Ready for the new chicks tomorrow! Can't wait!

[chicknbuns]

:yiipchickeThis will be my first time raising chicks ever. I am so excited! Getting 4 Light Brahamas and 2 EE.

I'm trying to post pictures of my brooder but still can't figure out how.

I am going to try to use a nipple waterer.. anyone have any luck with those?

 

[ralleia]

Getting water to them is critical, especially in the first few hours. I've never heard of a nipple waterer being used for brand-new chicks--just chickens.

Are you sure that you want to risk their lives that way?

Also, what's your brooder arrangement look like? What's the temperature stabilized at?

Sorry for all the nosy questions--just trying to avoid problems for you!

 

[chicknbuns]

No nosey-ness at all. I appreciate the help!

I am using a LARGE metal trough divided in half with cardboard (for now til they are bigger) Heat is controlled at about 92* and I have a back up waterer if needed. I intend to introduce them to the nipple waterer right away and if they don't get the hang of it I1ll put the other one in for sure. Believe me i will be with them ALOT!

I can't wait!

 

[chicknbuns]

Also I took pictures of my brooder but i can't seem to figure out how to post them here

 

[HappyFarmLady]

Yay!! How exciting!!

 

[ralleia]

Quote:
Sounds good!

One thing to try to make sure is happening is that there is a RANGE of temperatures within the brooder (i.e. it shouldn't ALL be at your target temperature). That way, if the chick is cold, he or she can move closer to the heat source. Too hot, and the chick has a place to go to escape the heat and cool down. Mostly they're going to be running all over the place playing which they're not sleeping.

I still have some misgivings about the nipple waterer. Your chicks won't have a real momma hen to show them what's good to eat and how to drink, so they're going to have to figure it all out by themselves. Chicks even have to figure out how to drink water out of the standard fount. Usually what happens is someone runs and trips and falls with their beak into the fount. He gets up, shakes the water off his head, and you can almost see the thought bubble above him saying, "What the heck?" Eventually they figure it out.

With an elevated waterer, I'm not sure how the accidental discovery will take place. I hope it goes well though--I'm curious to find out. I've always been interested in finding some other means of delivering water to my hens than lugging water jugs.