My turn to ask questions

[Steven Bussell]

Ok feather lovers. Let's see if I have learned a thing or two.
I have a mix flock of chicks and ducklings that will be 5 weeks old this coming Monday. I'm using all flock crumbs by purina.
I'm probably have 2 weeks of feed left. And I'm about to make a run to TS for a few things.
My understanding is I can keep feeding them this through out their life? After this second bag I will switch over to pellets.
I'm hoping I end up with all hen's. I'll will posting pictures later to confirm it. I bought a color package of chick's and unfortunately they didn't include exactly what they shipped. So I'll also be asking about their breed as well.
We would like to start feeding treats soon. I know to keep it limited. I already have all purpose sand washed and ready to use as grit.
I'm thinking its best to get them grits a day before treats. I don't believe I have seen a post saving it is ok to give treat and grits at the same time for the first treat offer.
I have oyster shells already. I know they aren't ready for it. But I'm not a last minute kind of a guy. So I have vitamin b12 on hand. I would like to have a first aid kit stocked and ready. Everything seems to go wrong after hours. I know I can go through the emergency post and make a list of the must have. But is there a post or link someone could share with all of them ? Yes this is the lazy way of getting what I need.
Next weekend I'm going to allow them access to the run so we can supervise them and do the same thing the following weekend . By then they will be 7 weeks old. We have two dogs that we have allowed to be around them from the minute they got here. Right now they show no interest in them . I'm a better safe then sorry kinda of guy as well.
I have a small pond for the ducks to play in and for health reasons. With a supper size filter system. Its ground level with gravel 2 feet deep around it. And a safe way to get out of it.
I'm will read about ducks special diet and needs as well as chickens.
But I'm just a 4 week rockie.
Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

 

[crazy4ChickensNducks]

Sand can not be used as grit, you need some chick grit

 

[so lucky]

Sounds like you are getting all prepared. Do you have them out in a coop now? I don't know about ducks, but I had my chicks out in the run at 6 weeks. They cleared the weeds out of the run in three days, lol. I have used sand for grit, not knowing any better. You can buy a bag of chick grit, and by now they probably can pick out small rocks out of it. But once they get on the ground, they will be getting some grit/tiny rocks from the soil as well.
For emergency kit, based on what I read here, it would be a good idea to have some Corid and some Blu-kote on hand. More experienced members will be here shortly, I would think, to tell you other things, as well.

 

[Steven Bussell]

Sand can not be used as grit, you need some chick grit

I'm was under the impression that play sand was to small and bad. All purpose sand was good to go. I have no problem getting chick grit. I almost got some last time I was at TS

 

[Steven Bussell]

Sounds like you are getting all prepared. Do you have them out in a coop now? I don't know about ducks, but I had my chicks out in the run at 6 weeks. They cleared the weeds out of the run in three days, lol. I have used sand for grit, not knowing any better. You can buy a bag of chick grit, and by now they probably can pick out small rocks out of it. But once they get on the ground, they will be getting some grit/tiny rocks from the soil as well.
For emergency kit, based on what I read here, it would be a good idea to have some Corid and some Blu-kote on hand. More experienced members will be here shortly, I would think, to tell you other things, as well.

Yes they are staying in the croop with a warming plate. I don't think they spend more than a week under it.
They just piled up on each other. The other night I had a chick sleeping on one of the ducklings. I wish I had taken a picture

 

[Miss Lydia]

Get chick grit it’s not expensive.

 

[Steven Bussell]

Get chick grit it’s not expensive.

 

[Steven Bussell]

Miss Lydia,
Thanks for your reply... I wasn't worried about the cost... So when they are older and outside it's ok that they use sand as grits? Or is it something I should be adding to thier run as well

 

[Miss Lydia]

Once they are outside they’ll find their own grit as long as they have access to ground. In winter if you have snow and ice you might want to offer grit then.

 

[Willowspirit]

What I would add to the first aid kit is Epsom salts, Dawn dishwashing liquid, Vaseline, coconut oil, vet wrap, nutridrench, a plastic bin for soaking, cloth towels, paper towels, surgical type gloves, triple antibiotic cream without pain killer and a small container of baby aspirin.