First-Time Mama Needs Help

[reddchick07]

I recently purchased 4 chicks (all different breeds) and will be purchasing more in the future. This is my first attempt at raising baby chickens and any advice for keeping my lil guys healthy would be appreciated!!!

 

[MissPrissy]

Welcome to BYC. You'll find many people here willing to help with anything you have a problem with. Jump in with both feet and enjoy your chicks.

 

[love-my-wolves]

Welcome!!!

 

[Cetawin]

Welcome! You came to the right place for help and advice.


The most important things they need...

All the chick starter and water they want;

a heat lamp to keep them warm;

a clean brooder; and

affection

Do not use cedar shavings or bedding...it is toxic to them. If you go to the BYC link "Learning Center" there is a great set of informative pages there.

Just go to the top of this page and click Learning Center.

Good luck with the babies.

 

[mradam]

Second what Cetawin said. Keep them warm...which, depending on where you have their brooder, can be quite a task.

Also, keep their water clean. They are very adept at getting shavings and poo into their water dish.

And lastly, love them. Talk to them, spend time with them. If you want docile, people-friendly chickens hold them/handle them every day. They won't like it at first, but they'll come to know you soon enough.

Enjoy this time, they grow fast!

Adam

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

It sounds like you are off to a good start, especially by joining BYC. So much good knowledge and so many caring people here!

 

[Frizzledhen]

Enjoy your new little charges. It won't be long before the cute little fluffies turn into obnoxious teenagers.

 

[reddchick07]

cetawin - you say don't use bedding, but i've heard pine bedding is fine...??

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Pine bedding is fine, you just don't want to use cedar. Welcome to BYC.

 

[chick4chicks]

Redd, Welcome to BYC. Good luck with the babes. I am a new Mommy to Chicks and i just love them. You will find all kinds of good advice here so come here often.

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