First Timer - Panicking

[newbie32]

Hi! I am also a first timer. It gets easier!!! This site and the people on here are amazing. I have asked soooo many questions and they have all been answered, even the stupid ones. I kept mine in the garage away from my dog. Since they need to be in fairly warm conditions, the garage will not get too hot. Mine are in there now-although they need to go to big coop soon. I am using a dog kennel as my brooder. It is the one for the big dogs-inside use. I checked on mine every few hours except when I slept. They did fine. Just make sure they have plenty of water at all times. I was fortunate that I got mine in July at high temps so I never once needed a lamp.

Good luck and feel free to send a private message if you have questions

 

[itgns]

Thank you everyone for your replies and help! All your stories and advice is starting to make me relax a little bit.

Do they need the lamp on 24/7? It doesn't bother them when they're trying to sleep, does it?

 

[jdoane]

Depending on your climate - they will need a lamp 24/7 for at least a few weeks. The first week they should be at 95 degrees under the lamp (but able to get away from the lamp too so they can regulate their temp). The second week down to 90. Third week to 85 and then I think you can drop to 75. But also you just watch them. If they huddle together under the lamp they are cold. If they are running around all over and paying any attention where the heat is they are fine. And if they are as far away from the lamp as they can get and/or panting - they are too hot. I found mine generally preferred to be a bit cooler than the recommended temps.

Some people recommend a red bub which they say reduces the chance of them picking on each other.

 

[itsbob]

Quote:
Interesting. Granted it's only been a week, but I have 9 chicks in a rubber storage container in our mudroom. When I just had paper towels down we could notice a smell, but now I have (it's been three days) about 2 - 3 inches of pine shavings. Coming and going I don't notice any smell at all.. of course I understand as time goes by it may get worse. BUT being that the brooder is in the mud room and the entrance to the house AND I have 10 ducks getting ready to introduce themselves in the incubator, I've built a 60" x 30" brooder in the garage that I hope to finish off tonight before the ducks get here (due date is today).

 

[jdoane]

OK - I'd have to say not stinky like permeating the garage but not what I'd like in my room. But I know plenty of people who brooded in their houses. Just personal preference.

 

[itgns]

Did any of you guys know if Meyer differentiates the chicks at all? If I'll be able to tell who is who... which is really important to me if I lose one.

 

[jdoane]

No Meyer does not differentiate the chicks. Unless I think you request them to differentiate between any males you order and the females but not by breed. I ordered four (one of each different breed and we had two mixed up until almost week 3! LOL

 

[itgns]

Thanks for letting me know that! I sent them an email and they'll be banding the male chick so I know which one he is. Thanks.

 

[itgns]

Not really going to make a new thread so I'll just keep posting my little journey here, if that's okay.

I got a lot of the supplies I need. Chick feed. The feeder and water things. I've got puppy pads and some aspen bedding. I got a thermometer. I am using a space heater. Is that okay? I played with all the settings and monitored the thermometer in different parts of the crate and I can get it to maintain 93-95 degrees.

Got a gate up across the door to the room to help regulate the temperature, but keep the dogs out of the room.

I just have to clean all the supplies before they arrive.

Also called the post office to notify them that I'll be expecting live animals mid next week. Would it be wise to keep hand sanitizer by the brooder so we can keep our hands clean before and after handling the chicks when they're strong enough to be handled?

 

[Props4Chicks]

I don't see how it could hurt but most definitely wash your hands after.