Kale Chips
Songster
Hello! So I hope to be starting a flock of chickens in the next couple weeks, and I have a couple questions! I would like to get 7 Speckled Sussex chicks but have never had any type of poultry before! I have done lots of research but I need a little bit of help still!
Thank you so much for all your help!
- What is the purpose of a RED heat lamp bulb? They are around $9 at Tractor Supply in my town, but I was at Habitat Restore the other day (discounted home repair stuff) and found 75c amber light bulbs (picture below). They have a tiny print that I believe says 100w and 120v, is that appropriate? Also, will the orange color be ok? Any other possible downfalls of not using a specified chick bulb?
- My mother is allergic to chickens/dust and so they cannot be inside the house. I have a small stone shed that will be my coop and I was wondering if that would be too chilly for the chicks? I live in central Wisconsin and there is currently snow on the ground (not a lot) but I am thinking there will be a good amount of chill seeping in from the stone walls. A box with cozy towels and a heat lamp should be ok...correct?
- I know it is difficult to say, but based on your experience, how many chicks will live? The city ordinance only allows 6 chickens, so do I only order 6 chicks or will one almost always die so I should get more?
- Tractor Supply has minimum orders of 10 speckled sussex chickens but I really can't get TEN! What do you suggest? Do local feed stores usually have speckleds or do you think I will need to order online? If so, do you use/like a certain chick distributor?
- My understanding is that a large box with towels on the bottom, a heat bulb dangling over it, a dish with food, a dish with water (and little rocks so they can drink between but not drown), and a tiny fan for ventilation will be perfect! Am I missing any components?
- Anything else I should know about keeping chicks alive and happy? Any tips or tricks?
Thank you so much for all your help!