Just got First Ever Chicks

[chasinchickens]

Hey Y'all! I'm in southeast AL, living on a cul de sac and yesterday bought 6 1/2 chicks from our nearest Tractor Supply. They gave me a free sick one that died within hours, but I am left with six fat little Asian Blue chicks. Right now they are in a cardboard box by my back door in the dining area. They look me over every time I approach and are already used to the family. I know they want out for longer than the few seconds at a tme I lift them out. I am going to be quickly changing their brooder situation as they have grown tons since yesterday. When they move outside I have to keep them seperate from my raised beds and protected from a hawk and snakes that we have around here. I wanted their home complete before I bought them, but. knew these babies would be gone quickly. If anyone has ideas on quick "temporary" safe housing, please advise. So excited!

 

[drumstick diva]

Hope the sick chick didn't have anything contagious. How old are your new chicks? Very young chicks should be in a brooder with a heat lamp angled so part is 95 degrees at chick level, the other part of the brooder would be cooler . That way chicks can move closer to the heated area or away if they are too hot.

For a chicken education please head for the Learning Center.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! As drumstick said lets hope the sick chick didint have anything contagious. I would keep an eye on your others to make sure they stay healthy. Untill about 6 weeks of age your chicks will require heat in a safe draft free but well ventilated area. By 6 weeks they should be fully feathered. The learning centre has lots of great articles here is a particular one that you should find very useful https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-your-baby-chicks

Wishing you the very best of luck with them in the future and be sure to ask any questions you may have. Enjoy BYC

 

[gypz]

Good luck in your new venture. Once your chicks have lost the furry stuff and have feathers, they can go outside...I usually keep the inside til they are about 2 months. Just have fun and a bench by the coop will give you many hours of enjoyment!

 

[Book Em Danno25]

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC!

 

[chasinchickens]

Yes, I am hoping that the chick was just too weak from its trip to the store. Wishful thinking. But, all other chicks thus far seem spunky and healthy. Keeping a clean box for now with paper towels and fresh flake flooring. Electrolytes in the water but my feed isn't medicated , I don't think. Using DuMOR chick starter/grower. Should I possibly take other precautions? have thw warming lamp shining dowm on one end with flannel blanket covering the other in case they need a break from it.