tpatricco
Songster
Hello! I guess I should've introduced myself a few weeks ago, but jumped into the forums with both feet.
My family has just started our first flock after about a year of thinking, researching and learning what we could to be prepared to start. We got a bumpy start - fast chicken math, steep learning curve and quick ramping up my chicken veterinary skills, but have leveled off now and seem to be doing well - both us and the flock.
The details: I'm an almost 48 year old edge of the countryside suburban mom and business owner, married for 16 years and with an 8 year old son. We live on a 2 acre property in North-Central New Jersey (lots of people commute to NYC from here). 2 Cats, and now 6 baby chicks.
We started with 6 chicks on April 27th (purchased direct from a hatchery about 50 miles from home - I was wary of mailing infant chicks even though I know it's common practice) - we learned the hard way that our plastic tote style brooder was way too hot - cooking 3 chicks in the adjustment process before abandoning it for a pair of dog crates and a Brinsea ecoglow plate heater. After the first week we got 6 more chicks...so 9 for those doing the chicken math. Then somehow lost 2 more to listless / unknown causes (coccidosis??) and 1 more to some kind of respiratory issue. Talk about feeling like a shitty chicken parent. Ugh. And we're back to 6.
My Salmon Faverolle presented with respiratory issue at around 3 weeks old - managed her crusty eyes and breathing issues and she recuperated - relapsing last week - we got her on antibiotics and she is very much improved. Phew.
They all moved into their coop on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend - with their brooder & heat plate which they do still use on chilly nights but are doing great! They're even all learning to go back in the coop on their own at twilight. We removed half of the brooder cages over the weekend. They seem too little to feel cozy in the 6x6 coop without anything smaller to snuggle up in just yet.
I think we're finally at a point where it's getting to be more fun than worry... We're all enjoying them and getting to know their personalities.
I'm enjoying being part of BYC and truly appreciate all the helpful advice to turn our steep learning curve into a much more gentle slope.
Trish
My family has just started our first flock after about a year of thinking, researching and learning what we could to be prepared to start. We got a bumpy start - fast chicken math, steep learning curve and quick ramping up my chicken veterinary skills, but have leveled off now and seem to be doing well - both us and the flock.
The details: I'm an almost 48 year old edge of the countryside suburban mom and business owner, married for 16 years and with an 8 year old son. We live on a 2 acre property in North-Central New Jersey (lots of people commute to NYC from here). 2 Cats, and now 6 baby chicks.
We started with 6 chicks on April 27th (purchased direct from a hatchery about 50 miles from home - I was wary of mailing infant chicks even though I know it's common practice) - we learned the hard way that our plastic tote style brooder was way too hot - cooking 3 chicks in the adjustment process before abandoning it for a pair of dog crates and a Brinsea ecoglow plate heater. After the first week we got 6 more chicks...so 9 for those doing the chicken math. Then somehow lost 2 more to listless / unknown causes (coccidosis??) and 1 more to some kind of respiratory issue. Talk about feeling like a shitty chicken parent. Ugh. And we're back to 6.
My Salmon Faverolle presented with respiratory issue at around 3 weeks old - managed her crusty eyes and breathing issues and she recuperated - relapsing last week - we got her on antibiotics and she is very much improved. Phew.
They all moved into their coop on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend - with their brooder & heat plate which they do still use on chilly nights but are doing great! They're even all learning to go back in the coop on their own at twilight. We removed half of the brooder cages over the weekend. They seem too little to feel cozy in the 6x6 coop without anything smaller to snuggle up in just yet.
I think we're finally at a point where it's getting to be more fun than worry... We're all enjoying them and getting to know their personalities.
I'm enjoying being part of BYC and truly appreciate all the helpful advice to turn our steep learning curve into a much more gentle slope.
Trish
Have FUN!!! 
Sorry about the rough start! It’s always good to have them settled in their coop and doing well!!! Glad you decided to join us
