- May 23, 2015
- 13
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- 69
Hello from Nebraska!
I just spent a successful overnight with my 5 new chicks I purchased for laying purposes. 2 Rhode Island Reds, a Wyandotte, an Australorp and an Ameracuna, which I am VERY excited to see the eggs from that one! Everyone made it through the night, though my Welsh Terrier kept waking me up periodically because of the 5 new 'squeaky toys' in the kitchen which she cannot have. This may be a challenge to teach her they are her friends to protect, not eat! If any one has suggestions, I'm open to them!
Though I helped raise chickens for butchering when I was young, that was 30+ years ago (Yipes!) and I was a helper, not a director. So I'm learning the ropes for myself this time. Reading some very helpful forums here has been incredibly helpful in answering some questions, though where do you all keep your brooders until the 5 - 8 weeks when you put them in the coop? My brooder is currently a 15 gallon galvanized tub which is working wonderfully, but has to be kept high so the pup doesn't get them.
I'm feeding them the medicated crumbles from Manna Pro. When I wean them from this can I start mixing in my Non-GMO, organic feed, or do I just switch from one to the other?
I also purchased the fine shavings for their bedding which I was told people like because you can sift out the droppings and re-use what's left. Though the shavings are too big for a screen - any ideas on doing this?
Thanks for your thoughts, I'm excited to be part of the chicken group!
Best!
TJ
I just spent a successful overnight with my 5 new chicks I purchased for laying purposes. 2 Rhode Island Reds, a Wyandotte, an Australorp and an Ameracuna, which I am VERY excited to see the eggs from that one! Everyone made it through the night, though my Welsh Terrier kept waking me up periodically because of the 5 new 'squeaky toys' in the kitchen which she cannot have. This may be a challenge to teach her they are her friends to protect, not eat! If any one has suggestions, I'm open to them!
Though I helped raise chickens for butchering when I was young, that was 30+ years ago (Yipes!) and I was a helper, not a director. So I'm learning the ropes for myself this time. Reading some very helpful forums here has been incredibly helpful in answering some questions, though where do you all keep your brooders until the 5 - 8 weeks when you put them in the coop? My brooder is currently a 15 gallon galvanized tub which is working wonderfully, but has to be kept high so the pup doesn't get them.
I'm feeding them the medicated crumbles from Manna Pro. When I wean them from this can I start mixing in my Non-GMO, organic feed, or do I just switch from one to the other?
I also purchased the fine shavings for their bedding which I was told people like because you can sift out the droppings and re-use what's left. Though the shavings are too big for a screen - any ideas on doing this?
Thanks for your thoughts, I'm excited to be part of the chicken group!
Best!
TJ