New Mama!

[Luhoo]

Hello! Luhoo here! Ok, so this is the first time in my life I've ever owned chickens and I'm so excited! We have just got: 8 Road Reds, 4 Black Austrolops, 3 Buff Orpington chicks, 4 (and I want to squeal!) guinea hens and 11 Cotumix quails.


I've been scouring all over online to find out any information about these wonderful little chicks, even what breads they were. I was too busy watching the adult guinea hens wonder about, then of course the ducks to find out what we were getting. (City girl all the way in wonderment of farm life) I've live on 2 acres of land in a great old farm house and the chickens are going to fit in perfectly!

Currently they are in my enclosed back porch, boxes flattened, pine chips and heat lamps. I've read its best to keep the temp about 90 degrees? is this right? At the moment its about 82 out there, hope that's ok. The quails have a shallow dish for the water and seem to be going through food quickly. Do I keep the food dish full or let them peck around? The chicks have a metal feeding trough and a mason jar with red tray for water.

I'm going to work on a coop between now and the time its safe for them to go outside for a bit. I've read that the Guinea hens will roost in trees. I don't really know, excellent watch birds I know that for a fact! ->NERVOUS first timer <-

Any and all input and help, next year the duckling comes into play. According to the poultry breeder, they didn't believe the ducks would be laying anymore eggs this year or at least this late. So until then I'm going to get a movable fence for the chickens, build a coop for the quail & continue to seek and ask questions. Wish me luck

 

[boskelli1571]

Welcome!

Ok - temps first. When they are in their 1st week, temp is usually around 90-95F. Reduce by about 5 degrees each week. If you don't have a thermometer don't panic!! An excellent rule of thumb is to watch the behavior of the chicks. If they are all huddled together under the lamp - too cold; if they are as far away as they can get - too hot. wandering around cheeping contentedly - just right!
For the first couple of weeks, I put marbles/pebbles into the water dish - they can drink but not drown. Top up the food twice a day, mixing the old with new. That way you won't have any waste - if they poop in it (they will) toss it out.
Since you haven't built the coop yet, build bigger than you need - then you will have room for the inevitable 'I need more hens' (Morehens disease aka Chickenmath - no known cure)

If they are going to be confined to coop & run, make sure they have plenty of space. If they are going to pasture during the day, space can be reduced a bit. Be aware that RIRs' are 'pushy', so the more room the better for the other girls.
Can't help you with Guineas or quail.....so enjoy! Chickens are the best (& cheapest) form of therapy I know, pictures please when time avails,

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

@boskelli1571 has given you great advice. The temp should start out at 95 degrees and be decreased by 5 degrees each week. And always make sure they have food and water.

Here's a few links to check out as well.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-chicks-artificially
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/raising-chicks-frequently-asked-questions-and-answers
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/...ks-the-first-60-days-of-raising-baby-chickens

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens. For the quail and guineas you can find threads at "Other Backyard Poultry" forum above. Good luck with your mixed flock.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!