First time Chickie Mama. Best advice appreciated

[R1kk1B]

Hello everyone!!! My first post ever and first time chickie mama and I’m so excited! I get my chickies on Tuesday.
Please give me your best tips to help this first timer out!

 

[azygous]

Why don't you tell us what you've already done to prepare for this blessed event? That way we aren't duplicating what you already know about chicks and have set up for their brooder?

 

[R1kk1B]

Hi! I have a brooder with a Producer’s Pride brooder warmer set up with pine flakes in the bottom. I also have a water setup with the mason jar attachment and a feeder with the little holes in it. The feeder has the mason jar attachment as well.

 

[azygous]

And how many chicks are you getting, and what are the dimensions of the brooder?

Do you also have a coop and run all ready? Did you know that baby chicks can easily be brooded right in the coop, eliminating the need for a brooder box?

What is your location, city, state, country?

 

[R1kk1B]

I am getting 10 chicks. A 6 for me and 4 for my friend. I am in SE Texas. I am looking into ordering the Producer’s Pride Barn Prarie chicken coop from tractor supply. I don’t have the option to build my own at this time. My brooder is a 40 gallon Tough Box tote. I cut the lid on the top and attached chicken wire to the top so it has adequate venting and protection.

 

[azygous]

i took a look at the coop. It says it will house six chickens. That means it will house four comfortably. This one would be more coop for your money and six chickens would fit better. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...e-prairie-coop-storm-grey-6-8-chicken-1179770 They are full grown at four months, be aware. Chicks can move into the coop at age five weeks to six weeks. They will be flying around your house at age two weeks if they figure out how to get out of the tub.

To be good and prepared, get your coop set up before or immediately after you bring home your chicks. The chicks will be able to spend nice days outside in their run when they turn two weeks old.

 

[R1kk1B]

Perfect! The link you posted looks like the same one that I am getting, just in a different color.

Thank you so much for your help

 

[WoDia]

Hi! The brooder you have prepared will work fine for the first few weeks or so, but chicks grow super fast and need lots of room. If they’re bantam chicks…. a little longer since they’re so tiny. The chicks (azygous made a point about this) will be practice flying as soon as they develop their wing feathering. Since you’re choosing a prefabricated coop, make sure you take extra precautions to predator-proof…. pay special attention to potential entry points, and close them up inside their coop at night. It’s totally your decision as to how long you want to keep them in the brooder. Just be aware that the older they get, the messier they get. You have warm weather down there in Texas, so they can be outside much sooner than I’d put them out (if I was winter brooding) here in NE Ohio. Yes, you’re new to this, but you’re going to do fine. If you’re apprehensive at any time, just remember that you have a lot of veteran chicken parents here to give you moral support. Good Wishes!

 

[R1kk1B]

What a sweet and encouraging message. I truly appreciate all the advice you all are giving!

 

[WoDia]

Caring for chickens is very rewarding . Many of us have been doing it most of our lives, and we are all still learning too. I was a farm girl growing up and a farm girl for most of my adult life. You will find so much great advice here that will help you to make the right decisions for your own flock. No worries.