bin is 28”x18” (the feed and water are chick size and arriving with them) What else should I panic buy?!View attachment 2994802

This will work for a short time as they do grow fast. I would be looking for a large cardboard appliance box or other large cardboard box as they are free. Also, you will want to have some type of lid sooner than later, so they don't fly out. Some type of wire or even an old window screen for lid as they need ventilation. You might want to get some nutri-drench to give them when they arrive to give them a boost and off to a good start after shipping stress. It's also good to have on hand for other stresses poultry may have.

 

[Huntmaster]

Here is a link for nutri-drench. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutri-drench-poultry-4-oz?cm_vc=-10005

 

[Huntmaster]

I see you have some supplies in that box next to brooder what is it you already have?

 

[Chicken poppy]

6 barred rocks are hatching tomorrow and then making the (one state) journey to their happy home with us. I’m suddenly nervous that the brooder space is too small. Do I need to make a quick change? This bin is 28”x18” (the feed and water are chick size and arriving with them) What else should I panic buy?!View attachment 2994802

I call this chick nerve. you think everything is prepared and bam, right before you get them, you start worrying if everythings perfect.

it looks nice, if possible though, a little bigger soon. (Huntmaster is right, they get VERY flighty. mine started flapping and zooming all over the place, they will fly right out!)

i would avoid using that pine shavings you have over there, i dont use them, but i think their pretty toxic for chickens. theres damaging effects of terpene hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds on liver function. I would avoid using them, like ive said, i have never used pine, so i cant speak from experience there, but i dont think pine is great for chickens. Thats just what ive read anyway

 

[MagistraTn]

Here is a link for nutri-drench. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/nutri-drench-poultry-4-oz?cm_vc=-10005

Thanks. I do have Hydro Hen. Is that different?

Manna Pro Hydro Hen Poultry Drinking Water Supplement, 8 oz., 1030209 https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/manna-pro-hydro-hen-8-oz-1030209

 

[Chicken poppy]

Nutri drench nutrient rich supplement formulated to rapidly deliver energy and essential nutrients


Hydro hen provides important nutrients and probiotics to support digestive health and hydration.

What i found online ^ never used them before so im not sure.

 

[MagistraTn]

I see you have some supplies in that box next to brooder what is it you already have?

I have Hydro Hen, organic chick crumbles, a mirror, apple cider vinegar, the pine shavings. I have a lid for this bin which I can modify with hardware cloth for flightyness. Coop is ready, but the extended run is in planning (hoping to have it done in in 2-3 weeks). I also have a heat lamp if needed, or grow lamps from the garden, but the garage has been about 60f, and it’s supposed to get (mostly) warmer.

 

[MagistraTn]

I call this chick nerve. you think everything is prepared and bam, right before you get them, you start worrying if everythings perfect.

it looks nice, if possible though, a little bigger soon. (Huntmaster is right, they get VERY flighty. mine started flapping and zooming all over the place, they will fly right out!)

i would avoid using that pine shavings you have over there, i dont use them, but i think their pretty toxic for chickens. theres damaging effects of terpene hydrocarbons and aromatic compounds on liver function. I would avoid using them, like ive said, i have never used pine, so i cant speak from experience there, but i dont think pine is great for chickens. Thats just what ive read anyway

Thanks, I will double check the shavings. I thought pine was good, cedar bad.

 

[Chicken poppy]

Thanks, I will double check the shavings. I thought pine was good, cedar bad.

I hear so many mixed opinions I hear cedar is a bit worse from some people, from others its not. But my opinion i think cedar is a bit worse. i personally avoid both.

i use hemp straw. That could be worth researching seeing if that is in your area and available to buy? I use it for adults though, not sure how great it is for babies.