The Expecting Chick Momma Thread

[mithious]

So exciting mithious! I think they disadvise hardwood shavings for bedding because they are less absorbent? Cedar shavings are really the only one I know of to be cautious about (only use them in a well ventilated brooder/coop).

Hi and thanks for the info, I did put a bunch of news paper through my shredder for temp, and cut it a bit more and will use paper towels on top for first few days or so till my SS check comes and I can get a bundle of store shavings...I am really excited ! It seems like it's taking forever and the days are long waiting LOL Do you guys use the "crumbles" for starter feed? How is that working with the new day old chicks? I had always used the fine "mash" and neither of the two stores here sell it, just crumbles for starters...someone suggested a coffee grinder, a rolling pin, or a blender...which is doable for me...but was looking to see how you all made out with it and if you had any problems with it being too big for the babies? Especially the first few days...I have no idea why they changed to only the crumbles...anyone know why?

 

[starlingdaly]

Yeah, I know the feeling! My EBT money feels like it takes FOREVER to get here because I use it all up the week I get it.

The crumbles have always worked for me (I mix my own feed nowadays) as there is a variety of sizes so the smaller babies can always eat the crumbs and the bigger babies get the big pieces. If you are worried about it, the blender sounds like a fine idea.
I personally use an antique coffee grinder to grind any large grains that I've sprouted for the babies but have also used a food processor with good results. (I'm just a bit old fashioned in weird ways)

Another option is to wet down the crumbles to make it easier to eat! Gets them some extra moisture too!
Good luck!

 

[mithious]

Thanks for the water idea

I do have a blender from a garage sale, so will try that first. Yeah, Living on SS is hard, but I am improving my garden each year and now adding chickens, so I should have a healthier diet! I also am a bit old fashioned

so boy was I surprised about all the changes when I started this knew voyage with the chickens!

My chicks haven't shipped yet, so only have an indoor kittie but used to live on a hobby farm growing up, and raised farm animals after I grew up, till about 20 years ago. Things have changed a lot! Kinda threw me, as all I thought I knew, was so old and not used anymore but am relearning it all!

Thanks again for the ideas

 

[starlingdaly]

Good on you!
Don't let "new info" on chickens intimidate you! At the end of the day I go by my gut instinct and things usually turn out just fine.


Oh my goodness, you guys, I have got to STOP looking at chickens and hatching eggs! I accidentally won a dozen black and blue true ameraucana hatching eggs on eBay (I big low enough I did not think I would possibly win (dangerous game, that one)) and did another low bid on some cream legbar hatching eggs and then it occurred to me I might actually win those too if I met the reserve because no one else has bid on them yet!
I keep thinking I'm somehow going to get into trouble for having so many chickens... But I guess that's the child in me talking! Haha!

 

[starlingdaly]

If I open the cage door and sit in front of it several chicks come out to me and chill out on my lap.

 

[AmpersatChick]

How cool! I'm so paranoid that the chickies will fly off and get lost in the laundry room that I'm afraid to let them be too free but then I get jealous when I see people hanging out with theirs

 

[Sharon Bee]

Hi and thanks for the info, I did put a bunch of news paper through my shredder for temp, and cut it a bit more and will use paper towels on top for first few days or so till my SS check comes and I can get a bundle of store shavings...I am really excited ! It seems like it's taking forever and the days are long waiting LOL Do you guys use the "crumbles" for starter feed? How is that working with the new day old chicks? I had always used the fine "mash" and neither of the two stores here sell it, just crumbles for starters...someone suggested a coffee grinder, a rolling pin, or a blender...which is doable for me...but was looking to see how you all made out with it and if you had any problems with it being too big for the babies? Especially the first few days...I have no idea why they changed to only the crumbles...anyone know why?

My chicks are 1 1/2 weeks old on crumbles only and are doing fine. They seem content and are getting their wing and tail feathers.

 

[starlingdaly]

This cat has no discipline and has a high instinct to catch flying things but he got pecked in the eye by a baby speckled Sussex and is now having second thoughts about dinner.

 

[mithious]

Oh thanks, I needed to hear that, I was kinda stressing on all the new info and really just want to enjoy the whole thing again !

Oh that's good to know, on the crumbles...so since they were day old they could eat it? or 2-3 days I should say, with shipping! Nice!!!!

Love the kittie picture...mine is a Bengal mix...I doubt she would leave them be..sigh...so making a top, for their breeder box, out of hardware cloth! Once they get their feathers, she won't see them but from the window, she is an inside kittie...I love my wildlife too especially my hummers...I have fushia's for hanging plants by my door just for them

and a feeder, I make my own food...so cheap and easy too.

I DID find a feed store, in Littleton yesterday...met a guy at the garage, when took my car in for inspection sticker...and they even put the feed in your vehicle for you...so gonna go there and support the local business ! I really try hard to do that,as these big companies seem to run them out of business...so I try my best to shop all local...well except for walmart...or dollar store...just can't do the prices other wise...

Still waiting on the chicks...forgot last Monday was memorial day...they ship on Mondays, so hopefully this coming week...am really excited to get back into this all...going slow and easy though...thought chickens was the best place to start since it's just me!

 

[7freedoms]

Very eager momma here! We are expecting 7 chicks from Meyer this week and are beyond excited. Our list includes 2 BR, 2 EE, 2 RIR and 1 meal maker! We requested all pullets but if we get a roo it's okay- we are fortunate enough to live on a farm without regulations, but we are intending all to be pets.

Tomorrow we are assembling the brooder- a ~100 gal fish tank. Will post a photo when it's all set to get feedback. Can't wait!