First Time Chick Parents, Spring 2016

[bantamm]

Any ideas on how to get these little girls to come to you-without snacks? They are to young still for them. They run to the far corner when we come to get them (fill feeder or waterer, or move them to change brooder box).

I've had excellent luck just putting their regular food in my hand and letting them eat out of my hand. They all crowd around, even though there's food all over the place!

 

[mamatink7]

I've had excellent luck just putting their regular food in my hand and letting them eat out of my hand. They all crowd around, even though there's food all over the place!

awww thank you. That's a good idea.

 

[mamatink7]

Hi All! This is my first post ever! I have been a chick owner for less then 48 hours. And by that, I mean that 48 hours ago, I didn't know that I was going to spend this week as a chic owner! We had talked about getting chicks this spring and then life got crazy. These little guys kind of fell in our laps so to speak. We have never had chickens before. Luckily, we are country people and we have friends and neighbors who have chickens, goats, rabbits etc. We also have 20 acres (about 15 woods, the rest house yarns, garden, fruit trees etc) In any case, I have become a worried chick mama, checking on them constantly and watching them chirp, eat, sleep etc. Our chicks came from three different sources and are three different sizes. We have 6 black sex links that look to be about 1 week old (they have just the start of a few wing feathers). They came from Tractor Supply. We have 1 chicken we believe is a RIR. We think that it is about 6-7 weeks old and a male (A friend took a look at it last night and this is her opinion. There is a noticeable comb on the head and my friend spread and looked at the wings). This chicken was 'won' at an FFA sponsored family fun day on Saturday. We know nothing about it. The RIR started this whole chicken thing (cause I didn't want it to be lonely!). Then we completed our flock with 4 yellowish chicks about 2 weeks old. These 4 chicks came to us through the friend who visited. They were sold at the Amish animal auction an hour from here. We don't know if they are male or female or the breed. Right now we have the RIR separated, per the recommendation of someone who said that the RIR could easily kill the smallest birds and they should only be put together for a little while under a watchful eye. The yellow chicks seem to be quite the handful (my friend said that this is because they are 'farm chicks' not 'store chicks') and they are constantly spilling the water which is making the bedding wet. This morning my 6 black sex links looked a little wet and cold. I cleaned out the brooder, changed the bedding (every square inch of the brooder was wet) and gave them fresh water. 15 minutes later, the bedding was wet again! I googled and ended up being shown a post from years ago on these forums that said to put the water on a block of wood to elevate it. This has been done and now the bedding has been dry for an hour. Most of the chicks are sleeping now which makes me happy.

you are a new chick mama, you will become obsessed with everything chick related-checking on them as you would a newborn. Very natural. Your separations are great. Keep the feeds and waterers on a brick with help prevent the spilling. You don't want the bedding wet. Check into reading some raising chicken books. My favorite is the joy of raising chickens. Welcome and have fun they don't stay little forever.

 

[famerzellman]

@KiminPA thanks for your kinda words. She passed away this morning

But seems like you have everything in order. Take it from me when they get sick it's very quick expecially after stores are closed. I put together a first aid kit for my chicks so I have supplies. It's a very good idea to have someone come and check on them while your away for pasty butt and cleanings. In my experience they spread all their food out and get their water dishes clogged up with shavings or sometimes I have to adjust their heat. How ever it might be a good idea to have an extra water source just to give you peace of mind. Welcome to BYC!

 

[KiminPA]

I'm so sorry @famerzellman I'm a softy so that part is going to be hard for me.

My husband will be home Thurs night so he can check on them but Fri and Sat I'll have to see if my son can come check on them.... He's dog-sitting while my daughter is on her honeymoon so he'll be close by lol.

I started making a list today of things I want to throw into a first aid kit so I'll grab a few things between now and then. And I'll see how they do with the nipples before I leave them alone without another source. I'm sure I won't get much of a nap before work that night bc I'll be sitting with them lol.

I'm really hoping chicken math doesn't get the best of me tmrw when I go to the farmers market to get some flowers for the wedding! I have to wait, I have to wait....

 

[famerzellman]

You'll do fine!! I'm a wicked softy and over spoil the girls! Even today I was out in the run with an umbrella so they could stay a little dry in the rain (my older girls) the best advice I got is chickens are fun till their not. Out of 12 I've only lost one. Knock on wood. And we are here to help one another with questions and advice so if have anything please feel free to message me and I'll try to help! Enjoy!!!

 

[famerzellman]

 

[KiminPA]

@famerzellman Thank you I love seeing pics of everyone's chicks!

 

[famerzellman]

@gowander how hot/cold is the brooder? Are they huddled together under the light? Might either be to hot or cold for them.

 

[famerzellman]

Looking for some names for my new chicks
I got two Plymouth rocks
Two silkie bantams
Would like some pair names