Chicks are home!! I'm scared silly

[WillsMama93]

When we brought our first two home, I was all laid back about it at first.. I was thinking.. "Hey, they're chickens.. what's the big deal?" The next day, Junior was listless and couldn't hold his head up, and I freaked! I went into obsessive chickie mama overdrive, and spent the whole day anxious and worried. With the help of some chick-knowledgeable friends, we did what we could, and kept Junior comfortable. We lost Junior on the 3rd morning. I tell you this, not to upset you, or to make you more anxious, but to the tell you this...
Our other chick, Lola, has done just fine, as have the ones that we brought home after Junior died (Lola just insisted that she would NOT stand for being an only chickie-child!) And although after Junior, I did obsess a little for a few days, my obsessive behavior has now switched from, "Ohh, Lord, why is Pinoccio doing that?!?" or "Is the way that Coconut lays there like that NORMAL?!?" to talking anyone and everyone's ears off about the funny things my chickens do.. the cute way they were cuddled up last night, or how smart my chickens are. My cousin actually told me the other night, that if I told her ONE MORE CHICKEN STORY, she was leaving. I had to bite my tongue for the rest of the night!
So, know this... This too shall pass. In a few days, you will be enjoying them so much, you won't have time to worry. You're going to do a great job!

 

[Fletcher]

Well, my 11 year old is doing great. We went to the mall for my sons pictures and had to leave because I was so sick. I took a nap on the couch and felt better when I woke up until the kids told me there is a worm in brooder with the chicks. It's orange and laying on some poo. Now what?

I think I may be close to a point of acceptance, but I have stomach flu.

 

[poltroon]

If it makes you feel better, every time I've brought a new species home I've felt the same way. So far it's mostly worked out.

 

[wynedot55]

relax youll get used to raising chicks.an wont go into panic mode if they do something weird.

 

[JenniferC]

Hiya!

I just wanted to chime in because I got my chicks 2 days ago- and I'm already way more relaxed. This despite the fact that one of my chicks scratched herself so badly she tore a big 'ol hole in the side of her face yesterday. (BTW- this was most likely due to a cedar shaving reaction. I have them on this recycled paper pulp bedding now and they are loving it. I got it at a regular pet store, and it's very soft and squiggly and they have dug themselves a nest in it.

Anyway- you will feel better in 24 hours, and even better in 48, etc. It's normal to panic at first, but they are indeed tougher than they look. Mine were handled non-stop by my 5 year old and my non-so-gentle 2 year old the first day I got them, and although they got tired out, they survived. Today, 2 days later, and after much more handling- some of it unsupervised- by the kids and every friend the kids could think of to bring over, they are in perfect health (other than a healing face.)

The chicks will be fine, and more importantly so will you.