New mommy to 3 chicks!

[rhuxol]

YAY!! So excited, we got 3 chicks yesterday and they are doing great. It's my first chicken experience, I have been doing research for months and it seems silly but am nervous! 1 is a Barred Plymouth Rock, and the other 2 are--according to the feed store, Araucanas. Now, since I have been doing my research, I asked the employee if they were truely Araucanas, or if they were Easter Eggers. To which she replied, Araucana, Americauna, Easter Egger, they are all the same thing. Well I am new to chickens but I know that is not true! SO, I am pretty sure we got 2 Easter Eggers, which is fine with me because from what I read they are sweet birds, decent layers, and good for a back yarder like me. I always have liked the mutts

I had to clean the PR little behind because she has some dried poo on there, I'm afraid of them pasting up. Question for anyone--should I go ahead and start handling them a few times a day, we have a daughter and I want to raise them up to be a friendly and as use to handling as possible. More questions to come I'm sure! Thanks for reading!

 

[maclady]

I'm a first timer to this year. Mine are already 7 weeks old though. Breeder I got my chicks from told me to add a little bit of old fashioned uncooked oatmeal to their chick food to help prevent pasty butt. I did what he said and never had any problems with it at all. I cleaned one bottom mostly cause she got poo on her fuzz. I tried to hold each of mine for a little bit each day. I have one that like to be held and petted and the other 3 really don't care for it but will let me pick them up even if they squawk the entire time. Good luck with you little ones. I am sure someone with more experience will post to give you advice also.

 

[Celtic Chick]

Questions for you: how old are the chicks, and how old is your daughter?
The more you handle them, the friendlier they should become. If your daughter is very young yet, I might just let adults handle them until they (the chicks) are bigger. Don't worry, that won't take long! And make sure you wash your hands before & after handling your birds.
Good luck with your new babies. They are addicting!
And good job on researching the care of chicks! Sounds like you have been doing your homework.