Newbie - Electrolytes & Probiotics

[andreanar]

Sounds like your ready for your chickies!! So exciting. Enjoy them, they grow so fast.

 

[NorthTexasWink]

You will want to remember to get a heating pad WITHOUT the auto shut-off feature.

I use something very similar to this. It's made for use in greenhouses to heat pots of growing medium while seeds or cuttings are being propagated. Waterproof, less fire hazard than a lamp, digital thermostat and easily to read instant temperature readings.
https://www.ebay.com/i/122010217279?chn=ps&dispItem=1&ul_ref=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-117182-37290-0%2F2%3Fmpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fi%252F122010217279%253Fchn%253Dps%2526dispItem%253D1%26itemid%3D122010217279%26targetid%3D286717528285%26device%3Dt%26adtype%3Dpla%26googleloc%3D9027197%26poi%3D%26campaignid%3D764892186%26adgroupid%3D39783961149%26rlsatarget%3Dpla-286717528285%26abcId%3D978836%26merchantid%3D102011306%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw4vzKBRCtARIsAM3l8OCedOQik7b7TbouUnSKJLKOAwMmg_KGpX2-wT9hWltrP3SGIRp6D58aAqpyEALw_wcB%26srcrot%3D711-117182-37290-0%26rvr_id%3D1251534579560

I also use a recording min/max digital thermometer with a remote probe to make sure it doesn't get too cool or too hot. Something like this. http://www.alliedelec.com/flir-comm...JJHr0fgX6wH4NJ566R2e_aGlQHSD8gyQaAsFIEALw_wcB

I actually already had both items on hand, as I've always been an avid gardener and like trying to propagate both common and rare tropical plants.

Sounds like you are well prepared. Best of luck, and enjoy!

@lazy gardener I've used that recipe as a nurse in South America. I'm certain it has saved many (human) babies!

 

[lazy gardener]

Thank you everyone, great advice here. I went out and purchased my items today, my chicks should be here tomorrow. I was given a heat lamp from a friend that had chickens before. So I have that as a back up. However I am going to attempt to make my own heating cave. I purchased 2 different heating pads (going to research and see which one is better, and return the other one), a roll of press n seal, a wired shelf (for a kitchen cabinet), and some plant hanging chains to hang it from my brooder cage. I plan on reading through more posts on here to see the best ideas of how to put it all together.

I did buy the save a chick packets, I think I will try it when they get here. I also purchased the Nutri-Drench (to have on hand in case needed). I bought chick starter, chick grit, a chick treat log, and the waterer and feeder containers, and pine shavings (will use paper towels to cover them).

So hoping I have it all, and things go well. I am addicted to this forum already!

Thanks so much for all of your suggestions!
~Melanie

You will want to remember to get a heating pad WITHOUT the auto shut-off feature.

I use something very similar to this. It's made for use in greenhouses to heat pots of growing medium while seeds or cuttings are being propagated. Waterproof, less fire hazard than a lamp, digital thermostat and easily to read instant temperature readings.
https://www.ebay.com/i/122010217279?chn=ps&dispItem=1&ul_ref=http%3A%2F%2Frover.ebay.com%2Frover%2F1%2F711-117182-37290-0%2F2%3Fmpre%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.ebay.com%252Fi%252F122010217279%253Fchn%253Dps%2526dispItem%253D1%26itemid%3D122010217279%26targetid%3D286717528285%26device%3Dt%26adtype%3Dpla%26googleloc%3D9027197%26poi%3D%26campaignid%3D764892186%26adgroupid%3D39783961149%26rlsatarget%3Dpla-286717528285%26abcId%3D978836%26merchantid%3D102011306%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw4vzKBRCtARIsAM3l8OCedOQik7b7TbouUnSKJLKOAwMmg_KGpX2-wT9hWltrP3SGIRp6D58aAqpyEALw_wcB%26srcrot%3D711-117182-37290-0%26rvr_id%3D1251534579560

I also use a recording min/max digital thermometer with a remote probe to make sure it doesn't get too cool or too hot. Something like this. http://www.alliedelec.com/flir-comm...JJHr0fgX6wH4NJ566R2e_aGlQHSD8gyQaAsFIEALw_wcB

I actually already had both items on hand, as I've always been an avid gardener and like trying to propagate both common and rare tropical plants.

Sounds like you are well prepared. Best of luck, and enjoy!

@lazy gardener I've used that recipe as a nurse in South America. I'm certain it has saved many (human) babies!

NTW, it simply blows my mind how many people in the medical field are drawn to flock keeping. I dare to state that the numbers of such folks represented on this thread about doubles that of the general population! And yes, I've used my home made Gator Ade myself on a hot day. Wish I'd had that recipe when I was raising my own kids and I didn't have 2 nickels to rub together.

Melanie, you'll not regret using the heating pad cave. As NTW says, be sure it DOES not have auto shut off... or that it has a bypass switch for the auto shut off. As for the PND, it doesn't help them if it stays in the bottle! All of my chicks get it during the first 2 weeks, even if they pop out of the shell climbing the walls. It simply gets them off to a super good start. You can use it later when your birds are molting, or if they have any other issues where a pick me up is needed. You're probably too young, but if not, consider it to be a "Geritol" for chickens!!!

 

[NorthTexasWink]

@lazy gardener I have a "baby" brother 10 years my junior. My mother always called him my father's "Geritol baby"!

 

[lazy gardener]

@lazy gardener I have a "baby" brother 10 years my junior. My mother always called him my father's "Geritol baby"!

That one cracked me up!!