The Chicken Stork arrived- 33 for 33

[OldFowlGuy]

My first post as a chicken farmer. My care package from Meyer showed up yesterday via priority mail. Roll call was perfect with the exception of one extra J. Giant female. My first flock consists of : Black J. Giants-6F,2M / Buckeyes-6F,2M / Dominique- 6F / Speck.Sussex- 6F, GL Wyandot, 4F. Started them on Chick Saver electrolytes and probiotics. They are living on my covered back porch in a 3' x8' cattle tank with a homemade Mama style heated cave. I haven't been able get them too interested in the cave yet, since it was 84F yesterday, and 92 today. All seem healthy and chipper. Actually, if they were any more energetic, I would be afraid of them breaking through the tank.

A couple questions (for now). 1- How long do they need to be on the electrolytes and probiotics, 2- Is there any benefit from fermenting their chick starter this soon?

Thanks for any assistance, and a huge thanks to the folks who put out this great feast of chicken knowledge.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!!! I might do electrolytes for three days or so, no more. If the chicks don't look too stressed, I don't bother with it at all. You do need a hardware cloth top on your brooder, because those babies will be escaping in two or three weeks. With those temps, can they move to their coop next week? Sounds like a very nice group! You will have too many cockerels, but it gives you choices too. Mary

 

[OldFowlGuy]

Thanks for the help. I do keep it covered at night, and when I'm away from the house for a while, for protection right now. Coop is under construction.

 

[Pendragonz]

My first post as a chicken farmer. My care package from Meyer showed up yesterday via priority mail. Roll call was perfect with the exception of one extra J. Giant female. My first flock consists of : Black J. Giants-6F,2M / Buckeyes-6F,2M / Dominique- 6F / Speck.Sussex- 6F, GL Wyandot, 4F. Started them on Chick Saver electrolytes and probiotics. They are living on my covered back porch in a 3' x8' cattle tank with a homemade Mama style heated cave. I haven't been able get them too interested in the cave yet, since it was 84F yesterday, and 92 today. All seem healthy and chipper. Actually, if they were any more energetic, I would be afraid of them breaking through the tank.

A couple questions (for now). 1- How long do they need to be on the electrolytes and probiotics, 2- Is there any benefit from fermenting their chick starter this soon?

Thanks for any assistance, and a huge thanks to the folks who put out this great feast of chicken knowledge.

I started mine on fermented food from day one, and that was the source of their probiotics. I didn't do the electrolytes, but it is probably a good idea. This group I used the heater thing that they could go under, like the heating pad set up. Enjoy your chickens! Sounds like a nice assortment you got.

 

[aart]

Better get going on that coop....haha!..... they're going to grow out of that tank soon!

 

[lazy gardener]

You can start FF right away. Also give them a plug of sod from your yard: be sure no insecticides/herbicides. Be sure the FF is very shallow. It's not uncommon for chicks to fall into it and drown, especially if it's a bit too moist. I just put a plop of it on a piece of cardboard or in a paper plate.

 

[OldFowlGuy]

Better get going on that coop....haha!..... they're going to grow out of that tank soon!

Thanks for the kick in rear! Lol

The "coop" (vacant horse barn)is already constructed, I just have to predator/escape proof a couple stalls and get some deep litter down.

 

[OldFowlGuy]

  You can start FF right away.  Also give them a plug of sod from your yard:  be sure no insecticides/herbicides.  Be sure the FF is very shallow.  It's not uncommon for chicks to fall into it and drown, especially if it's a bit too moist.  I just put a plop of it on a piece of cardboard or in a paper plate.  

Thanks LG. I will get them started soon. Been real busy. I had sod/dirt, and chick grit available at day 4. Been treating with boiled eggs every other day or so. Just started Bragg ACV in water. Gonna mix up some vitamins from Meyer today.

 

[lazy gardener]

Thanks LG. I will get them started soon. Been real busy. I had sod/dirt, and chick grit available at day 4. Been treating with boiled eggs every other day or so. Just started Bragg ACV in water. Gonna mix up some vitamins from Meyer today.

If you're going to feed FF, you can dispense with the ACV in the water. The FF is plenty acid enough, so the ACV may be overkill IMO. Glad your chickies are doing well.

 

[Coykoi]

I got my babies today, they're cracking me up. They figured out the food right away, and the water a little later, but the mama was more of a challenge. There they were, all huddled together and cheeping loudly, so it was obvious that they were cold. I set the feeder and then the chicks on top of the mama (my design is flat topped) and almost immediately they quieted down. Within 30 seconds their little heads were bowing down and they were passing out. I could almost hear a collective "ahhh!" Now they understand that its warm under the mama and they're spending considerable time there. The soft little peeps sound so much better. They've already learned in about 2 hours where the food and water is and how to get warm. I am already seeing some personalities emerging. They have names, but they'll tell me as time goes by which one gets which name.

I initially didn't want little tiny chicks, but these four have won me over.