medicated starter feed for 1day+ old chicks

[007Sean]

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[drumstick diva]

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[Kiki]

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[feathermaid]

Getting new baby chicks is always so exciting! A cardboard box will work as a brooder for about 4 weeks or so, then you'll probably want to get them outside. They are incredibly messy and dusty! Do you have a coop ready for them?

I'm not really sure how good a radiant heater will be for your babies, especially around cardboard. There are so many other options that are much safer and easier to regulate. I used the Mama Heating Pad method for my 2nd flock and was super pleased with how quiet and happy they were... they feathered out quickly and integrated with my older birds so easily.

OK, I'm going to give you lots of reading assignments... these are my favorite articles and they helped me so much!
Kick The Heat Lamp: Better, Safer And Healthier Options To Heat Your Brooder

Raising chicks outdoors (this one has some great insight)

For getting your coop ready:

How Much Room Do Chickens Need

Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

Predator Proofing

About the chick starter, everyone else gave great advice, but you can read about it here:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...edicated-feed-all-about-do-I-need-it-H74.aspx

Also, after about a week or so, bringing in a chunk of grass (with dirt attached) like @DobieLover mentioned, will help introduce existing pathogens from their future environment so they can start building immunities. As soon as you start giving your chicks any additional "treats," they must have grit available otherwise they won't be able to digest it and their system will get clogged up. My local feed store sells chick grit in bulk bins so I can just buy a small amount instead of a whole bag. By the time they're a few months old they'll be ready for regular-sized grit. Don't forget oyster shell too. Offering a separate container on the side will allow laying hens to better regulate their own calcium intake. I'm currently feeding an All Flock Raiser (higher protein content) rather than Layer feed.

This is the setup for my adult birds: a no-spill gravity feeder, oyster shell and grit on the side, and a water bucket with horizontal nipples. I found that vertical nipples just dripped way too much for my liking.

Sorry for the super-long over-explaining post! If you have any questions, just ask.
Good luck in your new chicken adventure!!

 

[N F C]

Hi, it's nice to have you here! Thanks for joining us and enjoy your upcoming flock!

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us

 

[happy duck]

Welcome...and post pics when you get your chicks!

 

[nashua]

Coop is almost ready. Shed is being converted. Still need to put in nest boxes and roosting. Also going to put in an automatic door. Need to add the run on. Well, we should make it in time! : )
By radiant heater I meant a "brooder hen" or heater plate.
Thank you so much for all this info;; I really appreciate it!

View attachment 1594148
Getting new baby chicks is always so exciting! A cardboard box will work as a brooder for about 4 weeks or so, then you'll probably want to get them outside. They are incredibly messy and dusty! Do you have a coop ready for them

I'm not really sure how good a radiant heater will be for your babies, especially around cardboard. There are so many other options that are much safer and easier to regulate. I used the Mama Heating Pad method for my 2nd flock and was super pleased with how quiet and happy they were... they feathered out quickly and integrated with my older birds so easily.

OK, I'm going to give you lots of reading assignments... these are my favorite articles and they helped me so much!
Kick The Heat Lamp: Better, Safer And Healthier Options To Heat Your Brooder

Raising chicks outdoors (this one has some great insight)

For getting your coop ready:

How Much Room Do Chickens Need

Chicken Coop Ventilation - Go Out There And Cut More Holes In Your Coop!

Predator Proofing

About the chick starter, everyone else gave great advice, but you can read about it here:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...edicated-feed-all-about-do-I-need-it-H74.aspx

Also, after about a week or so, bringing in a chunk of grass (with dirt attached) like @DobieLover mentioned, will help introduce existing pathogens from their future environment so they can start building immunities. As soon as you start giving your chicks any additional "treats," they must have grit available otherwise they won't be able to digest it and their system will get clogged up. My local feed store sells chick grit in bulk bins so I can just buy a small amount instead of a whole bag. By the time they're a few months old they'll be ready for regular-sized grit. Don't forget oyster shell too. Offering a separate container on the side will allow laying hens to better regulate their own calcium intake. I'm currently feeding an All Flock Raiser (higher protein content) rather than Layer feed.

This is the setup for my adult birds: a no-spill gravity feeder, oyster shell and grit on the side, and a water bucket with horizontal nipples. I found that vertical nipples just dripped way too much for my liking.
View attachment 1594162

Sorry for the super-long over-explaining post! If you have any questions, just ask.
Good luck in your new chicken adventure!!

 

[nashua]

Coop is almost ready. Shed is being converted. Still need to put in nest boxes and roosting. Also going to put in an automatic door. Need to add the run on. Well, we should make it in time! : )
By radiant heater I meant a "brooder hen" or heater plate.
Thank you so much for all this info;; I really appreciate it!

 

[feathermaid]

By radiant heater I meant a "brooder hen" or heater plate.

Ahh! I thought you meant like a radiant space heater with an open element.

So I think what you have is much better than a heat lamp and almost the same thing I was talking about. Sounds like you've got a great start on your coop... no rush for the nest boxes, they won't need them for about 4-6 months.

I forgot to tell you earlier... I fed my first batch of chicks medicated and my second batch non-medicated and never noticed a difference either way. I think the greatest benefit of medicated is mostly for the large factory farms whose brooder conditions are not nearly as clean and dry as you would keep a small brood at home.

Well, have fun with your new chicks when they arrive!