New chicks.

[ChickensofBBN]

My family has recently purchased 6 australorps, 6 buff orpingtons, and 6 silver laced wyandottes. We have them separated for now since the australorps are about 2 1/2 weeks old and the rest are only a few days old. The question we have is do they need a area to dust this early to prevent parasites since they are keep inside right now while the coop is being built? They are using pine shaving to dust now but we think it is for their feathers coming in thats itching them. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[TwoCrows]

They do not need to bathe necessarily for mites at this age, but they do enjoy bathing just the same! If they are ok with bathing in the wood shavings, then let them do this. If you have any parakeet gravel/grit, you can put that in a heavy old pie pan and they will really love you for it! Yes, all that dander from the new feathers does get itchy. I also like to put small branches in the brooder for them to climb on and at 2 weeks, I put in a 2x4, 2 side up for roosting. My birds are roosting at night by the end of 2 weeks and when they head out to the coop at 6 weeks of age, they already know how to roost at night.

Good luck with your babies and if you have any other questions, that is what we are here for!

Oh, and welcome to BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X2 what TwoCrows said, chicks love to dust bathe, it's just instinctive for them and they are happy if you give them the chance.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - good luck with your chicks.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

 

[gander007]