Inherited chickens with the house we purchased, now trying to grow our flock! We're newbies!

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

So sorry for your losses. Definitely make sure the vent is clear. Make sure it knows where the water and food is, dip her beak in the water and tap at the food as if you are eating. Lay down a paper towel and sprinkle food on it and tap like you ate eating it. Some chicks need help to learn.

 

[triciayoung]

Just do the BEST you can. Not all chicks will grow into adulthood. Some leave early, while others leave unexpectedly when somewhat grown. All part of the Circle of life.
If you post pix of your chickens,, we can guess breed of your chickens/chicks.
Sorry to hear the drowning incident. May I suggest you place a quantity of marbles into chicks drinking water dish. If you don't have marbles, stone do same. Marbles are easier to clean.

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

By the way, question: I have always used stones in the trays of my water fountains for chicks, but, I think I do it for too long- and we both know how hard it is to clean with the stones in the trays. How long do you do it?

 

[triciayoung]

Welcome. I am so sorry for your losses. In addition to using stones in the water trays for chicks, I occasionally add sav-a-chick to an additional water fountain with stones in the tray. I add the fountain because if they don't like the taste, I don't want them to not drink at all.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

By the way, question: I have always used stones in the trays of my water fountains for chicks, but, I think I do it for too long- and we both know how hard it is to clean with the stones in the trays. How long do you do it?

I do it just for the first 4-5 days, just until I'm sure everyone is drinking well, and they're very mobile and agile. To clean the stones (I use those colored glass pebbles), I just dump the whole mess into a kitchen strainer, then pick out the stones and rinse them in hot water.

 

[triciayoung]

I do it just for the first 4-5 days, just until I'm sure everyone is drinking well, and they're very mobile and agile. To clean the stones (I use those colored glass pebbles), I just dump the whole mess into a kitchen strainer, then pick out the stones and rinse them in hot water.

Thank you

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I am so sorry for your losses. You will find plenty of helpful members here. Good luck growing your flock!

 

[DobieLover]

By the way, question: I have always used stones in the trays of my water fountains for chicks, but, I think I do it for too long- and we both know how hard it is to clean with the stones in the trays. How long do you do it?

Make one of these. They are great for putting in with a broody you are breaking, for a setting broody and for the chicks when they hatch. Just a handy tool to have available.

 

[triciayoung]

Make one of these. They are great for putting in with a broody you are breaking, for a setting broody and for the chicks when they hatch. Just a handy tool to have available.
View attachment 3465791

Thank you.

 

[sourland]

Good morning, and welcome to BYC.