Mama Heating Pad in the Brooder (Picture Heavy) - UPDATE

[MichelleT]

That is the best case scenario: feed everyone chick starter and make sure there's plenty of oyster shell available (always!), right?

 

[aart]

That is the best case scenario: feed everyone chick starter and make sure there's plenty of oyster shell available (always!), right?

Yes!

I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[biophiliac]

When transitioning foods its always best to add the new food in gradually. Since your littles are transitioning I would mix the 2 feeds until starter is gone.

Oyster shell offered separate.

 

[MichelleT]

So... getting the chicks into the coop at night...
From what I've read, it sounded so easy (place them on the roost at night and everyone wakes up together)... OR the chicks will follow the hens into the coop at night...
Not.so.much.

First of all, they didn't/haven't followed the big ones anywhere except toward food, from which they are prompty chased away.

Second, when I put them in the coop they raised such a racket and absolutely would not settle down at all. The big girls didn't react, but the looked thoroughly annoyed.

Maybe they're too young yet? Maybe I am rushing it?
Maybe if I block off entrance to their brooder (they generally play a while outside after the big girls have headed indoors) at dusk?

I'm all ears.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes!

I like to feed a flock raiser/starter/grower/finisher type feed with 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

X2

 

[Blooie]

I'll be away for a bit - peeking in now and again. It that's it. We are on our way back to South Dakota. Fast decision. Hold down the fort the way you always do. Thanks.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I'll be away for a bit - peeking in now and again. It that's it. We are on our way back to South Dakota. Fast decision. Hold down the fort the way you always do. Thanks.

Safe travels, blooie!

 

[lpyrbby]

So... getting the chicks into the coop at night...
From what I've read, it sounded so easy (place them on the roost at night and everyone wakes up together)... OR the chicks will follow the hens into the coop at night...
Not.so.much.

First of all, they didn't/haven't followed the big ones anywhere except toward food, from which they are prompty chased away.

Second, when I put them in the coop they raised such a racket and absolutely would not settle down at all. The big girls didn't react, but the looked thoroughly annoyed.

Maybe they're too young yet? Maybe I am rushing it?
Maybe if I block off entrance to their brooder (they generally play a while outside after the big girls have headed indoors) at dusk?

I'm all ears.

How old are the chicks?

 

[NotAFarm]

I find that my youngsters (not those raised by the hens within the flock) are often the last to go to the roost. When they do go, they have the tendency to fuss and squabble among themselves about who gets to be next to who and who gets the end near the wall etc. Once it starts getting dark, they settle down.

 

[MichelleT]

How old are the chicks?

I think the youngest is 4 weeks and the oldest is 7 weeks. Today they spent the majority of the day in the coop... going up and down the roosts, looking out the window, just resting. They seemed to think it was their own private play house. Then, after the hens went in for the night, they hung out at the base of the ramp (into the coop) and I thought for SURE they would choose it for bedtime; one of my littlest even got halfway up the ramp, turned around and looked at the rest, peeped a little and (when they ignored her), turned around and followed them into the brooder for the inevitable chick-pile. I think they may just need a couple more days to choose it on their own.