Pulling the trigger

[3KillerBs]

Interesting structure.

I admit that it's pure redneck and if I'd built it myself it would be sturdier, be full height, and have a slanted roof. But it's a very useful thing to have.

 

[Alagirl]

I admit that it's pure redneck and if I'd built it myself it would be sturdier, be full height, and have a slanted roof. But it's a very useful thing to have.

probably one of those things one learns after.
I would definitely go for full height (my fill-in pet carer is 6 foot something....he'd hate to crawl into short places, just to take care of my fancies, but he'd do it, because he likes animals)

That is why this site is so great: One can learn from the mistakes others made (or inherited)
it is a useful little structure though. How do you deal with cold weather, or do you just not use it in the winter and confine your acquisitions to the warmer months?

 

[3KillerBs]

it is a useful little structure though. How do you deal with cold weather, or do you just not use it in the winter and confine your acquisitions to the warmer months?

As long as they have an appropriately warm area to be in and are protected from drafts. they're fine even in freezing temperatures.

With my March hatch I had a couple nights down below 20F. They were only 2-3 days old but they had the Big Red Bulb keeping a nearby area above 50F so that a brooder plate could function properly.

If I were doing chicks in winter-winter I might try making Ohio Brooder.

 

[Alagirl]

Ok, went and got my 6 little Isa Brown Chicks.
and when I asked for the chick, the guy showed me about 4 more tanks full of different chicks. I was quite overwhelmed! those chickies were pretty: Black ones, and brown with stripes, and so many more.
So I figured I'd stick with my original game plan.
Got the feed, grit, and chicks. had the waterer and feeder.
the little ladies are a little perturbed right now, so I only picked 2 of them up, and left them in the overturned box. feed is out, water as well. I did not find any shavings to put out but I have the brooder lined with newspaper.
Wish me luck.

 

[3KillerBs]

Ok, went and got my 6 little Isa Brown Chicks.
and when I asked for the chick, the guy showed me about 4 more tanks full of different chicks. I was quite overwhelmed! those chickies were pretty: Black ones, and brown with stripes, and so many more.
So I figured I'd stick with my original game plan.
Got the feed, grit, and chicks. had the waterer and feeder.
the little ladies are a little perturbed right now, so I only picked 2 of them up, and left them in the overturned box. feed is out, water as well. I did not find any shavings to put out but I have the brooder lined with newspaper.
Wish me luck.

Photos?

Paper towels would be better than newspaper because newspaper is slippery and can contribute to splayed legs.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Paper towels would be better than newspaper because newspaper is slippery and can contribute to splayed legs.

x2. For my first batch of chicks I bought a pack of cheap paper towels. Used them all up by the time the chicks were outside.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I am assuming the chicks are not vaccinated (TSC stock) So would it be a good idea to start them off on medicated feed? Or just go plain?

Unless the store specifies that the chicks are vaccinated (and what they're vaccinated for) always assume they're not, as vaccinations cost extra so hatcheries don't vaccinate by default.

I don't do medicated feed so instead I keep Corid on hand in case I need to treat for coccidiosis.

How do you guys introduce 'real food' to chicks? One at a time and wait a little? Or throw them out into the yard/run, hope they know what they are doing? It would help there if one had an older hen I guess.

I assume by "real food" you're talking veggie scraps, etc.? Put out a little at a time, and don't be surprised if the chicks run from it or ignore it. Could take hours or even days for them to give something a try when they're young. As you noted, it would help if there were adult birds to show the chicks what is food and what isn't, but most of us start out with chicks and they'll figure things out on their own, just takes longer.

And agree that not getting the TSC chicks that didn't look healthy was the best move. Some folks here love trying to save chicks, but especially for your first birds, you absolutely want the healthiest ones you can get.

 

[Alagirl]

Photos?

Paper towels would be better than newspaper because newspaper is slippery and can contribute to splayed legs.

coming soon

 

[Alagirl]

did a bed check.
They are huddled in a corner away from the brooder, it is 71 degrees in the box. Should I worry?
Silly birds.

 

[rosemarythyme]

did a bed check.
They are huddled in a corner away from the brooder, it is 71 degrees in the box. Should I worry?

Brooding plate? I'd nudge them over or manually place them under it, to make sure they know it's there.