New chix..who dis?

[Chickenvader]

Hi all! I'm Katie from the Eastern Panhandle of WV. My fam & I just got some new chix. They're 5 weeks old. We have 5 right now. 2 Speckled Sussex & 3 Blue egg layers. We're getting 2 more in July (Buff Orphingtons).
QUESTIONS:
1. TEMPS: At 5 weeks, they're huge. As I understand it, as long as the temps are above 60, there's areas for roosting & shelter, they can stay outside? They're about to outgrow their trough. And they're very impatient with being taken from trough to coop. Like a teenager
2. HEAT: I read the recent article on helping them cool off & wanted to ask if a small plate of water for them might be ok as well?
3. STORMS: Bring them in during storms up until a certain age?
4. MEDICAL: best kit to buy for in case?
5. FEED: best homemade recipe?

Anything else y'all would like to throw my way is much appreciated!!

TIA for answers!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello and welcome to BYC!

Sounds like your chicks are ready to head to the outdoors! They are pretty tough at 5 weeks old. If it gets into the 90's or they start panting, definitely provide shade, ice in the water fonts, a big fan moving the air. (Chickens love to line up in front of a fan.) A cool watermelon treat, cool greens, etc...

As far as I know there aren't any medical kits to purchase however I have found the most needed medications are Corid, Acidified Copper Sulfate, occasionally a wormer and Amoxicillin. I also keep vet wrap and a small scalpel for bumblefoot. You can get pretty much everything from this place with no prescription needed... https://www.twincitypoultrysupplies.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

Make yourself at home here and ask as many questions as needed.

Welcome to our community!

 

[swamphiker]

Welcome to BYC!

1. As long as the chicks are mostly feathered, you can wean them off of heat and work on transitioning them to an outdoor coop.

2. Always make sure to provide plenty of water, especially when it's hot. Chickens won't get in the water to cool off, but they will use the dirt for dust baths. You can help reduce heat stress with shade and cold treats like ice, frozen fruit, etc. Some people even add fans and misters.

3. As long as the chickens have a good shelter to get out of a storm and they are well-feathered you shouldn't need to take them inside for storms. Since they are still young it may help to have someone there to check that they know how to get out the weather in a storm, but they'll figure it out eventually.

4. There are a handful of medications/remedies that are helpful to have on hand. My kit includes: Corid, antibiotics, ivermectin, chlorhexidine and Sav-a-chick electrolytes.

5. I don't make my own feed, but I supplement with meal worms that I grow myself. Other people prefer to grow black soldier flies

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, Katie and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[pennyJo1960]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens. This is a great place to explore and hang out. Have fun chicken math keeps going.
Once they have feathers they are pretty good in all weather.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC! Glad to have you in this poultry loving community.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hello, Katie, and welcome to BYC.

 

[Jenbirdee]

hi there! nice to meet you. welcome to byc!!

 

[N F C]

Hi, this is a good article from the Learning Center you may be interested in: Chicken First Aid Kits

Best wishes with your flock!