New to chickens and in Alaska starting today!

[OldGuy43]

As for heat in the coop read this before you do:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/421122/think-its-too-cold-for-your-chickens-think-again

 

[LaynaDon95]

You will need medicated chick starter or they will probably get coccidia, which will kill them. Also, watch out for pasty butt. Their poop might clog their vent and prevent them from pooping, which will also kill them. Other than that, chicks are easy. They need food, water and warmth.
As bedding you can use newspaper (like you said), sand, pine shavings, leaves, puppy pads, etc.

At about six weeks (or when they are fully feathered) the lamp can be unplugged. Reduce the heat by 5* every week after 2 weeks, if you wanna be scientific. If not, just go by the way they act. They should be running around the brooder happily playing. If they huddle under the light then they are cold. If the hide in a corner away from the light and huff and puff then they are hot. As they grow they will feather more and need less heat. Adjust the light according to what makes them comfortable.

 

[chestypuller]

thanks allot people, maybe i should hold off on putting the 250watt lamp in to replace this 150watt one.


i bought some pine shavings last night, the chicks seem happy, but what do i know. im learing.

heading into town tonight to get some medicated chick feed as you suggest.

todays pic, daughter loves them chickens.

 

[chestypuller]

Is this poo a bad sign? how many holes is there in the rear of a chicken?i see a big clean one above this po.





Another chicken has purple tint to its feet also is that bad?

 

[Leslieb118]

Looks like it's just got a little poop stuck to the fluff. If the vent is not covered, it's ok. Also, different breeds have specific leg coloring. I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Good luck with the chicks! They're cute, and addicting!!

 

[chestypuller]

Looks like it's just got a little poop stuck to the fluff. If the vent is not covered, it's ok. Also, different breeds have specific leg coloring. I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Good luck with the chicks! They're cute, and addicting!!

thanks! i was getting worried i was about to lose one or two already on only day 2! man i hope we get some eggs this year from them, my luck they will be all boys! been having terrible luck breeding rabbits as far as getting them pregnent.

 

[LaynaDon95]

thanks allot people, maybe i should hold off on putting the 250watt lamp in to replace this 150watt one.


i bought some pine shavings last night, the chicks seem happy, but what do i know. im learing.

heading into town tonight to get some medicated chick feed as you suggest.

todays pic, daughter loves them chickens.

You daughter is a cutie.

 

[chestypuller]

thanks for the compliment!

got some medicated chick feed today 50lbs, a thermometer, some shredded newpaper, a waterer and a feeder, not sure about this waterer already has pine shavings in it, and has been in the cage 10 minutes!

 

[chickensinwasillaAK]

Welcome to BYC Chesty;

I'm in Alaska also, if you're near Anchorage and want a few more chicks, I have some hatching out Sunday. I also have a large shipment coming in the next two weeks.
If you're in the valley Wal Mart carries the Mill & Feed line of products and they have chick starter. Actually cheaper to buy it there then at the mill.

For brooder temps, watch the chicks. If they bunch up into a pile, they're to cold. If they line the outside of the brooder, they're to hot. What you want is some under the light, some outside the light, some running around, light peeping.

If you get overwhelmed shoot me a PM and I'll help you out. I've got about 70 in the incubator right now, just my test run before I fill it for the April 1 set. If you want to butcher a few in fall, better get a few more birds, once you get the eggs it's tempting to keep them. Yours should start giving you eggs mid August to early September.

To keep the shavings out of the water, raise it up a bit, about an inch right now, more as they get older. You'll also find they poo in the food, they like to climb up on top and sit there.

 

[ketcham]

This is my 2nd year from chicks...I like the medicated feed till 6 weeks,,,keeps them healty..Then start with a mix and wean[?] them to regular food..I keep mine in a utility tub.I have 18 this year.If they get to warm they move away..Water and food,,,them them have at it!!! I've had mine outside all ready,,,,been warm ,,in the 70's!!! At 6 weeks,,,weather depending,,,,I move them out to the garage..Outside during the day,,,inside at night.I know its a bit chilly up north...you will be able to tell...they chrip big time when not happy!!! Kevin ps This is the first time I've had to clean some butts....Warm water in the sink did ok by me and them...be sure to wash up afterwards,,you know that slmoneella or what ever!!!