First Timer - Panicking

[itgns]

Thanks!

Do chicks sleep at really weird/awkward angles? Sometimes it looks like they just collapsed wherever. But then after awhile, they'll just pop right back up and wander around some more.

 

[jdoane]

Thanks!

Do chicks sleep at really weird/awkward angles? Sometimes it looks like they just collapsed wherever. But then after awhile, they'll just pop right back up and wander around some more.

Absolutely!!!! They fall asleep at the drop of a hat no matter what they are doing. We always laughed hardest at the ones that would fall asleep mid stretch - one little wing and 1 leg stuck out. Or the ones that would sleep like a tripod - standing on their heads. My poor little chicks - I was notorious for waking them up "just to make sure." Do you have marbles or something in the water so they can't fall asleep in the water?

 

[itgns]

That's what people meant about not letting them drown. I was like, "How is a chick going to drown in that?" And then I watched one of them fall asleep right into the food tray and I had a light bulb moment. So I'm trying to find some marbles in the house to disinfect and put in there for that purpose.

 

[jdoane]

That's what people meant about not letting them drown. I was like, "How is a chick going to drown in that?" And then I watched one of them fall asleep right into the food tray and I had a light bulb moment. So I'm trying to find some marbles in the house to disinfect and put in there for that purpose.

Yup! Until you see it you think "Yeah so they fall asleep a lot!" Then you watch them!

 

[write2caroline]

I put mine in the bathroom. I have cats so I needed to keep the cats out!

You will figure it out! Take a lot of pictures please and post them. I ordered Dominiques too! Mine come next week.

So I will follow your post and see how you are doing!
Oh - my experience is that chicks do not like flash photography - make them jump.

Caroline

 

[write2caroline]

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?

Use a red bulb - won't disturb their sleep and will keep them from pecking at each other. - not good for taking pictures though.

Caroline

 

[write2caroline]

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?

Be careful with the space heater - a heat lamp is better.. Because if the whole room is 95 degrees they may be uncomfortable. With a lamp, if they are too hot they will move away from directly under the lamp and if they are cold they will move under it. Also - if they are unhappy they will peep loudly. I had a batch peep like crazy until I put a fluffy santa hat in with them and they cuddled up with that and all went to sleep. - Put aquarium rocks in the waterer so a chick will not fall in and drown. Apple cider vinegar is good to add to water half a cap full for 16 oz


This is my grandmother with her Dominique's

Which is why I ordered mine too! I forgot to tell you Apple Cider Vinegar is referred here as ACV often is good to add to water because it will prevent pasty butt - should a chick get pasty butt use a q-tip an dip in tepid/warmer not hot water and wet the paste - not the chick if you can help it and gently work it off the chick - the chick will not be happy. Then use some vaseline on the area and that should prevent any new poop from sticking.
Caroline

 

[itgns]

Yeah, I learned last night that they'll chirp VERY loudly if they're not happy. I have them in my bedroom. Not really the wisest choice, but it's really the only place I can keep the cat away and keep them warm at night. The Buff Orpington woke me up at 1:30 to inform me that she had pasty butt. I did my best to clean it. I couldn't get some of it off, it seemed really matted in her fluff. But I did clear her vent and she quieted down. I woke up this morning and switched out the puppy pads and cleaned the water. They sure drank a lot of water yesterday! Almost a whole mason jar among the six of them.

I will look into the ACV because I really want to prevent pasty butt.

Question. How long can they have pasty butt before they like... get hurt? Because I have to go back to work in the next few days and I was hoping that they'd be okay while I was gone. My mom will be in the house and can check in on them now and then, but if I don't have to trouble her to wipe their bottoms, then I don't want to.

Picture!

 

[itsbob]

Well this looks like a good a place as any:

I have 9 assorted chicks in the brooder, they are 3 weeks old today, and 2 Khaki ducklings that are 2 weeks old.. this week my order of Aracuana chicks comes in and they'll be probably 3 days old when i get them.

Should I keep them separate from the bigger chicks, or will they be alright with their older brother and sisters?

 

[itgns]

I actually had this question before, too. People told me that the older chicks were likely to pick on the smaller ones. But others said that they had no problem integrating chicks of different ages. All around, everyone seemed to definitely suggest keeping on eye on everyone if you did intend to keep them together.