Starter-kit... everything you need to get going!

[Stamper]

I've had ducks in the past, never chickens, and this was in the time before the internet and I got all my information from one little book. The amount of stuff that I didn't know is mind-boggling!

I'm getting a few new chicks and ducklings and I want to get a grasp on everything I need to have immediately and on-hand for the future.

I think I have a handle on the coop and the brooder ... what else do I need? I have watering and feeding containers, heat lamps, etc...

So here's what I'm thinking that I still need.

When they're babies:
-Starter feed - can chicks and ducklings eat the same kind? Any great brands?
-Grit? Is that something that I need to provide them?
-Baby vitamins?? Should I have these on hand? A good brand? When I raised ducklings before we always had infant rice cereal around to feed a baby who was getting lethargic and not eating. Is there anything like that I need?

When they're older and move out to the coop:
-DE seems to be popular

-some kind of bedding (straw, shavings, maybe shredded paper)
-Emergency supplies (medications? what do I need to have on hand?)
-Layer feed for the chicken ladies... something else for the ducks (who will also be laying eggs, hopefully.) Any suggestions?
-Treats

What else?????? Any feedback on what I have? I want to be ready when my babies come... I know they grow FAST!

Thank you

 

[newchickmom]

I use chick starter for chicks and duckling food for ducklings. I just use Rural King brand chick starter.
They shouldn't need grit right away, until you start giving treats.
I have never had the need for vitamins or suppliments.

I use DE in the hen house and nest boxes.
Pine shavings are my choice of bedding.
My First Aid kit has: scissors, Quick Stop
When the ducks got older, they got Layer feed mixed with scratch. (they are no longer with us, the neighbors dog got them)
My chickens get almost all the kitchen scraps and fresh greens and scratch for treats.

I am by no means, an expert. This is just the way I do it.

I also have new chicks arriving in the next couple days.

 

[patandchickens]

Spare bulb for your brooder lamp (neednt necessarily be full heatlamp wattage).

Oystershell (or their own dried crushed eggshells) for when they're laying, unless they are eating absolutely nothing but commercial layer ration. (and even then,it doesn't hurt to offer oystershell or eggshell free choice, as not all chickens are identical)

Camera

Have fun,

Pat

 

[Stamper]

Quote:
I totally forgot about oyster shells! Thanks

Silly me, how could I forget! We have a HUGE oyster fest every year because they grow so many oysters here