getting first chicks ever next week..

[s k y]

I was wondering if anyone had any advice/hard learned lessons?

getting 5 one day olds
1 Buff Orpington
1 Easter Egger
1 Dominique
1 Silver Laced Wyandotte
1 Gold Laced Wyandotte

I live in New England, so advice on winter too, would be nice

 

[Poultry parent]

What kind of things are you wondering about?

 

[Fuzzymiss9]

Me too! Could also use some pointers. I have a cardboard box set up as a brooder, it's on my 3rd floor which can get pretty warm, guess I'll have to check they don't cook if we get warm weather. I have food and bedding, almost finished painting the coop (which won't be used for a little while yet). Should I handle them? Do they need some enrichment like boxes, a perch etc?

 

[Poultry parent]

They don't really use a perch for the first couple of weeks, you can handle them, just gently, and with some breaks so they don't get tired. You can give them a clump of grass, dirt and all to scratch at

 

[thegavulichs]

I am new to raising chickens. I have 1 week old Barred Rocks, if I give them dirt and grass, do I need to provide grit?

 

[Poultry parent]

If you have sandy or rocky soil, then no, if you don't then you should get them some chick grit