Newbie at raising chicks... need help

[hannah9]

I'm expecting my chick order to arrive next week. I'm getting five chicks (2BR, 2SS, 1 Dominique). I've gotten my brooder box ready and am anxiously awaiting or them to arrive!

Unfortunately I'll have to work the day they arrive and although I plan to take an hour or two off to go pick them up and make them comfortable, I'll have to go back into the office and won't be able to check on them every hour. They may be alone for six hours! I know this is not an ideal situation, but if I'm extra careful to get everything properly set up ahead of time, do you think the chicks will be okay?

 

[DFCottage]

I think they'll be fine. Check them all for pasty butt when they arrive, dip the beaks so they know water is there, have food out, etc. I'd run your heat lamp a while and check the temp to make sure that it stays where you want it to.. don't just snap it on when they get there and leave them. Test it first, make sure it's not crazy blazing hot or too cold, and if it stays where you want it during your test, I'm sure they'll be ok

Then have it warmed up for them when they arrive.

 

[TwoChicks]

I was the same way. Very nervous, but my chicks came in February during a snowstorm!

They all did fine once they were in the brooder. They were very happy to cuddle and sleep. However, they take the fastest naps ever. They'll be down snoring one minute and literllay bouncing around the next. Crazy lil chicks!

Good luck and have fun! Nothing like a batch of baby chicks.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I agree, run the heat lamp for a day or 2 before they get there and make sure it's stable (my chicks are most comfortable at 85) and that they have an area to get away from the heat if they want. Dip their beaks in water, check their rears, and put food out.

 

[hannah9]

I've even been counting down the days till they get here! I can't believe I never thought about getting the brooder warmed up beforehand so that it's warm when they arrive! I will pickup a thermometer this week so I can test/keep track of the heat level.

Thanks for the excellent advice so far! I'm certainly nervous about my chicks and want to give them the best care possible.

I've asked my husband to build this coop (http://tiny.cc/3zvdb). SO excited that he agreed to do it!