Questions, questions, and more questions........

[fdehaven]

Ok I finaly got my chicks (7 RIR) now what?
I have done hours and hours of research on chickens but ever since I got them last night it seems as though everything has emptied out of my memory.
1. I have them in a 45 gal tote with half the top cut out and replaced with screen. and a heat lamp placed over the screen. Do I need to keep the light on all day? Last night seem to go well did not hear a peep (no pun intented) out of them. They slept in the middle of the tote which makes me think they were comfortable.
2. Can I turn the light off and take the top off the tote so they get more natural light for a while in the evening. I have them in the house so it's always 70 degrees.
3. When can I feed them things like fruits, and other things?
4. I have shavings on the bootom and then covered it with paper towles how often do I change that.
5. even no there is no noise from them does that mean there ok or is silents deadly?
Plaease any info would be helpfull

 

[Gonzo]

Keep the light on 24/7... when its a little warmer here in a few weeks, you can start to take them out to play.. and I would change the brooder material when it seems dirty or smells bad. Hope this helps!

 

[SunnyDawn]

Also I would wait on the fruits and treats for a bit. The starter feed is really the best thing for them for the first several weeks though a little treat now and then after the first couple of weeks or so probably won't hurt them. I'd start with a little bit of lettuce or greens and move up to fruits later. Introduce one food at a time that way you will know, if they have problems, which food is to blame.