Hi, Im a Newbie, I could use some advice.

[Cats Critters]

Welcome! You could order from My Pet Chicken

 

[chickiemomma]

Hi! I'm in Rockland County.

You might want to check out mypetchicken.com their minimum is 3 chicks. Ideal-poultry.com will also ship a small amount, their min. is $25.00.

 

[Presto]

I was wondering when I get the coop finished & I order chicks or buy at my local feed store what is my check list that I should have already before the chicks come home?

1. Chick feed.
2. feeder- is there a diffrence in adult size feeder & chick feeder?
3. waterer- is there a diffrence in size?
4. Do I need a heat lamp?
5. I have a plastic bottom bunny cage with a wire top is this ok for chicks?
6. Shavings
7.
8.
9.
10....YIKES. :|

Thank you.
PS. Im a terrible speller too!

 

[TheMartianChick]

Welcome, Presto!

I'm in Syracuse, NY... Everybody has given you some great advice... BYC.com is fantastic!! I've noticed that quite a few folks in my area list chicks on Craigslist, probably in your area, too. I would definitely get a heat lamp for the chicks... we get alot of drafts and crazy weather changes that can cause fluctuations in house temperature. I would also get a cheap thermometer so that you can keep track of the temps... You don't want to get the chicks too hot!The bunny cage should work, but make sure that the chicks can't get their heads stuck between the cage wires. Good luck with your chicken endeavors!

 

[Chirpy]

I'll try to answer a few of your questions that haven't been answered yet.

Yes, there is a difference in chick and adult feeders (although you can probably use an adult feeder for chicks). I think it's easier to use the long, metal or plastic feeders that have about ten holes (five or so along each side) for the babies. They make less waste that way. I also found, personally, that keeping the feeder up (like on a piece of wood) helps to keep the waste down. They are really messy eaters!

Chicks can drown in their waterers. People often put marbles in the water for a week or so to let the chickens get larger and then take the marbles out. I would use a small waterer to start with and get the larger five gallon size when the chicks are closer to adult size.

Chicks can also be suffocated in corners so for the first couple of weeks or so you should put something in the corners to keep them 'rounded' so the chicks can't pile up there on top of each other.

Feed doesn't store for very long. Generally a few weeks, so I would wait until the week you are certain you are getting your chicks and then get their feed. Yes, there is special feed for chicks, it's called "chick starter", at about 8 weeks old they change over to "chick grower" and then, when they start to lay eggs they get "layer feed." I personally like the layer pellets, there's less waste.

Never use cedar shavings - that's toxic to chickens. Pine shavings are perfect for their bedding. When you first get baby chicks you will want to put some paper towels (not newspaper - too slippery) on top of the pine shavings for maybe two or three days. That way the chicks will learn what is food to eat and that the bedding isn't to eat. You can then take away the paper towels and they will be fine.

Keep their bedding dry! That can be a tough one as they do make a mess of things.

When you use the heat lamp have it at one end of their cage so they can get away if it's too hot. You can tell if the temperature is good by watching and listening. If they are all huddled under the heat it's too cold, if they are all away from the heat they are too hot. If some are under the heat and some away from it, it's probably just right.

If I've messed up with any of this info someone can set me straight.

 

[SeaChick]

Quote:
1. You will have todecide whether to buy medicated or non-medicated. If you are concerned about being organic, try to find organic feed. I imagine in LI you can find it; about 90% of the feed stores here in southern maine carry it and the rest can special order it for you. There are several brands, including Blue Seal.
2. Yes, you need a chick-sized feeder.
3. Chick waterer, much smaller than adults. Put marbles or clean pebbles in it for the first few days so they don't drown. Feeder and waterer: you will want to raise these off the shavings as the chicken grow, keeping them at back height, so that shavings and poop don't get them dirty immediately.
4. Yes, heat lamp with red bulb (so they won't peck each other) in a ceramic-based heat lamp fixture (about $12.00 at a feed store or hardware store). Start at 90-95 degrees, then raise the light fixture so that each week you decrease by 5 degrees. For a small brooder (6 chicks?) I used a 100 watt bulb. 250 watts was too strong.
5. Sounds like a good brooder. You might want to put cardboard around the bottom part so they don't kick shavings out all over the place!
6. Pine shavings only -no cedar!!- and cover with paper towels for the first few days so they learn where the food is and don't eat the shavings and get impacted crops.
7. Thermometer to monitor temps in the brooder. We used a remote one and put the senseor in the brooder. When they moved out to the coop we put it out there since it has a 150' range. WE can monitor it from inside.
8. Lot of time to sit and watch them because they're SOOOOOO cute!!

Stacey

 

[Frizzledhen]

Quote:
Hi LoriAnn,
Welcome to BYC. If you think anyone on here will tell you NOT to get chickens

think again. If your max is 6, we will talk you into just ONE more. We can even tell you the best places to hide that seventh chicken when the inspector comes around. That is the kind of people we are, we are the BYC Enablers. This group will help you every inch of the way to becoming a new chickaholic.
Welcome,
Gayle

 

[Presto]

YOU GUYS ARE AWESOME! sorry for the caps! Hide a Chicken,lol

 

[Cheryl]

There are lots of coop ideas here for your dh to check out, As well as many other sites. You can also look for childrens play houses to convert, possibly someone old shed that is no longer being used.

 

[Presto]

I have convinced my hubby & he is ready for chickens!

Of course he said the shed even if converted is not good enough for the ladies.

I think I created a monster? He has even picked out a few types of chickens he likes, he likes the Silkies he saw a picture & thought they were funny looking, He even went as far to say he would like a chicken that lays colorful eggs!

yes, I just about hit the floor......This is going to be interesting.

Is there any kind of special paint I need to paint the coop or any flowers that are toxic to chickens?

Thanks.