Order from a hatchery or buy from feed store?

[chickenmadness7]

I've done both but will avoid getting them from the feed store in the future. I found my feed store chicks to be falsely identified as incorrect breeds and incorrect sex too. My Meyer Hatchery chicks were ALOT friendlier and I attribute it to them being newly hatched. Plus I was able to purchase them vaccinated which gave me peace of mind.

 

[16 paws]

I'd still have a low-wattage bulb out there for night time. I'm not as warm as you, but my 2 week old broody-raised chicks still sleep under momma at night for the warmth. You don't need a huge bulb, and give them lots of space to get away from the heat if it's too much. Or invest in something like a heat plate from Brinsea or Premier.

My answer would mirror Canoe's. If the feed store has the breed you want, get them there. They've already survived the shipping and are usually a few days old so the chicks that are just weak/bummers have already died, for the most part. I only order from a hatchery anymore if I want a breed not carried by my local Grange. Getting a minimum number is sometimes a pain, too

It's about 88 out right now. Hottest it's been most of the summer... Usually we're low to mid 90s summer evenings. Do I still need a heat source of some sort for the evenings?

I agree with Donrae,
I would have a heat source just in case. You don't want those babies to get cold at all. They do not do well if they don't have the heat they need IMHO.
Good luck and have fun with them...

 

[cafarmgirl]

It's about 88 out right now. Hottest it's been most of the summer... Usually we're low to mid 90s summer evenings. Do I still need a heat source of some sort for the evenings?

Is that as cool as it gets all night long? The issue is that very young chicks are not able to regulate their body heat at all, so when temps drop off at night they will get chilled. What feels warm to us is not sufficient for a brand new chick. I'd have a heat source in one area for them where they can go to warm up that stays reliably around 90 to 95 that first week, just as they would do if they were raised by a hen. Chicks just do not do well at all if they spend any amount of time getting chilled with no place to warm up.

 

[chickenhound]

Did you get your birds yet? Another thing to consider is not just the temperature but keep the little ones away from drafts as well. We are from Pa. and its a lot colder here, but we wouldn't put our chicks outside until 4 or 5 weeks old and they have feathered out. Good luck with them

.

 

[Meeshmom]

Thanks, guys!

Well, I got the chicks and I honestly don't know if they've been vaccinated or not. I read up on Marek's though, and it seems the vaccine is only mildly helpful, and mine were already 3 days when I got them, so sounded like it was too late. I guess I'll have to deal with that when/if it happens.

I have all 6 babies out in a coop in my backyard, as I don't really have much room for an indoor brooder--really, I don't. That and the fact that none of our doors permanently close where the cat can't open them.... I was told it was warm enough they would probably be ok. It's been about 100 in the coop during the day--attached a thermometer into the coop today. I had thought the coop would retain *some* of the heat into the night. (Actually put out a frozen water bottle for a couple who looked really hot.)

No electricity there-my house is old-there's no outdoor outlets. I'm trying to come up with other ideas...laid a couple of coffee cans with pine shavings out there as one option. Gonna try hot water in a water jug tonight. Any other ideas?

I know I sound really unprepared. Sometimes I just jump in! Trial by fire...

 

[chickenhound]

Bare minimum, check on them early in the morning and have a thermometer close to them. They need to be 90 degrees F. for the first week. If they are all piled on top of each other in the morning, then it is too cold. They are very fragile the first two weeks. Good luck Keep us posted on their progress. A little sugar mixed in with their water for a few days wouldn't hurt either.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Someone at the feed store would know if they were vaccinated since there's a 50 cent fee in most cases for the service.

 

[Meeshmom]

Thank you!! Appreciate your input!

 

[Meeshmom]

So, just an update--
Checked the thermometer in the coop @ about 1 in the am. Was a little under 90. Chicks were huddled, so we put a heated rice sock wrapped in an old shirt. This am, checked on them around 7. Temp was 83 ish, but chicks were up and milling about, looking happy and social! Yay! Guess just be extra vigilant since the electric lamp isn't really an option. Thanks for the support and suggestions!