Raising just-hatched-chicks

[ahmedamir]

Hey Guys, two of the eggs in my bator hatched yesterday. One is bantam and one is local breed. I moved them this morning into the brooder, provided them with food, water and light. Feed is starter crumbles mixed with some grains (Pearl millet). So far, they look active and respond immediately on tapping. I have made arrangement to control the temperature of the brooder, it's now between 95-100 F. Though, I've installed the light not exactly in the middle, to give them some room to run to if they feel too hot (local temperature here these days is around 80 F already ). Now, come the queries:

- Any preventive measures for chicks health? medicines, feeds?
- Any special diet that should be included in their feed?
- Dos and dont's?
- Any other general suggestions?
- Handling chicks often, how'd it affect their health?
- Is it normal for chicks to lay and get asleep often? Though, they become fully active while tapping the brooder floor.

Thanks very much guys. I'd add that I've read the features in the learning section on this topic plethora of times, but, even then something still troubling me, so, I thought a personal touch may alleviate the feeling .

 

[JanO]

It sounds like you've got everything covered.

As far as preventative measures I can't really think of anything special. Just keep an eye on them. If they start to look lethargic exchange their water for pedialite, with a little bit of honey for a day or so. I do this with all my chicks that are purchased from an outside source but never had to do it with chicks incubated at home.

Chick starter is all they really need as far as diet is concerned, although some people add oyster shell.

I don't really handle my chicks. Some people do, but I don't really believe that it's good for them.

Yes it's normal for them to be calm from time to time. As long as they are eating and drinking they are growing. In time they will be more active.

 

[ahmedamir]

It sounds like you've got everything covered.

As far as preventative measures I can't really think of anything special. Just keep an eye on them. If they start to look lethargic exchange their water for pedialite, with a little bit of honey for a day or so. I do this with all my chicks that are purchased from an outside source but never had to do it with chicks incubated at home.

Chick starter is all they really need as far as diet is concerned, although some people add oyster shell.

I don't really handle my chicks. Some people do, but I don't really believe that it's good for them.

Yes it's normal for them to be calm from time to time. As long as they are eating and drinking they are growing. In time they will be more active.

Thanks mate. That's was really assuring.