New babies

[MJ12728]

Got the new babies yesterday, 4 Barred Rocks and 4 Dark Brahmas. We actually started last fall with fully grown birds 4 Dark Brahmas (1 Roo), 6 RIR, and 1 French Moran. All seem to be doing well, 2 cases of pasty butt but took care of that right away. Got ours from local feed store. This is my first time with chicks and have them in temporary cardboard brooder box for now. I have a brooder lamp set up and stressing out over getting the temperature right. The store recommended 95 for the first week, decreasing by 5 degrees per week. At 95 they were doing everything they could to stay away from the heat. I raised the light and now have it about 90. They still seem to like the edges of the box better than being under the light.

 

[Brownie101]

The best way to tell if the temperature is right is to watch the chicks. If they are all huddled under the light, they are too cold. If they are pushing up against the wall trying to get away from the light, they are too hot. Active (or sleeping) chicks that are spaced out all over the brooder means that your temp is just right! Good luck!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The best way to tell if the temperature is right is to watch the chicks. If they are all huddled under the light, they are too cold. If they are pushing up against the wall trying to get away from the light, they are too hot. Active (or sleeping) chicks that are spaced out all over the brooder means that your temp is just right! Good luck!

X2

They will quickly outgrow the space you have them in at this time. So if you haven't done so, start thinking about a larger brooder. You can just add another cardboard box and cut an "entry hole" into it or find larger boxes and tape them together. They need to have room to get completely away from the heat. Ideally the brooder should have one warm area and let the rest be whatever temp the room or outdoors is. The chicks will go under the lamp, get warm and then wander/play in the cooler parts. This will also help with pasty butt (too much heat) and they seem to feather just a bit faster, making the transition to outdoors sooner. Also put the food and water in the cooler part of the brooder, that way they don't have to stand under the heat to eat and drink.

They are cuties! Good luck with your babies!

 

[DancingWthDucks]

So cute!

 

[MJ12728]

Well the balance of the new flock arrived today. 10 Rock Cornish and 4 Buff Orpington. Moved them into the bigger brooder box and moved the food and water away from the light (thanks for the input). All seem to be doing fine, temp again averaging around 90 but they are up and all over the brooder so must be what they're comfortable with.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Well the balance of the new flock arrived today. 10 Rock Cornish and 4 Buff Orpington. Moved them into the bigger brooder box and moved the food and water away from the light (thanks for the input). All seem to be doing fine, temp again averaging around 90 but they are up and all over the brooder so must be what they're comfortable with.

Sounds good!
Your chicks will let you know if they are too hot or cold. If they are running around eating and drinking and not distress peeping, then your fine.
Post pics of your new babies when you can, love the little darlings

 

[MJ12728]

Here is the full flock, 22 new birds in all. The Rock Cornish are supposed to attain full weight by 8-10 weeks so they wont be around all that long, but still going to need to expand the run space. I've been looking at the electric mesh fencing. Does anyone have any feedback to give regarding it? We do have predators in the area (including dogs).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Here is the full flock, 22 new birds in all. The Rock Cornish are supposed to attain full weight by 8-10 weeks so they wont be around all that long, but still going to need to expand the run space. I've been looking at the electric mesh fencing. Does anyone have any feedback to give regarding it? We do have predators in the area (including dogs).

They are so sweet!
Looks like everyone is happy

As far as the electric mesh fencing goes, I can't help on that, I have never used it.
You may want to ask the good folks on this forum, I know there are people who do use it, so you may get some great feedback there. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-run-design-construction-maintenance