New chick questions...

[wordgirl]

Our first batch of chicks is due in two weeks, and we've been planning to brood them in a 44" x 40" brooder that my Dad built. We thought a corner of the dining room would be the best place to put them for their first few weeks, but we'd like to know if there are any health hazards to us (or the birds). I've heard (the fumes of?) the non-stick coating used on some cookware isn't all that great for pet birds – how do chickens do with it?

Oh – and I read somewhere that it's best to use newspapers covered with paper towels for the first few days, so they have time to learn what their food is. How long before we should start using litter? I'd also love to know what you more seasoned chick raisers

like to use for litter. Wood shavings? Ground corn cobs? Rice? What are the pros and cons of each?

Thanks for your help! You can probably tell we're novices!

 

[Eggie and Me]

Hi we're really new also, in fact so new that we just picked up our chicks this morning.

We were up in the air until we got to the feed store. All their chicks were on cement of all things and pine shavings. Our brooder is just a big plastic storage crate with an red reptile heat light. Seems to be going extremely well, everyone immediately started eating and I showed 1 where the water was and yip/eeeeeeeeeeeeeee they're all drinking.

I also have a few wadded up socks without any loose threats. The feedstore owner was awesome,

I told her I was a newbie and she talked me off the edge of trying to buy the fancy brooder, etc.... Good Luck

 

[wordgirl]

Thanks! I hope you're having fun with your chicks! We're getting more and more excited about our little ones – eight days seems like ages!

 

[yodercountrygirl]

from Missouri

You all will have fun with your little ones!!!!

 

[gritsar]

The major problem you'll find in having chicks in your dining room is dust, DUST everywhere! Chickens create alot of it.
You can start them on shavings, covered in paper towels for a few days until they learn where their food is. After that pine shavings is fine, just avoid cedar shavings. Cedar can lead to respiratory issues.
Good luck to you!