Newbie with some chick questions.....

[ChickPeas]

Hi all..
I just got two bantam cochin chicks a few days ago. They eem to be doing well thus far. Later this week, when TSC gets their new shipment, I plan to get about 10 more- a mix of bantams and some heavier breeds. I have a few questions I hope someone can help me out with.

Can I put 2 one day old chicks with the week old babies?

Can all the new ones (bantam and heavies) be raised
together in the same bin?

When would it be best to mix the first group with the new group?

What the heck does normal baby bird poop look like?!

Can they have any other food besides their chick feed? When are treats allowed and what type is best?

About what age can I begin to transition them to go outside?
What's the best way for me to do that?

I want to do the best I can for my chickens, so any help would be greatly appreciated!!

TIA!
Liz

 

[herechickchick]

Can I put 2 one day old chicks with the week old babies?

YES


Can all the new ones (bantam and heavies) be raised
together in the same bin?

YES

When would it be best to mix the first group with the new group?

I mix mine as soon as I can.

What the heck does normal baby bird poop look like?!

It varies. Until they start eating good it is runny green (that usually only lasts a day or 2) then it is brownish in color and should be solid.

Can they have any other food besides their chick feed? When are treats allowed and what type is best?

No treats for a while but do give then chick grit. It will help the digest thier food.

About what age can I begin to transition them to go outside?
What's the best way for me to do that?

Depending on where you are I say around 6 - 8 weeks. Be sure that they have an enclosed run as hawks, cats and other predators will scoop them up.

I want to do the best I can for my chickens, so any help would be greatly appreciated!!

You are doing fine!

Good Luck

 

[ChickPeas]

Thanks so much for your reply! While the babies are growing, we're renovating a well house into a coop and it will have a covered run attached. While we're home and with them, they'll have access to our backyard and a larger run next to the coop.

The reason I asked about the poop was I saw that one of them had a little runny dump that was kind of yellow-y..the rest of the poops appear normal. Both babies are active, eating and drinking.

The guy at Tractor Supply suggested I use sand for bedding, is that appropriate? They seem to be fine on it. They peck it periodically but are more interested in their chick feed.

Thanks again!!

 

[NewGuineaChooks]

Sand will work fine for bedding. We have used it before, when living on the beach. But, in the US pine shavings are much more common. Usually covered with paper towels for the first week until they learn that shavings are not food.