Oh crap, just ordered chicks--NOW WHAT?!

[goldenoldiesfarm]

I just ordered 28 mixed chicks (heavies mostly) from McMurray Hatchery (a "combo pack" and some Buff Orp ladies), and OHMYGOD, what do I do now?

They'll be here in about a month.

I have a heat lamp, feeders, waterers, going to get pine shavings (is that okay?) for bedding closer to arrival, chick starter closer to arrival, ... do I need anything else?

I'm so excited and nervous and giggly. I feel like I'm 'bout to have a baby. :B

Thanks!

- Sierra.

 

[karen71]

you are about to have 28 babies !
it is a great pastime .
Hopefully the time passes by quickly for you .
Pine shavings are good - just make sure no cedar .
you can also use the corn cob pellets that are used in horse stalls they work also .

again

 

[greeneggsnham]

Well first

! Second you sound like you got it all. Pine is a great way to cover the bottom and is usually recommended by everyone on here. Don't ever use cedar though it messes with their respiratory system. Collect your newspaper so you can line the bottom of the brooder with it before covering that with pine shavings. Trust me it makes clean up so much easier. And if you want to make keeping the temperature stable easy go to your pet store and buy a Zilla thermostat. I have one and it broke on me but their customer service is so good they are sending me a new one at no charge. Around here its about $50 but its well worth it. Congrats on the new babies! O and one more thing WE NEED PICS as soon as they are in. We all like to ooh and ahh over the fuzzy butt cutenes.

 

[easttxchick]

How exciting to get your first chicks! They are wonderful.
Paper towels make the best bedding for a few days until they know what their food is and won't try to eat the shavings.
I might also have some elecrolytes and PolyViSol without iron just in case they have a rough trip to their new home or some just need a boost.
Let's see, you definitely need your camera to take pics for us to oooh and ahhhh over and a lot of hours to sit and watch the precious new babies!

 

[zade11]

yay. i just got six (americanas i think) myself. i have down pine shavings too. they seem to be doing fine. i love 'em lol

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Quote:
Do you have a plan for after they come out of the brooder? Did you get vaccinated chicks? If not, you'll want to think seriously about vaccinating for Mareck's.

 

[ADozenGirlz]

Paper towels. Lots of paper towels. You'll want to keep the bottom of the brooder covered with them for the first week to avoid spraddle legs. Whatever you do, DON't use anything slippery like newspaper! After a week, you can go straight to pine shavings! Have fun!

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Do you have a plan for after they come out of the brooder? Did you get vaccinated chicks? If not, you'll want to think seriously about vaccinating for Mareck's.

A plan for after the brooder was the first question that popped into my head too. Do you have a coop or building to put them in? You will be amazed at how fast they out grow the brooder and need a coop to go into.

 

[ShaggysGirl]

Wood shavings is great ( like others said no cedar) For the first day or two I cover it with paper towels just until they learn what is food and what isn't. Also sprinkle some food on the paper towel at first they do pick up quickly. Be sure to have the heat lamp secured two ways in case one fails. The other will hold... wood shaving goes up fast.
Have fun