New to baby chicks

[Bstewart]

Hello! My family is brand new to backyard chickens. My husband has been wanting a small flock of egg layers for a few years. As for me, I've had my eye on the sweet little silkies. This year at the New York State Fair, we picked up a silkie chicken. Knowing next to nothing really about chickens, my husband and I thought we could get this famously sweet and broody breed to adopt some new baby chicks for us. Fast forward two weeks - we've built a nice little coop in the back yard and I'm totally smitten with my little hen. But it's pretty obvious that we are new to this, because I have a whole bunch of questions.

First, we set out to buy a few day old chicks and wanted to pick breeds that were known to be good layers, but are also known to be sweet and friendly in the hopes that they might get along with the silkie. We decided on 2 buff orpingtons and two Easter eggers.

My first question is, do you think that the silkie needs another silkie in order to be happy and thrive? Or can they get along with other gentle breeds? I'm worried that my little flock won't mesh and that I'll end up with an injured bird.

I've also learned that unless my hen is broody, she will not readily adopt other chicks. My silkie, while very mild mannered and gentle, shows no sign of broodiness and has never even laid an egg. She's also not particularly friendly. She likes to sit under my chair and tolerates being held, but doesn't exactly rush to greet me. Most the time she acts pretty nervous and flighty, although she's getting a bit better each day. I'm not sure how she'd accept new comers. I had hoped that she could adopt the babies and they'd grow to be gentle with her since she'd be their mama, but since she's not ready to adopt chicks... my question to you all is, if I will be raising the little chicks in a brooder, at what point can I introduce the chicks to the silkie? Should I be worried that she'll be bullied?

My next question is about handling baby chicks. What is your advice for bonding with the little chicks and handling them? Are there treats that are safe for the little ones? For a brooder, I'm planning on just using a big wash basin that I have with some bedding, a chick feeder and waterer, and a coop heater. Is there anything else I need to know? Any feed recommendations ? Here's a picture of the belle of the ball.

 

[rjohns39]

Hello! My family is brand new to backyard chickens. My husband has been wanting a small flock of egg layers for a few years. As for me, I've had my eye on the sweet little silkies. This year at the New

My next question is about handling baby chicks. What is your advice for bonding with the little chicks and handling them? Are there treats that are safe for the little ones? For a brooder, I'm planning on just using a big wash basin that I have with some bedding, a chick feeder and waterer, and a coop heater. Is there anything else I need to know? Any feed recommendations ? Here's a picture of the belle of the ball.

First and foremost, take a deep breath. You're doing fine. I keep all my new chicks in the brooder for three weeks, then 5 weeks on pasture in shelter and then two weeks with the adults but still in a shelter. People use different approaches with varying levels of success. this works for me. While my birds are in the brooder, I handle them frequently, chat with them and let them get to know me on their own terms. 5 weeks out of the brooder, I tend to be more hands off and let them be--but feed them every day and chat with them. When I move them in with the adult birds. They spend two weeks in a shelter that the adult birds can't penetrate. Then I release them... And I sit and watch. As long as there is no blood, I don't interfere willingly. I have had kids fly into my lap looking for protection. That's always hard, but the best thing to do is send them back into the fray with their siblings.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Chickens are fun, and the eggs are wonderful, and everyone goes through that learning curve! Your lonely Silkie will be the senior bird in this group, so she will likely be in charge, rather than being picked on. That will be good for her. Many people find that Silkies do best in their own group, but in your situation, it may work out fine.
Generally, chickens act like chickens, not dogs or cats, so enjoying them may not include the whole 'in your lap being petted' thing. That's fine, they are chickens! They will run up for treats when called, and hang around, and do interesting things. Enjoy!
Baby chicks need heat, either with a heat lamp in a brooder, or with a heating plate. Over a few weeks, they feather out, and need less heat, and more space. Plan on at least four sq. ft. per bird in the coop, and more is much better, and an enclosed run that's much bigger.
Keeping them safe from predators is a huge ongoing responsibity! You can't have a coop and run that's too safe!
Ventilation! They need fresh air, wind protection, and a roof to keep the rain and snow out. Post pictures and ask advice, we would love to help. Mary

 

[21hens-incharge]

You already have really great advice! I will simply say


It is a great place chock full of great people!

 

[Bstewart]

Thank you all! Great advice!! I'm encouraged to read that she'll be the senior chicken in the bunch. She's so dainty it's hard to imagine. Also encouraged to read that chickens are chickens, not lap dogs that takes the pressure off wondering my current girl is not a lap chicken, haha. I think I just feel sorry for my silkie right now that she doesn't have any companions. I keep reading how social they are! Thank you so much for the advice about when and how to introduce the little ones. I think these babies will be a fun adventure for the whole family. I have three little toddler boys who will love watching them grow!