Random newbie chicks questions

[Melky]

I concur with it’s fine to use old shipping box, dog crate etc. whatever you have around the house or can get cheap. Heat source. Medicated feed first 8 weeks only then can switch to non-medicated feed. Chick grit at 3-4 weeks. Can also provide dried mealworms and greens to add protein and teach to forage at 3-4 weeks. Keep 10% or less of diet. Need thermometer. Keep 90-95 degrees first week then wean by 5 degrees every 5-7 days till at 65-70 degrees then turn heat source off. When feathered out can go outside in grower pen separate from adults but close so can see till ready to integrate. Usually 4-5 weeks latest 6-8 weeks. If really low temps outside may need outside heat source when first going outside. Use pine mulch bedding easy to clean. Something like this. Just cardboard box at least 2 sq ft per bird and 12-24 inches tall. Wire over top. Add a roost five inches high. Can put crumble on roost to teach them to use it. I also added a swing I made and a pecking ball for fun. I put cabbage leaves or greens from carrots, beats, etc. whatever greens in kitchen in ball.
So much fun to watch! Put marbles in water at first so no accidental drownings. They tend to fall in sometimes. Oh put sav a chick electrolytes in water first 5 days then weekly till grown at 18 weeks. They love it and great boost!

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[Melky]

For pasty butt just wipe bottom when new and apply vaseline and that prevents pasty butt. I only have to do first 3-4 days of life. After that they were fine. If poo starts to develop anyway and stick to bottom, can still wipe with wet paper towel and apply vaseline to prevent.