my new baby hen

[ginormous chicken]

Hi

Cute chicks! Now that you have 2, I think things will get easier. You can take out the pillow and stuff. I would suggest you get an egg carton and cut slits into it on the side and pour the food into it. That way the chicky's can reach it. And you have a cheap chick feeder. I would use a paper one egg carton! I think your food bowl looks too high and the chicks can't reach it. Also, like someone mentioned: I don't think they can reach the water. You care going to either need to cut the plastic bowl or get a shallower one. Put some rocks in it and fill it with water so the chicks can reach. Lastly, can you get a heat bulb? If you are using just a 60 W bulb they might be cold. How hot it is? Do you feel warmth when you stick your hand under it? Are the chicks listless?

Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of chickens!

 

[pengypengy]

the lamp is lowered now, but i removed the mirror, do i have to leave the mirror in there..? and i took the teddy out.. thanks

Edit: when i put my hand under the lamp, it feels warm, i cut the water bowl already and imma try the egg carton or paper food feeder thing soon

 

[pengypengy]

my hens tend to follow my index finger... they keep chirping but the new black one is chirping very loud !

 

[pengypengy]

the breed of my baby hens are "isa" or something..? would they lay eggs when they get older? thanks

 

[BWchicken]

No you can leave the mirror out now. And put clean rocks or marbles in a shallow water dish, chicks drown very easily even if the water isn't over their head. That way they can drink from between the rocks, but can't fall in.

The new one may be nervous in her new surroundings, she'll probably settle down. It's probably fine since you lowered the lamp and can feel that it's warm, but loud chirping can also be a sign of being too cold. What size light bulb do you have in the lamp? They should be kept around 32-35 degrees celsius for their first week of life, and your babies look to be only a few days old. Also make sure they have room to move away from the lamp if they get too hot. The two will probably cuddle together to sleep so that'll help them stay warm too.

Not sure about the missing feathers on the black one, maybe post a picture of it?

Yes they should start laying eggs at about 5 or 6 months of age.

What is the feed called that they're eating? Chicks need a certain kind of chicken food, it's usually called starter feed.

 

[pengypengy]

the food likes like little rocks, i think its the starter feed...

 

[pengypengy]

my chicks are very quiet and happy now, after i put a small container of dirt into the box, they lay there all day long! how fast do "isa" hens grow? thanks

 

[VI KING RANCH]

Glad to hear that your chicks are doing good.

 

[VI KING RANCH]

PS the chicks should be fully feathered in just four weeks... It could be a little longer