Just another Rookie looking for support

[Rockin CR]

I've had chickens for a day and a half now

and am starting to feel stressed. Started with 10 chicks, 4 Buff Orpingtons, 3 Golden Sex Links and 3 Easter Eggers. One of the Buffs was stressed from the beginning and we finally lost her this evening.

In addition to 9 chicks I have 3 horses, a dog, an adult cat and two new kittens. I've always said that my children all have hooves or paws and now...hmmmmm....what's the correct term for chicken feet?

BYC has already been an enormous help to me. It really helps when you have a question and check the Forum and there's the answer to your question waiting for you! I expect to be taking advantage of y'all's willingness to share information as I learn how to raise my chickens.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your knowledge and experience!

 

[Judy]

Welcome to our forum! Most chicks happily grow up to be chickens, without a problem. Enjoy them, watch them, let them get used to your presence. Lay your hand in the brooder and let them check it out. Set up a little pen outdoors and take them out for outings. Raise the heat lamp and see whether they respond well, or seem to get chillly. I say this because it's so much easier to overheat them than get them dangeriously chilled. They will let you know if they are too hot or cold (while they are little) or if they are bored or restless. It's sad to lose one, of course, but I don't think it takes away from the joy of owning them.

You read a lot of stories about sick or injured birds here -- but this is where many or most chicken owners come with such problems. There are plenty of flocks out there that never had the vast majority of these problems, including mine. There is no need to feel anxious. Enjoy them!

 

[drumstick diva]

Flockwatcher gave you very good advice.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Rockin CR, and

! Pleased you joined us! Sorry you lost a chick - sometimes it just happens. Good luck to you and enjoy your flock!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC, and good luck with your flock. If questions or problems arise, the answers/solutions can be found here.