Do I have what I need?

[KikiLeigh02]

Yes to the bigger bag! I know Amazon has the 25 lb bag too, it was less than $10.

 

[PirateGirl]

You could get something like this

https://www.walmart.com/ip/MaxWorks...5035&wl11=online&wl12=473737003&wl13=&veh=sem

Or this

https://www.milspec-direct.com/25ft...MIqJyd4IuL2wIVELnACh2OagpuEAQYDCABEgK2jPD_BwE

Off topic:
My husband is also from Western NY, Attica area, family dairy farms and maple syrup. We could potentially inherit/purchase a piece of land there but don't think that's really where we want to be either. I think we'd rather stay in Colorado.

The heated dog bowls work well. I like to unplug mine at night so it's not running all the time. The chickens go to bed early in the winter anyway. My bowl didn't even last one winter though, but I don't think that's typical. I had picked it after much reading and discussion on here about frozen water and ways to deal with it.

 

[Invergrove]

I'm kinda new myself, but my chicks are now outside and thriving. Don't you have access to a feed mill? It seems to me you're paying too much for things like the feeders, and I don't understand why you need two different types of feed. I was recommended to not do the medicated but that's your choice. That heater was a godsend. I tried with the bulbs and worried all night while they were inside that my house would burn down. So I spent the extra money for it (they call it a Hen, I guess) and they loved it. You can raise the heating plate as they grow and they are always comfortable. There is a brooder for the new chicks that was very helpful also. I got it at Walmart for about $25. Have fun.

I'm new to chickens and in a rural area- I have to order everything online! (I mainly use amazon for free shipping). To get started with 4 egg-layers, here's what I'm planning on ordering. Please tell me if this is right.

-Is this enough bedding and food to get us through the chick stage?
-Why in the world does grit cost so much and do I really need 5lbs of it??
-These are the only chicks I'm planning on raising for a long time, so do I really need a fancy chick feeder & waterer or can I DIY something?
-Is this enough chick starter (my understanding I feed this up to 8 weeks of age) and grower (my understanding I feed this from 8-18 weeks) for 4 hens?
-I read that the heating plate is much safer than a heating lamp. True? I'm hoping I can resell it when I'm done and recoop most of the cost.

View attachment 1388016

Anything I'm missing? Would like to also order anything I need when the chicks are grown, while I'm at it.

m

 

[sarahfvosz]

I'm kinda new myself, but my chicks are now outside and thriving. Don't you have access to a feed mill?

No feed store. Alaska rural is different than lower 48 rural. Literally only businesses we have in our town are 2 small grocery stores and a small hardware/auto parts store. Everything else is flown in or barged in.