New to the lifestyle and the site - and need a little help.

[rmurrayslcut]

My wife and I picked up eight chicks tonight - two Rhode Islands, two black Australorps, two Barred Plymouth Rocks, and two Ameracaunas. They seem to be doing well. We're first timers, and I was wondering:

• what's the mortality rate I should expect? (I plan on housing six, so I bought eight, but I can accommodate eight and hope all survive.)
• I have paper at the bottom of the brood box, because I heard they eat wood chips at first. I have wood chips. At what point should I replace paper with wood chips? Should I bother. Chips seem cleaner.

I can't stop looking at them. This is exciting!

 

[Judy]

Welcome to our forum!

Many people start with wood chips, although it is true they may eat a few. Newspaper isn't a good idea because it gets slippery and can easily cause leg injuries or deformities in very young chicks. Perhaps you have an old towel or some puppy pads you can use for a day or two. Many people use paper towels for the first couple of days, also, til they learn where the food is.

 

[drumstick diva]

Usually the first 2-3 days you cover the litter with paper so the chicks don't eat the bedding. After they discover the feeding pan they usually leave the chips alone and you no longer need to use paper. If they need help deciding what is food - tap your finger on the food dish to get their attention. That is similar to what a broody chicken would do. Do the same for the water dish, and make sure everyone drinks something.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and

! Great to have you in our community!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!