House Chicks-Preparing for the new crew

[hooligan]

So as several of you know, GritsAr and I are sharing a chick order from Ideal. I will be getting a Black Jersey Giant and a Silver Laced Cochin-both pullets. I am preparing all of their needs before their arrival and what to see what you guys think OR if I need to add or switch anything.

I have bought this crate: http://www.petco.com/product/13907/Midwest-Lifestages-Double-Door-Fold-and-Carry-Crates.aspx
its 42"L X 28"W X 31"H and this will be their sleeping place and a safe place to hang out if we aren't at home. Do you think this would be suitable for the two of these birds when adult? Or should I go for something like this: http://homeandkennel.petedge.com/ProSelect-Standard-Foldable-Cat-Cages-ZW334.pro?parentCategoryId=194&categoryId=310&subCategoryId=502

I have also bought bird mirrors and bells for them to play with and the following treats for when they get older: millet sprays, freeze dried calamari/anchovies/shrimp. Picked up a few dowel rods for roosts as well.

I have also picked up two pet carrier bags so that I can take them shopping with me.

Tomorrow I am picking up Purina Start and Grow, as the other chicks need more food too

Their bowls are these http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21BDV5D3D3L._AA160_.jpg to cut down on messes.

Now what am I forgetting?

 

[silkiechicken]

To fire up that brooder and get it nice and toasty for the new girls.

Since they will be house chickens, I would go for the wider vs the taller enclosure. To keep their beaks and nails short, a concrete paver to put the treats atop would probably be good so they can scratch around.

And, chicken diapers!

Best of luck!

 

[Josie]

I use the dog crate one for my young chickens. I think it would work great for housing while you are gone, but I am not so sure if it was meant for longer. Are you gone most of the time, or home?

 

[hooligan]

I am going to use an aquarium as a brooder for the first few weeks then move them to a guinea pig cage (which is what the others are in right now).

By concrete paver, do you mean a concrete block like those use to decorate the yard?

I was thinking the crate I bought would be better (thats the black one) but I didn't know if they would need a taller one or not since I will have dowel rods for them to roost on.

Oh yeah, I also bought grit , though they won't need it for awhile.

Should I get anything like cuttle bone, lava stone or something like this http://www.petco.com/product/11608/Polly-s-Cuttlebone-and-Calcium-Perches.aspx

 

[hooligan]

Quote:
At the MOST they would be in the crate for 6 hrs and that is only when my bf goes back to 1st shift. The only reason I want to crate them is bc of the doggies. They will be in the bedroom with the doors shut but until I get enough diapers...tis the crate for them while gone!

I have a co-worker who will make me chicken diapers but I need to get her a pattern for them. I found one but it doesn't look like the others I have seen for sale.

 

[Josie]

Sounds like a fun setup. I bet you could put a low roost on the dog crate. I did for my teenage chickies.

 

[silkiechicken]

Yep, just talking regular paver block, the 12 inch by 12 inch type. The rougher the better. I don't think the cuttle bone perches will do them much good since they don't quite grab onto perches.