Raising tiny chicks... HELP!

[eatmorecowz]

I know a guy who bought a duck and 6 chicks were sent with that duck for a warm shipping (or something?) and i'll be raising one of the chicks ( he sold the others) and he said they are about 3 days old. I've never raised a chick but I'm willing and ready to learn! I have a large plastic box I'll keep it temporarily (inside) but I'm not sure what to feed it etc. any help for this newbie is much appreciated!

 

[Critter Crazed]

I'm no expert but I'll tell you what I know!

Feed it chick starter. Whatever your local feed mill has.

Chicks have to have warmth, food, and water and all times. At one week the temp should be around 95 F. Then lower the temperature about 5 degrees each week. Use a heat lamp for heat and raise it up and down to control the temperature. For bedding you can use pine shavings but I use hay. I started with pine shavings and switched to hay. A lot of people on here use pine shavings.

Hmm.. I think that's the basics. Good luck!!

 

[eatmorecowz]

wonderful! thank you!! i have a heating pad that I can cover with a blanket and put it on a low setting (used for raising newborn kittens), would this be necessary or could it harm the chick?

 

[Critter Crazed]

I think it would hurt their feet... Wouldn't it burn them?
Do you have a heating lamp? Heating lamps = good. I don't know about heating pads though.. It might work but might not be warm enough.

Hopefully someone else on here with more experience will pop in and help you.

Oh yeah and welcome to BYC!

 

[Zahboo]

What I do is take a cheap lamp kit and put a 75 watt inside of one of the 10 dollar walmart tubs. Cut air holes and they are content. They will let you know if they are cold or not. What is it drinking out of, if it's a deep bowl, put pebbles or something in it so he doesn't drown. You can pick up Starter at the feed store. I suggest for ease of cleaning getting a chick feeder. What is he standing on, mine are staying on papertowels so they don't get spraddle leg. They need something with some grip for about the first week. No pictures???/

 

[MonkeyZero]

To add in
You can also take a regular light bulb for temporary use until you get
a heat lamp. I believe you may be able to get some at Walmart, or petco, or a local feed store.
I would think that the heat pad could possible burn their little feet if something went wrong.
I also would reccomend a stuffed animal for it to snuggle with(I did that with my chicks before)
Good Luck and Have fun with you new chickie!

 

[eatmorecowz]

ok thank you! I don't have pictures yet.. I'll be picking the chick up tomorrow morning and I'm nervous I'm going to mess up! But thanks for all of your info!! I'll post pictures tomorrow!

 

[kathyinmo]

Are you only going to have one chick? As chickens are quite social, it would really be nice to have at least 2, if you could.

About the heat .... a plain light bulb works fine. But, be sure you have it at one end, and a cooler area at the other end. This is so the chick can get out of the heat if too hot, and go under the light if chilled. Be sure to have a thermometer in there, as you will need to watch the temp.

When you get feed, be sure it is "chick starter." You may want to feed about 1/2 teaspoon of plain yogurt daily for the first week, and then every few days. This is called a "probiotic."

I would use paper towels for the first week or so, then pine bedding. The plastic of the tub must be covered, so chick doesn't get "sprattle leg," from slipping around.

Hey, good luck, and have fun! Keep us updated!

 

[~*Sweet Cheeks*~]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/lcenter.html

Above is the link to the Home Page Learning Center that is a great resource and what I read several times PRIOR to getting chicks.

Why did your friend sell all but one chick? Chicks need a buddy or two. Do you have a feed store close by or folks on Craigslist in your area that are selling chicks close to the same age?

Do you have a preditor proof coop and run or one planned for when this little one is ready to go out in it at age 6 wks?

WELCOME to BYC's - you came to the right place to learn most everything you need to know to raise a happy, healthy, and safe chick.

Can't wait to see some pics.