So as I posted earlier in another thread, got my first ever order of chicks today. So far so good, but do have questions. Thought about adding to my other thread but decided better to start a new one specifically for questions/answers. Will repost a few pics.
I got 10 chicks, all are supposed to be female. Five are ISA browns (which I believe are the "gold" colored ones), and five that are unknown colored eggers. They listed eight possible breeds for the other five. Based on the "chick identification" pics posted on the hatchery website I have ruled out all the Marans and the Sapphire Olive Eggers because they all look black in the pics. So I am pretty sure they are one of the following:
* Americana
* Prairie Bluebell Egger
* Olive Egger
* Starlight Olive Egger
Guesses welcome. Will try to post better pics of those five in a little while.
Questions:
1) If they are "quiet" does that mean they are happy and comfortable? There always seem to be a few out wandering around eating/drinking that are peeping a little, but the ones under the MHP are quiet.
2) Ambient Temperatures: In the shed it will probability range between 55-85 over the next week. Is that warm enough to only need the MFP, or will I sometimes need a heat lamp to keep the room a little warmer?
3) MHP Temperature: If I put the thermometer probe (commercial digital refrigeration thermometer) touching the MHP it is around 105-110. Lay it on the ground underneath and it is between 90-95 so far. That's about right isn't it? Here are pics of the MHP.
4) They have already pooped in their water (of course LOL). Do I need to rush to clean that out? Or only once a day? I only put about 1/2 gallon in it, with a little apple cider vinegar, since I figured it would get dirty.
5) Should I put shavings under the pee pads for a little more insulation/cushioning underneath? I planned on using the pads for about a week to make it easier to clean and keep them from eating shavings too soon.
6) Should I use hand sanitizer every time I handle them? I think I should, my DH rolls his eyes at me.
And I'm sure I will have more later.
I got 10 chicks, all are supposed to be female. Five are ISA browns (which I believe are the "gold" colored ones), and five that are unknown colored eggers. They listed eight possible breeds for the other five. Based on the "chick identification" pics posted on the hatchery website I have ruled out all the Marans and the Sapphire Olive Eggers because they all look black in the pics. So I am pretty sure they are one of the following:
* Americana
* Prairie Bluebell Egger
* Olive Egger
* Starlight Olive Egger
Guesses welcome. Will try to post better pics of those five in a little while.
Questions:
1) If they are "quiet" does that mean they are happy and comfortable? There always seem to be a few out wandering around eating/drinking that are peeping a little, but the ones under the MHP are quiet.
2) Ambient Temperatures: In the shed it will probability range between 55-85 over the next week. Is that warm enough to only need the MFP, or will I sometimes need a heat lamp to keep the room a little warmer?
3) MHP Temperature: If I put the thermometer probe (commercial digital refrigeration thermometer) touching the MHP it is around 105-110. Lay it on the ground underneath and it is between 90-95 so far. That's about right isn't it? Here are pics of the MHP.
4) They have already pooped in their water (of course LOL). Do I need to rush to clean that out? Or only once a day? I only put about 1/2 gallon in it, with a little apple cider vinegar, since I figured it would get dirty.
5) Should I put shavings under the pee pads for a little more insulation/cushioning underneath? I planned on using the pads for about a week to make it easier to clean and keep them from eating shavings too soon.
6) Should I use hand sanitizer every time I handle them? I think I should, my DH rolls his eyes at me.
And I'm sure I will have more later.
. Only thing I would do, and this is just me, turn the MHP down a little. Being quiet under MHP is great sign that they're not stressed, taking a nap. Quiet and cute little singing = happy. Loud crying is recognizably different. NICE JOB. Enjoy.
