Hi! Newbie here!

[janiedoe]

Also, I'd suggest buying some chick electrolytes and
reading up on pasty butt and coccidiosis before they arrive. Good luck!

 

[triciayoung]

Black australorp, black sexlink, Rhode Island Red, and Buff orpington.

Welcome. Good breed choices.

 

[Sanderguy777]

You should so you know what temperature the floor is getting beneath it. I have never used one, and it probably would tell you how many inches for what age, but it's really critical especially in the beginning to know what heat they are getting.

We bought several Govees for the incubators and brooders, but those can be pricey. You can find a real cheap one and whilst it might be off by degree or two, at least it's close!

Good to know. Can it just it in the bedding, or does it need to be elevated?

 

[Debbie292d]

Good to know. Can it just it in the bedding, or does it need to be elevated?

I lay it right on top of the bedding. They'll poop on it, but you can take it out after a few minutes when you see what the temp is.

Then I use a bleach wipe and clean it for the next time.

 

[Sanderguy777]

Also, I'd suggest buying some chick electrolytes and
reading up on pasty butt and coccidiosis before they arrive. Good luck!

Just heard about this on the coffee with the Chicken ladies podcast. Nutrina nutritionist was on and talking about how to keep them from getting it.

 

[Sanderguy777]

I lay it right on top of the bedding. They'll poop on it, but you can take it out after a few minutes when you see what the temp is.

Then I use a bleach wipe and clean it for the next time.

Good to know. I thought it was for the whole time, constant readings. Can I use an instant meat thermometer? Or do I need something more like a digital fish one?

 

[Debbie292d]

Good to know. I thought it was for the whole time, constant readings. Can I use an instant meat thermometer? Or do I need something more like a digital fish one?

Meat thermometers are probably too high of a range. A digital fish one may be too low as their temp is 76F or so and probably not too accurate if not submerged. I have one I suppose I could go try to see.

My first one was this one. It's pretty cheap and isn't perfect but it's darn close.

 

[Sanderguy777]

Meat thermometers are probably too high of a range. A digital fish one may be too low as their temp is 76F or so and probably not too accurate if not submerged. I have one I suppose I could go try to see.

My first one was this one. It's pretty cheap and isn't perfect but it's darn close.

I'll take a look. Thanks!

 

[Antiocheggers]

glad you joined this awsome family of chicken lovers

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're very happy to have you with us!