Preparing for my first time raising baby chicks

[Chicken_man_J]

They will need the covered run for fresh air, light, and protection from predators, especially while they are not yet adult size.

When should I give them access to the run?

 

[Chicken_man_J]

Whatever starter feed you can easily get that's as close to freshly milled as possible. For me I find that that's usually local brands (which for me is Scratch & Peck... obviously you're way on the other side of the country, so I don't know what's most available to you).

As far as pasty butt, if the chicks have room (which you should easily have) to move away from the heat source and the ambient temperatures aren't too high, there should be a lower chance of pasty butt. Some chicks may arrive with it due to shipping stress or from overheating in the feed store but I find that it generally resolves itself as long as they can cool off a little. For the first few days I'd try to make a habit of picking up each chick to check their rear (maybe have a cardboard box that you put birds in after you've checked them?), but if you don't see it and temps remain moderate I find that the chances of it showing up later are minimal.

How do I know if its freshly milled, for me nearest store that mills their own would be from Walpole Feed. Called them today and they said a 50lb bag of starter feed from them was $15.50. As for handling them thought you weren't suppose to handle them too much. Additionally, what should I look for or at when I am selecting the ones I am taking?

 

[StinkyAcres]

When should I give them access to the run?

They can go outside whenever the temperature is around what it is in the brooder. I'd say let them settle into the coop for at least a week then introduce them to the outdoors gradually with longer and longer excursions.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

They can go outside whenever the temperature is around what it is in the brooder. I'd say let them settle into the coop for at least a week then introduce them to the outdoors gradually with longer and longer excursions.

It should be around 80 degrees in April around me. Probably with the sun shining on the coop with a metal roof should warm it up. Should I put a thermometer inside so I know when the temp is close to outside temp?

 

[StinkyAcres]

How do I know if its freshly milled, for me nearest store that mills their own would be from Walpole Feed called them today and they said a 50lb bag of starter feed was $15.50? As for handling them thought you weren't suppose to handle them too much.

That's a good price! Some feed labels are easier to read than others. I don't know about that particular brand. Maybe you could ask the staff. But feed should be no older than 4 months.

I'd let them settle in for a day or two before handling. But they should be fine handled and hand-fed daily. It makes them easier to catch and handle when they are older.

 

[StinkyAcres]

It should be around 80 degrees in April around me. Probably with the sun shining on the coop with a metal roof should warm it up. Should I put a thermometer inside so I know when the temp is close to outside temp?

I would use a thermometer, especially since it's your first time. I have always used one to make sure the temps on the hot and cool side are just right during those first 5 weeks or so.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

I would use a thermometer, especially since it's your first time. I have always used one to make sure the temps on the hot and cool side are just right during those first 5 weeks or so.

Should I get two thermometers and place them on the side with the heat plate and the side without it as I am going to divide the inside section of the coop with either cinder blocks or cardboard boxes with weight inside them so thy will not move. I will post pictures as I design it.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Should I get two thermometers and place them on the side with the heat plate and the side without it as I am going to divide the inside section of the coop with either cinder blocks or cardboard boxes with weight inside them so thy will not move. I will post pictures as I design it.

Having two different thermometers is not a bad idea. A regular one for ambient temps and an infrared thermometer for surface temps. I've never used a heat plate, but I understand you need to monitor the surface temp to make sure it's not too hot to the touch and watch the chicks to make sure they are not huddling for too long under the plate or away from it.

 

[Chicken_man_J]

That's a good price! Some feed labels are easier to read than others. I don't know about that particular brand. Maybe you could ask the staff. But feed should be no older than 4 months.

I'd let them settle in for a day or two before handling. But they should be fine handled and hand-fed daily. It makes them easier to catch and handle when they are older.

I call them before I drive to make sure they have feed as the make and sell it often. Would I hand feed them on top of leaving a feeder out for them? I will get a mercury thermometer for the inside of the coop and one for outside and a digital infrared that I can use on the chicks without handling them.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I call them before I drive to make sure they have feed as the make and sell it often. Would I hand feed them on top of leaving a feeder out for them?

Yes, they should have access to a feeder at all times. Hand-feeding is just for taming them. Offer some feed in your hand daily or every few days to get them used to you.