New day old chicks and first time owners

Yes you can take them out and hold them, just not for too long, as they will get cold. I let my kids handle the chicks, but only with me holding them and the kids petting.

Paper towels is good for the first few days. Change it often, as it will get really poopy, especially with 20 chicks.



And,

 

I usually change the flooring when it just simply gets nasty. With 20 chicks, I would definitely change it daily at least.

 

Welcome!! What kind of chicks? Try to get some pics, we love babies on the BYC forum!!!

 

After a few days, I would remove the paper towels and put down Pine shavings. Make sure that its PINE and NOT CEDAR.
Cedar contains some oils that can mess with the chicks respiratory system.
as far as handling them... play with them as much as you want but do keep them warm, don't stray too far from the heat, or take them outside in the cold.

Try searching some of the threads in this part of the forum. there is a lot of great information to be read.

ooh yeah,

 

I would suggest three layers of papertowels. One, because it will be more absorbent to runny poo and splashed water. Two, because chicks will poop while you are cleaning out a single layer of towels making one big mess. If you have multiple layers you can grab the top layer off and they can poo on the secondary layer. Works like a charm.

 

Also to add I put aquarium beads in the waterer that way no one can fall in and possible drown. They sometimes have a habit of falling asleep where they stand. This way they cant fall asleep in the water possibly drowning. Also I add vitamin/electrolyte in there water for the first few days.

 

They are so cute! You can hold them, just make sure they stay warm. If they get cold, they'll chirp....a lot. You can go to my BYC page to see how I tame chicks. One of the things is I hold them against one of the big blood vessels in my neck so they can feel my heartbeat. That helps them stay warm, too... Enjoy your new babies...