I just got 9 chicks —Help

[sealer39]

May want to go get a chick feeder and waterer. It will make your life a bit easier while they are in the brooder. In my pic you can barely see that the feeder and waterer is sitting on rolls of masking tape and duck tape to raise them higher. That helps to keep the bedding and poop out of them. If the chicks are active then they are warm enough. If they stay tightly huddled together most of the time then they are too cold. Chicks grow fast so you should get started on the coop/run now.

BTW. This was not my brooder. I just put them in this drawer for a bit while their brooder was being built on my back porch.

 

[BallsEleven]

May want to go get a chick feeder and waterer. It will make your life a bit easier while they are in the brooder. In my pic you can barely see that the feeder and waterer is sitting on rolls of masking tape and duck tape to raise them higher. That helps to keep the bedding and poop out of them. If the chicks are active then they are warm enough. If they stay tightly huddled together most of the time then they are too cold. Chicks grow fast so you should get started on the coop/run now.
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BTW. This was not my brooder. I just put them in this drawer for a bit while their brooder was being built on my back porch.

I had them sitting on tile last night which was probably sapping the heat from the mat. It was high 70s in the box so they were packed tight when I woke this morning. Since then I’ve moved them and they have been pretty active.
I plan on getting feeders and waterers this morning. Also am going to get to work building a coop. I’m using MyOutdoorPlans for some coop ideas. They have quite a few designs.

So I’m probably looking at egg production in 5-6 months?

 

[MLG1900]

I think they look a little cold in the pictures. I have used an overhead lamp over the top of the box before to help warm things up until I was able to get a heat lamp. This is not a permanent fix though. And the light needed to be very close to the chicks to keep them warm.

 

[BallsEleven]

I think they look a little cold in the pictures. I have used an overhead lamp over the top of the box before to help warm things up until I was able to get a heat lamp. This is not a permanent fix though. And the light needed to be very close to the chicks to keep them warm.

Yeah they have been better since I moved and utilized a towel to trap some heat.

Is there anything other than the chick feed and water that they need right now or is it too early for supplements?

 

[sealer39]

Chick feed and water is all they need now.

 

[MLG1900]

Yeah they have been better since I moved and utilized a towel to trap some heat.

Is there anything other than the chick feed and water that they need right now or is it too early for supplements?

I only give chick starter and water. I do not give any supplements. I feel like the feed has everything they need. I like to raise my chicks on the medicated starter. I do not hatch alot but I have never had any chick deaths, whereas, my friends felt they would have chick deaths using Non - medicated starter feed. Then when they are closer to laying age, I switch over to regular feed.

 

[Mamatomany123]

I only give chick starter and water. I do not give any supplements. I feel like the feed has everything they need. I like to raise my chicks on the medicated starter. I do not hatch alot but I have never had any chick deaths, whereas, my friends felt they would have chick deaths using Non - medicated starter feed. Then when they are closer to laying age, I switch over to regular feed.

I never put my chicks on medicated feed and I didnt lose any. None got sick, none had pasty butts. Nothing.

 

[BallsEleven]

So is there anything that causes pasty butt? (I’m assuming it’s just waste buildup on the rear)

 

[MLG1900]

I never put my chicks on medicated feed and I didnt lose any. None got sick, none had pasty butts. Nothing.

That is good. I am glad the regular food works for you!

 

[MLG1900]

So is there anything that causes pasty butt? (I’m assuming it’s just waste buildup on the rear)

Pasty butt is when the poop dries on their butt and feathers. Usually from being too hot. It needs to be cleaned away or it can kill them.