Hello from a brand-new Chick Mommy :)

[ChickLit]

Hello Everyone!

I found this site today when I was researching a question about my brand-new baby RIRs...I joined immediately and I'm so glad I did! It seems I'll be able to find the answer to just about any question I might have...Forums have been very helpful to me in the past, and when I get to the point where I know what I'm talking about I'm always happy to pay it forward and help others out.

My six new little girls arrived this morning, and I absolutely love them! They seem very healthy, alert & active, and started eating and drinking water as soon as I put them in their new home. I'm so excited!

But I think I've changed their water at least 5 times already... LOL

The original question I had was if it would hurt them to eat pine shavings...and I found the answer here (thank you). Thank goodness I already knew not to give them cedar!!

My next question is: How do I keep myself from checking on them every 5-10 minutes?

Looking forward to chatting with (and learning lots from) all of you!

 

[dickkenschickens]

Hi Chick Mommy,

I've had mine two weeks now. They still fascinate. I've found myself w/ my back to the TV staring into their brooder for about an hour.

They grow fast. They develop their own personalities. A couple let me pick them up pretty easily while a couple of others are always the last ones to be caught.

What did you find out about the pine shavings?

Dickkenschickens

 

[ChickLit]

I found out that it's ok to use pine shavings for their bedding, and if they happen to eat some of it, it won't hurt them (that's what I was worried about). They explore their world with their beaks, and will peck at just about anything, but seem to know right away the difference between their bedding and their food. I'm also starting them on some small grit as soon as husband gets back from town...in case they eat any pieces of shaving they can't handle.

Here's the thread with lots more on the subject: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=198904

 

[Chicklalette]

Hello,

I am Expecting!

My chicks that is on tuesday or wednesday next week! I am a new Mom to be...never had chicks before! I am very excited and VERY nervous!

I hope I am going to be a good mom.

 

[ChickLit]

@Chicklalette ~ That's wonderful!! I'm so glad my waiting is over

I agonized over whether I would do everything right (still am LOL), read everything I could get my hands on...and now they're here. I think I worried more about them being in the mail system than anything, but they all made it (whew!).

Let us know when your new babies arrive!

 

[TipsyDog]

and

from PA!

You need to put paper towels down over the pine shavings for the first week or so. It'll keep the food and water clean and you can have proper poop assessments. That's a very important part of being a chicken Mama!

Change the paper towels a few times a day too.

Good luck with your new babies and say goodbye to housework, TV shows, etc., 'cause you are going to get sooooo hooked on chicks!

 

[gamebirdsonly]

from utah

 

[chaoschicken]

from WA. Good luck raising those cute little chicks.

 

[Schultz]

You can never check on them too many times

 

[ChickLit]

Quote:
Thank you for the welcome! BTW, I forgot to say that I'm from Oregon! @chaoschicken ~ where are you in WA?

I have the paper towels down now after reading more in the forum...and I've changed them 3...maybe 4? times since this afternoon ~ lotsa poop assessed & accounted for...holey moley!!

The chickies are bedded down for the night...along with the dogs & the husband

but I know I'm going to check them a time or two ~ I think I'm already hooked on chicks!

I was supposed to be working today (I work at home); got very little accomplished...but what a fun day ~ new babies in the house!

Oh, I do need some sleep now......g'night all