Getting chicks

[cluckmecoop7]

Hey all!

I'm most likely getting some chicks from the feed store tomorrow or the next day.....but it's been more than a year since I last was brooding chicks. I just have a few questions:

1. Can I use nipple waterers right from the start?
2. Should I use medicated feed or non-medicated?
3. I want to get them outside as soon as possible so what age would be good? Average temp right now is about 38 degrees.
4. I might have more questions, but for now....tips?

Thanks!
- Clucky

 

[ColoradoPip]

1. Can I use nipple waterers right from the start?

Vertical ones, yes. I've read that the chicks need to be 3 weeks old in order to be strong enough to operate the horizontal ones.

I use vertical nipples and a quart sized open waterer. 90% of the chicks use the nipples, no training, from day one (ok technically they arrived ~1.5 days old!).

2. Should I use medicated feed or non-medicated?

It's up to you.

3. I want to get them outside as soon as possible so what age would be good? Average temp right now is about 38 degrees.

They can handle cold temps as long as they can keep warm. Some people brood and raise them outside completely.

So you could take them out if they have access to warmth/heat. Not sure how you would do that in those temps.

4. I might have more questions, but for now....tips?

Vertical nipples drip and chicks walk under them and they drip more. I put them on food grade buckets then place the lids on the ground underneath to catch drippings and keep the bedding from getting too wet. It still gets a little wet but with twice daily dumping of the lids and any wet wood flakes around the lids, I make quick work of it.

I like wood flakes versus shavings.

 

[rosemarythyme]

1. You can try, but really keep a close eye on them to make sure they are successfully using them (just smashing their beaks helplessly against the toggle doesn't count).

2. Are the chicks vaccinated against coccidiosis? If they are, non medicated. If they are not, your choice.

3. Do you have a set up that allows you to brood outdoors or in coop? They'd be outside immediately if they were mine.

 

[Bean15]

1.) I introduced my chicks to horizontal nipple waterers once they were around 3 weeks, and it took them awhile to figure out. (we used a typical gravity waterer when they were younger) if you decide to try it right away, use vertical ones and watch them closely to make sure they're drinking from it. usually the shiny metal tips on some of them attract their attention and they figure it out.
2.) I use non-medicated, my chicks are not vaccinated. it's up to you.
3.) Don't leave them outside for any long period of time without a source of heat. they need somewhere to go if they get cold.
4.) Just like @ColoradoPip mentioned, that is how I set up the nipple waterers as well.

I'd use wood chips in the brooder. I've found that shavings tend to get wet more easily, and turn into a sloppy mess, especially around the waterer.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Thank you so much for the information!

The chicks I'm getting are probably not vaccinated....

Would anyone else give their opinion please?

 

[aart]

1. I put both Horizontal Nipples and an open chick waterer in brooder from day one.
2. Have never vaccinated or used medicated feed.
3. Can you set up their heater(what are you using?) and an area separated by wire from the existing flock out in the coop?
I like to brood in coop from a week after hatch until integration at 4-6 weeks.
More work to set it up but much easier integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

 

[cluckmecoop7]

1. I put both Horizontal Nipples and an open chick waterer in brooder from day one.
2. Have never vaccinated or used medicated feed.
3. Can you set up their heater(what are you using?) and an area separated by wire from the existing flock out in the coop?
I like to brood in coop from a week after hatch until integration at 4-6 weeks.
More work to set it up but much easier integration.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/integrating-new-birds-at-4-weeks-old.72603/

Thanks!

No, I'm not able to brood in the coop. (I'm basically starting a new flock so no need to do that). I use a "momma hen heat plate".

 

[aart]

No, I'm not able to brood in the coop. (I'm basically starting a new flock so no need to do that). I use a "momma hen heat plate".

Why not...no power out there??
So you have no chickens now, or are going to keep this flock all in a separate coop and run?