Feeding Baby chicks

[savilcr]

I have 25 chicks coming Feb 28, Can i feed them the mash feed they sell at the store? do i need to mix water in or anything or just put it straight into the feeder. Anyone have any tips for raising day old chicks.
'

So far I am

- putting them in a plastic tub
- heat lamp on
- mash feed and water dispenser
- wood shavings
- going to keep them indoors for first few weeks

any other suggestions.

 

[dsqard]

The mash feed is just fine and I prefer to get the medicated kind for my chicks for the first four weeks. I would suggest using paper towels in the bottom of your brooder for the first week or so. The chicks can grab it better when they are new and it helps keep them from getting splay legged. I do dip the chicks beaks in the water right before putting them in the brooder so they know what it is and I also sprinkle some of the food on the paper towels. It encourages them to eat since they will peck at the darker bits on the paper towel. Good luck!