questions on my first chick!

[ChiefZero]

Ok I got a new chick and I will post it on the forum as soon as I can tomorrow to find out what type of bantam it is.
My questions are:
I got food made for chicks but do I need grit?
I can only get the temp up to 85 ish, is this safe it is 3 days old? How often do I start lowering the temp?
Should I feed the food with it soaked in whater or no?
There is only 1 so should I put something, cloth or stuffed animal, with it?

thanks
ChiefZero

P.S. I probably have more questions but I'll ask when I remembers.

 

[kb010]

Congrats on the new baby!
your chick will not need grit for the chick starter.
The temp should be higher. Do you have an infrared 250 watt bulb? This is the type I am using and I have no problem getting the temp up to 95, etc.
You will lower the temp by 5 degrees each week until they feather out and are ready for outside (about 4 wks).
Don't soak the food in water. This will encourage bacteria, fungi, etc. to grow and may just make you baby sick.
As far as having only one....I would def. get a buddy for your baby. At least one other chick would make it happier. If this is impossible, then I have heard other people suggest a feather duster or a mirror.

Good luck!

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Quote:
The temp really needs to be around 95 for the first week, then you can lower it by 5 degrees every week until the chick is fully feathered.
Chick starter/grower food is just right, doesn't need soaking. No grit needed, just be sure s/he is only eating the chick food though. People have said to put a mirror and a feather duster in for solitary chicks to have "company" with. Can you get one or two more to go with this one? Best wishes!

 

[ChiefZero]

I do not think I can get another. Will try to get another light to warm it up.
thanks

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

Why do you have one lonely little chick? I would get 1 or 2 more.

Red 250 watt heat lamp is best in my opinion. My ten never fought or picked on each other and I think the red light allows them to sleep better.

Good luck. Be sure to attach pics.

 

[ChiefZero]

OK I got the temp up to 95 but the light is a bit closer. Do I need to worry about it over heating, I mean I am sure that on the other side of the box is cooler, so do i need to worry about not mving and getting burned like a lizard does on a heat rock?
It can also touch the light, should I worry?

Also how long is chick starter food good for, how old must it be to change to older food?

I can't get another chick but I started with 3 eggs and the others didnt develop, It was freezing temps when I got them so I suspect that the cold may have did something to the eggs.

thanks
ChiefZero

P.S. next post will have a pic

 

[ChiefZero]

here he is

I think it is a boy due to bumps near were its spurs( Claw on back of leg, don't know if thats what it is called).

I know it is a bantam but can anyone tell me yet what type it is(if bantam isn't).

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Keep on starter/grower up until 18-20 weeks of age.

 

[ChiefZero]

 

[sunnibunny99]

ADORABLE!

i dont know what kind he is, sorry

but i think (if at all possible) he needs a friend!

unless you spend alot of time with him he'll be so lonely! imagine if you were the only person in the world, how would you feel?


just my thoughts, but i have 14 chicky's so no loneliness there...


he looks exactly like my chick, Samantha, who is 1 1/2 months old

she has NO feathers

But hes ADORABLE!! Good luck!