New chick owner with a few questions

[meadowsong]

We are the proud new owners of 18 new chicks (woot woot!). Anyways, I *thought* I was prepared, but now that they are here. I'm finding I have a few questions that I need answered.

I got 15 straight run in a mix of breeds that will be 2 weeks old on Wednesday. Then we got 3 production red pullets that will be one week on Wednesday also.

1) Right now I have them seperated, but the bigger birds fly over the barrier and I find them with the little ones every once in a while lol. Is it okay to mix them together if they get along well?

2) How often do you change their litter? We are using pine shavings. I pick out any clumps every day and add fresh litter. I have been changing it every 2-3 days though and am wondering if that's overkill or not.

3) Two of my birds have loose stools, they eat and drink well and act fine....but they do have what looks to be diarrhea. Sometimes it's diarrhea, sometimes it's a normal looking stool w/ a little diarrhea in it. I got them plain yogurt and put 2 TBS in a bowl today for them and most of them took some tastes. I also change their water and wash out the containers every day with hot soapy water. Is there anything else I could do for this?

4) My boys have been catching bugs and throwing them in their pit (what we call they home lol) and they go nuts for them. Are they to young for this? They do have grit in there (crushed granite I believe).

Here is a pic of some of them. The 3 smaller chicks are on the other side of the box lol.

 

[Homesteading_Bound]

My Thoughts:

1) When they are days old I would keep them seperated...Remember...The others have 2 weeks on them....Stronger, Older...and last but probable first....Pecking Order.... They're still trying to get there bearings.

2)yes, overkill...Good idea to pick out and add

3) I would only give them starter feed now ( I know it can be very tempting to feed them (bugs,worms etc). Let them get that strong base...then....the bugs,worms,grass etc.

4) yes

Your chicks look so content... and thats so important. You are doing a fine job...have fun!!!!

 

[meadowsong]

Yes, they appear to be happy lol. A few are getting really friendly and will walk up to my hand when I put it in there. I'm just worried I have a ton of roo's

I'll just add more litter in there as it gets dirty then? I just couldn't find any straight forward info on changing the bedding lol. It always looks so dirty, even right after it's cleaned.

 

[mamaKate]

I top with fresh litter every day and change it all out once a week. Sometimes the poop is a little runny if they get chilled. Sounds like you're having lots of fun.

 

[Homesteading_Bound]

when there small you can change it every week or so. Just pick between(as long as there not broilers..or meat birds)

As for the roo's...Cross that bridge down the road...once you know, You may be able to re-home them.