Order my first chicks ever! Need supply shopping list!

[Mulemom]

Hi all!
I have my first 25 chicks coming on June 4th! They are supposed to be all girls! We are in the process of converting our 8x10 shed into a coop. I think we will keep them in our spare room for the first few weeks. I was going to use one of those big plastic bins for a brooder. I know I need a light and feeder and water container. What else do I need right away?

They are coming from McMurry and are vaccinated for Marek's Disease and Coccidiosis. I seem to remember something about not feeding them medicated feed if they were vaccinated, but now I can't find where I read that. Do I need worry about mites and things when they are chicks? Is it safe to use pesticides on them when they're that young?

Help! My chicks are on the way and I want to be a good chichen mom!

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, dont give them medicated feed. As for pests, don't worry about it when they are chicks. Check them periodically when they grow up and are outside, but even then, I only treat if I can find bugs. I avoid things that kill things. Good luck!

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I don't use pesticides on anything.

When the chicks are about a week old, give them a container of play sand big enough to dust bathe in- if you add food grade diatomaceous earth to the play sand, it will act as a light (and harmless) preventative for mites and such.

 

[Southern28Chick]

Go to this link and you'll learn everything you need to know:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/raising-chickens-basics.php

 

[janramsey]

Quote:
[b]OK math time.....How much do I add to the sand.....say how much per pound??? yes.....it may require crayons to help me!!!

 

[freshH20]

You could actually just make a small well (2' x 2' x 4" deep) in the sand and put 2 - 3 lbs in it. They will eat some and mix up the rest. They can take a dust bath in straight DE and it won't hurt them a bit. But be sure to use food-grade, organic, pure diatomaceous earth.
Also, if you mix it with their feed at a rate of 2%, many have found that it keeps them healthy, harder shells, and eliminates odors, and flies.