New chicks- heating

[becann99]

Hi,

I am going to be getting a couple of new chicks in a couple of weeks and gathering supplies now. I live in MI and it is cold outside so I thought I would keep them indoors in a cage till I can take them outside, is this ok? Also do I need a heat lamp of some sort I am sure I do and what would you recommend? Any other suggestions on supplies would be greatly appreciated. I have never had chicks before so I want to know as much as I can before I get them and I dont want to miss anything and have to run around to get the stuff rather be overly prepared then under
Thanks

 

[Fred's Hens]

Tractor Supply Company, TSC or Family Farm and Home will be your one stop shop.

You'll need a bag of shavings for bedding. No slick flooring such as newprint. You can cut down a cardboard box for a liner. Water system for chicks, chick feeder, sack of chick starter and a heat lamp and bulb. You would find everything you need. They will outgrow your starter water system and feeder, but you can pick up the larger, adult size later. You can start in the laundry room or basement.

Have bulb secure. Prevent possibilities of fire hazzard. Don't just trust the clamp on. Have it 14" above the chicks. Make sure your brooder pen is large enough, as the chicks grow in a amazing way. By week 4 they will be huge and wanting to "fly the coop" so you'll need either larger facilities or a screen you can put over the top. By week 3, they'll want you to raise the heat lamp.

Be sure your brooding pen is large enough for the chicks to escape the heat lamp and cool off. Enjoy!!

 

[ralleia]

If you're going to start them inside, a basic hanging lamp with a regular incandescent bulb should do. I normally use a 60 or 75 watt bulb, and adjust that up or down until I have the temperature that I want.

The temperature required will depend on how old the chicks are. For the first week, the published stuff says 95 degrees, though I don't think my brooder arrangement ever even hit 90. I like to have a toasty warm spot just under the lamp, and cooler areas farther away. That way, if they're too hot or too cold, then they can just move to where the feel comfortable, and we're all happy!

Actually, let me clarify the lamp setup.

I use (and strongly prefer) a lamp fixture for a hanging heat lamp. The base is ceramic, it has an aluminum reflector, and two arced wires that go over the bulb area to prevent the bulb from contacting anything should the lamp fall.

The fixture is rated for use with bulbs up to 250 watts, but for just a couple chicks in a small brooder, you won't want to actually use a 250 watt bulb. Use a smaller wattage bulb. The ceramic base and cage around the bulb are very good safety features however.

 

[becann99]

Thank you so much, Now I just need to find a supply store in my area looked in the yellow pages and have not found one. I would order things online but want to have something so I can go look and touch. How fast do chickens grow? I have a coop coming on Thursday and not sure what it looks like but when it is nice out I can take them out there but need to find a way to heat it what do you do if no electricity? Also the chicken run attached to the coop the ground should it be dirt, pavers?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Take a breath.

Chickens go from being hatched to adults who reproduce in less than 6 months. So, yes!!! They grow very fast.
TSC.com will show you their store locator. Where are located in Michigan and other members here can steer you in the right direction.

Solve the beginning brooder steps first. I also am in the Mitten.