Hey everyone, Sorry to be asking "newbie" questions, but it goes with the territory since I am a "newbie" to chickens. Ok question one When can I feed the chicks some veggies? We grow lentil sprouts for us and I thought these would be good for them (in small amounts). Question two When can I take them off of the pee pads (had them left over from the puppy-thought they would work as well as paper towels)and put them in the wood shaving litter? Question three I am letting the chicks behavior dictate the temp in the brooder. They seem to like it best at 88-91 degrees. Is this ok? Thanks everyone! Michelle
1) Let them get to about a week old. by that time the digestive system is less likely to upset with the introduction of something new. 2) You normally only have to keep chicks away from shavings for 3-4 days. By then they tend to know what food is and will not eat the bedding instead. 3) If your chicks are only about a week old and they are comfortable then the temperature is not an issue. Just reduce it by 5-7 degrees every week. Everyone has asked "newbie" questions at one time. Never be afraid to ask when in doubt. That is why this forum exists.
Yeah..all that sounds right and If the puppy pads are really getting messy you can try taking them out sooner, just keep an eye on your chicks and make sure they aren't eating the litter. Its not unusual for them to peck at it for a few minutes until they find the food. Just give them a chance. I usually take lining out of mine after about two days, but I raise alot of chicks at once, so it causes me more problems than it does some people.