Chicks in Hawaii

[Lonomakana]

I just got my new chicks (2 each of BR, RIR, and Ameraucana). Everyone is getting along so far. The feed store sure doesn't know how to make money, though. They ordered the chicks but didn't have any feeders, waterers, or..... starter crumble! For now, I'm grinding up layer pellets and supplementing with cockroaches and cane spiders, for protein. Is there anything else I should give the chicks that the layer pellets are missing? Sorry, no pics... but chicks are chicks are chicks... I'm using recycled paper mill waste for litter. The pack says its safe and made for animal litter. So far so good.

 

[redhead83402]

ALoha!! :-D
the only problem I can think of with using layer pellets for your chicks is that the calcium levels would be too high, and would block up your chicks' digestive system.
I f you are feeding bugs, I would also make sure you get your chicks some grit ~ just some parakeet sand or something in similar size, ( as long as it's clean) would work. Also, be very careful of damp/wet combo's with them if they are not getting medicated feed ~ that is how coccidiosis gets started. Hope this helps~ {:>)=
~Red

 

[chicknhawaii]

Aloha fellow chicken lover in Hawaii! My chick's almost 6 weeks old and eats probably 99% chick mash and 1% whatever she gets roaming in the yard. Dirt, snails, weed seeds.

Are your babies in a brooder or coop? Post some pics, I'm curious.

 

[Lonomakana]

Thanks for the responses. I'll put some grit in. I have the chicks in a plastic storage container for now. It won't be too long before they'll need something bigger. After two or three weeks, I'm hoping that they won't need the heat lamp and I can put them in the coop. It doesn't get below 70 at night. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.

 

[lemurchaser]

The layer is okay for a few days until you get chick starter, but it can cause all sorts of problems by being too high in calcium. It can really mess up their bone formation.

 

[ParadiseHawaii]

Aloha from the Big Island.

My chicks are now almost 9 months old and giving lots of eggs. I sell about 5 doz. a week. I have 6 RIR's 6 EE's.

If all works out this Sunday I should be hatching out 9 more chicks. (Incubator)
It sounds like you went to a Feed Store like the one I went to. Chicks but not much more.
A 60 watt lite will work fine for heat. 90-95 degree's.

Good Luck

 

[Lonomakana]

What's up "Paradise", I'm in Pa'auhau. I got my chicks from Hog Wild on friday. I now have starter, so I'm good to go. I noticed their poop going from runny pea soup to a little more firm. They seem healthy and happy. Their trying to jump out now, so I made a wire lid. Its so hot today that the chicks don't want the heat lamp at all.