My chicks arrived after 2.5 days

[Dan nich]

Was very concerned after 2nd day but today I cracked the lid and had 9 feisty hens 3 black astra, 3 silver Wyandottes 2 whiting true blues (very energetic) and 1 cuckoo maran from McMurrays hatchery I’m very pleased they been playing and drinking and eating all day! My first time with two day old birds tho! When can I add pine chips to their box?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I do it day 1 but probably tomorrow when you see that they're pooping healthy and eating/drinking OK if you wanna be safe.

 

[ladybrasa]

Mine started on pine flakes/shavings. No problems. Not sure if that is the same as a pine chip? Congrats on the new babies

 

[Dan nich]

Mine started on pine flakes/shavings. No problems. Not sure if that is the same as a pine chip? Congrats on the new babies

I read that since first day food and shavings will be similar to just use paper for first day but tomorrow will be their day for chips!

 

[ladybrasa]

My pine flakes (it’s the kind from Tractor Supply in the white bale/bag) don’t look like the chick starter. Whatever works for you in your situation though!

Just a note- I have read some places that things like newspaper (and presumably other paper) can get a little slick and possibly contribute to incidence of Spraddle Leg. I haven’t used paper so I don’t have direct experience with that though.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I put paper towels over pine shavings for two to three days.
I sprinkle Chick feed on the top to make sure they associate crumble as feed.
When I see all are eating for a couple of days is when I remove the paper towels.

Leg problems can happen on slippery newspaper.
Paper towels over shavings aren't slippery.

GC

 

[3KillerBs]

I read that since first day food and shavings will be similar to just use paper for first day but tomorrow will be their day for chips!

On advice from this website, I made certain to get the large flake shavings, which are too big for the babies to eat.

 

[tsperry88]

My last chicks found plenty small wood bits in the large flakes. It really worried me. They will eat some for sure. I use a puppy pad covered in paper towels. A few times a day I just lay fresh paper towels rights on top of the last. I have 6 in the brooder now and I dont plan on switching to shavings for at least a week.

 

[Folly's place]

I have the pine shavings in the brooder initially, with a couple of paper towels on top at the feeder, with food scattered there, leading to the feeder. By day two the paper towels are gone, and they will still dig for feed in the shavings, which is good for them.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Waiting for chicks to arrive makes me crazy too! This spring one order came after 70 hours, and I was really worried. Two died out of 30, really good, considering the time in transit. Three weeks before, an order came in 24 hours! It's so unpredictable!
Mary