One huge mistake we made once is using cedar shavings for bedding instead of pine. I've had chickens for 40 yrs and should have known better. We lost like 5 chicks before the idiot light went off.
But yeah, chilling can really get them off to a bad start, esp if coccidiosis gets going. I know a lot of people are against medicated chick starter, but every time we've tried alternative methods (like probiotics, apple cider vinegar, etc) we have big problems. Now I just start them on medicated, buy a 10lb bag for a small batch, 25 - 40lb for bigger bathces, and when it's gone I swtich to non-medicated. Seems to get their immune systems through the rough part and then they are fine.
But yeah, chilling can really get them off to a bad start, esp if coccidiosis gets going. I know a lot of people are against medicated chick starter, but every time we've tried alternative methods (like probiotics, apple cider vinegar, etc) we have big problems. Now I just start them on medicated, buy a 10lb bag for a small batch, 25 - 40lb for bigger bathces, and when it's gone I swtich to non-medicated. Seems to get their immune systems through the rough part and then they are fine.
