Questions before 1st time getting baby chicks this friday

[hckyguy77]

So I have got my box all set up for the chicks, alot bigger than expected but oh well it is Height 4 feet length 4 feet width 3 feet. I used plywood boards I think 7/16 so question #1. Do i need to do something to protect from the wood that doesn't include the bedding material, like for the sides, splinters anything like that. then I have chick starter (Question 2) do I need grit this early? I have a red 250 watt lamp the container will protect them from any drafts and direct cold but will not be inside the house but there is no cover except for a protection wire, (question 3) will this due for these chicks or do I need better housing, the room they are in is attached to the house outside and can be enclosed so no draft but the weather at night has been towards the 20's if not a little lower. Pine shavings but putting towels down at first to help not eat it I think i read and to also continue that under food and water so chicks don't get shavings in the food and water, there is a little roost that will be 2 inch by 2 inch board but barely off the ground of the brooder. Does this sound like I am missing something trying to be ready, oh and pasty butt. where do I get electrolytes for their water, hopefully the store will have them. thanks for those that took the time to read and help out.

 

[Makomd]

Congrats on your upcoming purchase!!!

No protection needed from the sides.

You don't need grit this early, chick feed contains enough grit to get them going.

If they are enclosed the 250 lamp should be good enough, just watch the chicks they will tell you if they are warm enough. If they are huddling they need the lamp closer if they are all scattered away from the lamp they are too hot. If they are all over the place some under the lamp some scampering here and there then they are good. I try to put the lamp toward a side that way they can get away if they need to.

I sue pine shavings (I actually will use flakes they are a little bigger). do not use cedar or any scented sprayed shaving. They will pick it up and play with it, but I have never witnessed a chick eat it.

The roost sounds good but you will want to raise it with time to be the highest item in your pen. If the feeders are taller they will roost on them instead.

Most feed stores will carry electrolytes. When buying chicks check for pasty butt at this time and do not purchase if they have it. Pasty butt can be prevented most of the time by getting your temperature right in the brooder. Often pasty butt happens when they get too hot.

Sounds like you have a well thought out plan, much more so then when I got my first chicks.

Enjoy

 

[Banana Hen]

So I have got my box all set up for the chicks, a lot bigger than expected but oh well it is Height 4 feet length 4 feet width 3 feet. I used plywood boards I think 7/16 so question #1. Do i need to do something to protect from the wood that doesn't include the bedding material, like for the sides, splinters anything like that. then I have chick starter (Question 2) do I need grit this early? I have a red 250 watt lamp the container will protect them from any drafts and direct cold but will not be inside the house but there is no cover except for a protection wire, (question 3) will this due for these chicks or do I need better housing, the room they are in is attached to the house outside and can be enclosed so no draft but the weather at night has been towards the 20's if not a little lower. Pine shavings but putting towels down at first to help not eat it I think i read and to also continue that under food and water so chicks don't get shavings in the food and water, there is a little roost that will be 2 inch by 2 inch board but barely off the ground of the brooder. Does this sound like I am missing something trying to be ready, oh and pasty butt. where do I get electrolytes for their water, hopefully the store will have them. thanks for those that took the time to read and help out.

Q1: No. You can if you want, but it is not necessary.

Q2: No again. When you take them off chick starter, start grit.

Q3:You should be fine. If the chicks are too cold, they will huddle in the lamplight. If they are hot, they will stay out of it.

Q4: Electrolytes can be found at your local feed store.

Have fun!

 

[fried green eggs]

Q #1 The plywood is fine no need to do anything else but, to make it easier to clean to use again - painted would better for cleaning. Q #2 Chicks do not need grit until you start giving them other food as treats, then just put a small bowl with chick grit for free choice.
Q #3 Chicks need a place that is 95 degrees for the first week and then 5 degrees cooler for each week after until they are fully feathered. If they were brooded by a hen they might run out from under her for a moment but, would spend much time under her for warmth. A 250 watt heat light with no cover and night temps that low will not keep them warm enough. The whole brooder area doesn't need to be 95 degrees but where they sleep, eat and drink needs to be for the first week. Also keep in mind that IF the bulb burns out they will die very quickly outdoors.
My temps are like yours and I found a 50 gallon storage tub at Target for under $15.00 and I have a heat bulb above it in our spare bathroom. It works great as a temporary brooder till chicks can go to our outside garage brooder.
Pasty butt Q just add a teaspoon of Mothers Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to 1 qt drinking water and change water daily. You can find electrolytes with vitamins to add to water for chicks at Farm Fleet Stores that sell feed. Hope this answers most of your questions. Good Luck &