Chicks for the first Time

[kynewbchickie]

Quote:

 

[winchuck]

After reading the material, there are so many opinions. I know you are probably right. I have another lame one today! That is three so far. OMG, now to steel myself to do the deed. I am already in love with Bubba, the rooster.

 

[winchuck]

I don't plan to burn my coop and all my area is now infected which would still be there if I killed them all managing maybe to blow my neighbor's way. Luckily there is an 8 foot solid fence between us; which might help. We have sudden oak death in our area; which is a tree disease much like this dern Markes.

 

[kynewbchickie]

I don't plan to burn my coop and all my area is now infected which would still be there if I killed them all managing maybe to blow my neighbor's way. Luckily there is an 8 foot solid fence between us; which might help. We have sudden oak death in our area; which is a tree disease much like this dern Markes.

No sense in burning your coop. Just clean it well after you cull the flock. As you said, burning it would only create a bigger problem as it's airborne anyway...so just clean it/sanitize it well after the flock is culled. When you start anew, either order chicks from a breeder that is willing to vaccinate them for Mareks when they are a day old before getting them to you. Many mail-order hatcheries offer this option as well, if you choose to go that route. The Mareks vaccine is only fully reliable, at best testings, in day-old hatchlings for any kind of efficient immunity. The older they get before being vaccinated, the less effective it will be at keeping them safe. You can still have a successful and healthy flock if you just make certain that all your future birds are vaccinated prior to coming to live with you. But the longer you wait to cull these birds, the more danger you are putting your neighboring flocks in. The sooner the better and more responsible.

 

[LaurieA]

Liddie (my first chick) laid her very first egg today! yay!

 

[PharmGirl]

Yay kiddie, congrats.

 

[PharmGirl]

Liddie, sorry stupid auto correct!

 

[winchuck]

Feeling your joy!

 

[write2caroline]

I have had buff orps. My Honey and my Sweetums. They were wonderful and cuddly. I think you are in for a treat.
and
Advice for healthy chickens - Once they are out of the brooder
clean their home often Clean coop = clean eggs and healthier. Deeep clean at least twice a year. With Bleach water and scrub it down. let it dry fully before adding bedding material.
fresh water daily - add a little apple cider vinegar to the water People on this forum call it ACV. It inhibits algea growth and isn't harmful to the chickens. About a half capfull per gallon.
dust your chickens with diatemactious earth gets rid of mites. You can use a cat litter pan and they can use it for dust bath - or put some in a parmesean cheese shaker and dust them.
make sure the coop has good air flow and is draft free without losing air circulation.

Always practice good bio safety - don't add new chickens without keeping them separate for 30 days. Wash hands prior to and after handling the chickens.

You should be good.
Caroline

 

[Nashonii]

I can't find where anyone is discussing what to feed the newb's when they are 3 days old.I have read where people add sugar to their water, or electrolyte solution, what is best? What is the very first water you give the little ones? Should I add water to their first chick crumbles, until they get older?