Newbie w/a few questions

[chicklet1]

I have not raised chickens before, so I am new to all of this. I live in an unincorporated area where farm animals ARE allowed, tho, so I know I'm good there. I grew up mingling with my grandmother's flock, and I've been chatting it up for a yr or so w/several chicken-keeping friends of mine so I am feeling confident about bringing some chicks home. I have some large dog crates in my garage that aren't being used as well as a ton of large cardboard boxes. I haven't decided which I'm going to use as a brooder yet; probably the easiest way would be a large cardboard area so I could get in there but the large plastic dog crate seems like it would be neater and probably safer, in case a cat should happen to squeeze out the door and into the garage.

Also, my experience w/birds has only been with parakeets and cockateils, not tiny baby chicks, and I was wondering if when we go away (2 wk vaca this summer) they will be ok? I have a friend as well as my MIL who comes to the house several times a day to care for and keep an eye on all the other critters (dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles) and always leave the vet's # on speed dial. We live in Florida so it is hot as hades outside. I was thinking of setting up the brooder either in the garage (temp out there now is reading 86) or on the back porch (which is screened). Which do you think would be better?

Thanks so much and I look forward to getting to know all of you! I'm sure I'll be asking a zillion more questions! Oh yes, and we would be keeping them for eggs so any help/tips is greatly appreciated.

 

[memal]

Sorry not sure what to tell you , i guess in florida your more concerned about it being to hot for the chicks not trying to keep them warm, it may depend on how old they are at the time of your vacation , hope someone in florida will be able to give you better advice . good luck .and:

 

[OHhappychicks]

As long as someone is checking on them and feeding , watering them, I think they should be ok. You won't have to worry about the temp. Someone will also have to clean the brooder about every other day. You didn't say how many chicks you were getting. They will need to have fresh water a couple of times a day, especially if it is hot. make sure they have food. We were gone ALOT last year. DH had work in tx. I was home more than he was, but sometimes we were gone for 1 mth or more. My sweet, good, awesome neighbors, (who

my chickens!) came over everyday to let them out, checked on them a couple times a day, fed & watered them, gathered eggs,and put them in at nite. Of course the got to keep all the eggs!! My chickens were 1 yr old last june, older than your chicks, but I think ifsomeone is around everyday, they would be fine. Maybe someone else has a better opinion, as this is only my 2nd year with chickens

. And by the way,

!!!!! You will soon be addicted to this place and to your chickens!!. so be careful, very, very careful

!!!!!!