Getting chicks tomorrow? what do I do?

[Mill]

I am going to petaluma to pick up 8 day old chicks. I am going to get a 250 watt bulb and I have a cardboard box all set up. I have this flooring called carefresh. it's like paper. Do I need woodshavings? how warm will the chicks be? Will they die?

 

[cw]

the chicks need to be around 90-95 degrees, just watch them, if they huddle there cold, if there spread out away from the light there hot, when they sleep on there side they look dead, they probably need pine shavings (as cedar is toxic,) i would go a head and set up the little box, light on and all.(start gettin the temp right and there box warm)do you have feed ready? water? etc...
good luck
and by the way produces

 

[cw]

why do u think they ll die?

 

[Judy]

cw is right, they will tell you what they need if you watch them.

Read the Learning Center page. And ask here if you need help!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. Here is some good information that may help you.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/raising-chickens-basics.php

 

[Mill]

the chicks need to be around 90-95 degrees, just watch them, if they huddle there cold, if there spread out away from the light there hot, when they sleep on there side they look dead, they probably need pine shavings (as cedar is toxic,) i would go a head and set up the little box, light on and all.(start gettin the temp right and there box warm)do you have feed ready? water? etc...
good luck
and by the way produces


Thank you so much I will make sure to do all of that. I think I am just super nervous.

 

[Mill]

I think that they might die because our family friend came over last night and told my family and me that chick mortality rates were super super high. I got really scared but we all still want to get chicks so...

 

[Mill]

thank you ddawn an cmon for the help I will read up and get prepared!! I'm so excited!!

 

[bawkbawk]

Good luck with your new flock!

Yeah, I'd read that chicks had a high mortality rate, so we ordered 8, thinking we'd have 4 survive. Here it is, four weeks later, and they are all running around in their coop looking happy and healthy.

Mypetchicken.com has a free e-book on their website that gives a quick overview of what to expect and do when you first get your chicks. I also liked the books "Chickens in Your Backyard" and "Living With Chickens". This message board is a great resource. If you have time, look through some of the messages and replies in this "Raising Baby Chicks" section.

Sounds like you have someplace for them to be, and a lamp for warmth (remember 90 degrees or so, lowering the temp by about 5 degrees each week). You'll need some starter feed and a feeder as well as a waterer. We got our supplies at a local feed store. I know tha tothers have used various bedding types--we've used pine shavings from day 1 and those have worked fine (they seem comfy enough and are absorbent for all that chick poo).

Good luck--post some pictures!