Just got 2-day-old chicks and have some questions. Total newbie.

[FreeRangePamela]

Hi, folks. We brought home our first baby chicks (supposedly all pullets) yesterday -- 3 black Australorps and 3 Plymouth Rocks, all 2 days old now. Of course, I have lots of questions already, and I've been reading books/forums/etc. nearly non-stop. Hope you all can help.

1. Our chicks are mostly staying away from the heat source, almost crouching along the opposite wall of the box we have them in. I have raised the light a couple of times, thinking they are uncomfortably hot, but is it an option to turn the light out entirely? I know the rule is 95 degrees for the first week, but we are in Texas and it's already getting up to the mid 90s outside here with no extra heat. (They are inside but still pretty warm.) Do I just pay attention to the chicks' signals and try to find a point where they're comfortable, even if that means no light? Maybe turn on the light only at night (when it's getting down to the 70s outside)?

2. Given that heat level, is it OK to go ahead and let them go outside for a little while each day, so long as it is warm enough and sunny? What about moving them out to the coop early? Is that an option even if they aren't feathered out, so long as it's warm enough and they have the heat lamp to hang out near, as well? I think they would be happier outside but don't want to go too fast.

3. My young sons are loving to play with them and watch them. Is there such a thing as "too much handling" as long as they are gentle and there's plenty of hand-washing before and after touching them? The birds don't seem to be distressed and seem to enjoy getting out of the brooder for a little while.

4. My son noticed that one of the chicks seems to have a wound on its neck -- it is actually really hard to find and I don't see it normally. The other chicks don't seem to be pecking her excessively, and, like I said, you can't really see the wound. Do I need to do something about it, like separate her or treat her with something, so long as she's not getting pecked by the others?

So far we've really been enjoying having them. The Plymouth Rocks are much more active for now, definitely more curious and bigger. I suspect one of them is going to rule the roost. We have ordered 2 Easter Eggers, which are supposed to arrive next week -- hopefully the one-week difference won't be too terrible. Anyway, thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Best,
Pamela

 

[dheltzel]

I like to use a dimmer on the heat lamps, like this: http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-TBL03...=1399647862&sr=8-1&keywords=table+lamp+dimmer
For a cheap option, switch out the bulb for a lower wattage one. I find 60 watts is enough for indoors. I prefer to keep them inside for a few weeks if possible. This allows more supervision and also socialization. You can't really over-play with the chicks, as long as you respect their need to eat and drink on occasion. They seem to enjoy sleeping under a hand, I think this is natural like under a hen. Singing and talking to them is good, they will come to associate that with good things.

They can go outside, with supervision. They will make noise if they are unhappy.

I would keep an eye on the wound, but not do anything unless it gets worse. Antibiotic ointment is a good treatment if you think it's getting larger.

 

[Loghousemom]

I do not typically use a thermometer in my brooders with chicks and instead just use the signals from them. If they are staying far from the heat, they might be getting too warm. they also pant like a dog if they are too hot. When they fall asleep they should be evenly spread around the box, or under the heat source. if they are all laying in a pile, they might be too cool.

I hang my lamp from the ceiling on a chain from a hook and adjust it accordingly. We have been getting up to 60 during the day and then I have to move the lamp up and at night it is cooler so I need to move it back down. I love them into a large brood box out in the coop with the big girls when they are 2-4 weeks old depending on the temps. (I live in an area a lot colder than where you are)

I say go ahead and take them outside with supervision if you want. if they start piling up or squacking loudly they probably are ready to go back inside, but if your temps are up in the 90s already, then just watch for the panting and move them someplace cooler.