First Time Ordering Chicks. Babies Are Here (Photos)

[sillycmoy]

So this is my first time ordering chicks. I have successfully raised chicks all this year, but I've always got them from someone local off BYC or local ads. So Ideal Poultry had to run a Bantam Special today, only $0.85 per chick is you got 25 or more. So of course I say to myself, I really want to get a Light Brahma, and they can be shipped with the Bantams, and of course I have a friend who wanted to place a chick order anyways. So we ordered the 25 Bantam Special and then our standard chick order. So I have 32 chicks coming on Friday.

So I already have medicated chick starter, that is fresh I have a few 4 week olds outside. I have a brooder, chick feeders, chick waters and the 250 watt bulb light.

So my real question is...Do I need to give them vitamins in their water when I get them on Friday, or anything else to get them started, and do I need to get the Bantams chick mash or can the crumbles that are somewhat big be okay for them. And will I need to teach them all how to drink and eat?

Thanks

 

[Chicks Galore3]

You look pretty well set to me! Keep and eye on them to make sure they are eating/drinking. If one does it, the rest will follow. I make up a gallon of Sav-A-Chick elctroylytes, just be safe, and use it until it is gone. I think the regular chick crumbles would be fine, but I've never had bantams before.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

What I read is to put down a piece of newspaper and spread some chick starter on that, also dip the tip of their beaks in the water to help them drink. They should learn pretty quickly.

As far as putting additives in the water, you'll get lots of different opinions on this . I personally choose to use apple cider vinegar with the mother, love it and would never use anything else

http://www.scratchandpeck.com/the-values-of-raw-apple-cider-vinegar

edited to add: I've never had bantams either so I'm not sure about them needing mash

 

[sillycmoy]

Can I get that at an IFA or Cal Ranch store? I know on the poultry site they said to mix 1/2 cup of sugar to a gallon, and not start electrolytes for 3 days, which doesn't make sense to me.

 

[sillycmoy]

They are here, they are here.

Now if I only knew what all the Bantams are. I know what the 7 Standards are, but all the tinies... I think its a good mix of Cochin, Brahma's, EE and a few WHATS?

 

[irischick]

Congrats! They are adorable and all seem to be doing great. Great job!!

 

[IrishAcreFarm]

Oh, they are PRECIOUS! Congrats! Seems like you had a good experience with Ideal!

 

[sillycmoy]

Yes, they all came happy, and healthy, they are running around like crazy just chatting away. Now what to do with 25 Bantams. I really only ordered to help a friend out that wanted 6 Standards and 4-5 of the Bantams, and this deal was almost $40.00 cheaper then ordering just want they wanted. So I now just got to figure out what these babies are. And find them new homes. Which will probably be super hard since I'm in Utah, and its going to start getting cold really fast. At least they are all tiny tots. hehehe

 

[kbh82310]

Yes, they all came happy, and healthy, they are running around like crazy just chatting away.  Now what to do with 25 Bantams.  I really only ordered to help a friend out that wanted 6 Standards and 4-5 of the Bantams, and this deal was almost $40.00 cheaper then ordering just want they wanted.  So I now just got to figure out what these babies are.  And find them new homes.  Which will probably be super hard since I'm in Utah, and its going to start getting cold really fast.  At least they are all tiny tots.  hehehe  

I wish I lived closer I would LOVE to take a few or a dozen off your hands. But after getting chicks myself this week I'm pretty sure my husband would not be too happy

 

[sillycmoy]

Well I currently have almost 50 here right now, and I'm allowed 15. Oops...