New Chick Mama from VA

[Dutchmother]

Sounds like you are taking good care of the injured one! I have a couple of suggestions, though. You should move them to a bigger bin, because at this age the temperature should be about 80 degrees F, or 26 degrees C.  In a bigger bin, you will be able to tell if they are too hot or cold. In a smaller bin, if they are overheated you wouldn't be able to tell, because they have nowhere to escape the heat. Also, a bigger bin will prevent fighting and boredom. You can move them to a dog crate if you don't have a larger bin. In the meantime, the lamp could probably get moved up while they are still in the small bin. At hatching, the temp should be 90 or 95 degrees F. (32-35 C) each week, the temperature should be decreased by 5 degrees F. 

They are all so cute! Do you have names picked out? Like TheKindaFarmGirl said, posting pictures when they are a little older will allow members to tell you the breeds/genders.

Would it be possible to put them in two large tubs? I don't have anything bigger. I do have a dog crate, but our (Australian shepherd/retriever mix) uses it. He can do without, I suppose. He just likes it.

Speaking of, how do those breeds do with chickens? He watches them, and he sleeps in the basement with them at night and has never messed with them. Do I need to worry?

 

[Kiki]

Would it be possible to put them in two large tubs? I don't have anything bigger. I do have a dog crate, but our (Australian shepherd/retriever mix) uses it. He can do without, I suppose. He just likes it.

Speaking of, how do those breeds do with chickens? He watches them, and he sleeps in the basement with them at night and has never messed with them. Do I need to worry?

You can move the two bins right next to each other...cut a hole in both...so they can pass back in forth between the two.

O M G...You let your dog sleep with them?
A big no no....IMO...
I didn't worry my first two times getting chicks....I learned real fast to not trust my dogs near them..period.

 

[peopleRanimals2]

You can move the two bins right next to each other...cut a hole in both...so they can pass back in forth between the two.

O M G...You let your dog sleep with them?
A big no no....IMO...
I didn't worry my first two times getting chicks....I learned real fast to not trust my dogs near them..period.

My idea exactly.
I think it depends on the dog. I just wouldn't leave them alone together.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please put a wire top on your brooder - so they don't fly or fall out, and get chilled or eaten. I am a dog lover BUT, I like to err on the side of caution. I think dogs & cats, should never meet chickens. You never hear of a chicken killing a dog or cat but even a friendly pet can kill chicks,chickens just by "playing" with them. Some of the toy breeds are the worst Yorkies, Chihuahuas , and doxies.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Dutchmother

Welcome!

As you have already received some good advice and links to some great starting points, I will just wish you all the best.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share more pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Dutchmother]

We have 2-3 cats and the one dog. We'll see how it goes! He doesn't seem interested, but I doubt we'll ever just allow him to be WITH them. The cats are outdoor-only, and have never been around the chicks.

After browsing the forum and reading about coops, I think my husband and I might try to build it out of lumber scraps leftover from our house build. Because I know we have a resident hawk, and we have seen a coyote run past our front porch, I think we'll do a fully enclosed run. We're also considering putting it all on wheels so we can move it around our yard.

I read that hardware cloth is best for the sides of the run, is that the same for the top? And when do we stop feeding chick feed?

 

[peopleRanimals2]

We have 2-3 cats and the one dog. We'll see how it goes! He doesn't seem interested, but I doubt we'll ever just allow him to be WITH them. The cats are outdoor-only, and have never been around the chicks.

After browsing the forum and reading about coops, I think my husband and I might try to build it out of lumber scraps leftover from our house build. Because I know we have a resident hawk, and we have seen a coyote run past our front porch, I think we'll do a fully enclosed run. We're also considering putting it all on wheels so we can move it around our yard.

I read that hardware cloth is best for the sides of the run, is that the same for the top? And when do we stop feeding chick feed?

I know dogs that couldn't care less, and dogs like mine that attack them.