New chick question

[cyw iar]

My husband and I are getting ready to get chickens for the first time (we're both architects, so the coop is well on its way to being a palace), and I was wondering if the chicks would survive us being away for the 8 hours of the work day when they're in the brooder? Should we plan a long weekend when they arrive to get them off to a good start?

 

[Leahs Mom]

I just got new chicks myself for the first time on Mar. 26. Funny that I wondered about the same thing!

No problem being at work, however. As long as you have your heat lamp on and the food and water available, they will be just fine! I got to thinking that I surely wouldn't be staying up all night long checking on them (although I DID take a look every once in awhile), so they should be okay while gone.

And, of course, they were!

 

[cyw iar]

That's a relief!! I was wondering how I was going to explain to my boss that strange cheeping noise coming from under my desk...

 

[BrainyChick]

In my personal opinion, I think it's better to be able to stay home with them the first day or two, but I also understand crazy schedules (im a full time student with two jobs). If they seem to be getting along alright, they know where their food and water is, the brooder is secure, and the temp is right, they will spend a lot of time sleeping and dont need constant supervision. I've heard people say you want to be able to check your chicks at least once an hour, but this is just my opinion. Like I said, I normaly get mine on the weekend just to settle them in, but then I'm back to everything by the week. Good Luck!

 

[mcjessen]

I've gotten my on the weekend as well and they're settled in by Monday. They'll be just fine while you're gone at work.

The only caution I would suggest - make sure your heat lamp is secured very well to whatever you have it secured to. My only fear was that the heat lamp would fall into the brooder and start a fire. I don't say that to scare you but just to remind folks make sure that the lamp is very secure.

You'll love raising chicks. They are so much fun. Oh, and we'd love to see your coop construction and the finished product.

 

[3ChickensinNC]

This happened a few weeks ago locally. They lost everything but the empty coop. This is why I went out and bought the Ecoglow.

I've gotten my on the weekend as well and they're settled in by Monday. They'll be just fine while you're gone at work.

The only caution I would suggest - make sure your heat lamp is secured very well to whatever you have it secured to. My only fear was that the heat lamp would fall into the brooder and start a fire. I don't say that to scare you but just to remind folks make sure that the lamp is very secure.

You'll love raising chicks. They are so much fun. Oh, and we'd love to see your coop construction and the finished product.

 

[cyw iar]

Thanks for all the comments. I will make sure the lamp is totally secure!