Tips on Raising Baby Chicks

[Countryhippie]

So I am completely knew to raising chickens, so I need all the help I can get. Right now my 3 week old chicks are in the garage in a brooder. I do have a heat lamp as its been dipping into the 60s-70s where I live. I was wondering when do I stop giving them supplemental heat and when can I properly move them outside without worrying about a heat source? I live in Massachusetts by the way so our weather is all over the place.

Also I am going to buy chick grit tomorrow is there brands or types that you recommend?

I am currently building my own chicken coop in the form of a wooden shed. I am planning on insulating the shed as we do have harsh winters in Mass. What are some other things I should add to the chicken coop besides the basics?

Also If you have any tips or tricks or fun facts you learned while raising chicks I would be happy to hear any stories or information you can give. Thank you all so much.

 

[Ryguy3684]

There are lots of good threads here, but mine get tapered off by 4-6 weeks, depending on the outside temp. I normally start backing off the heat around three weeks. You don't want to cut it off all at once. That'll be more of a shock to them. Read the articles on ventilation, but keep in mind that ventilation is more important than insulation. If the coop lacks ventilation, you'll run into respiratory issues and mold from the condensation. Depending on your breed, they will be more cold hardy than you think. Mine don't get any supplemental coop heat until it's well below zero degrees. I have more issues with summertime temps. They have a beautiful down jacket on 24/7.

 

[rosemarythyme]

There are lots of good threads here, but mine get tapered off by 4-6 weeks, depending on the outside temp. I normally start backing off the heat around three weeks. You don't want to cut it off all at once. That'll be more of a shock to them.

Agreed. I'm more aggressive in weaning them off heat so at 3 weeks with 60-70F, they'd definitely be off heat already. But I raise my chicks outdoors so mine harden up faster.

At this point you can start tapering off their temperatures by dimming the heat lamp, moving it higher/further away, and/or reducing wattage of bulb. Continue to reduce it 5-10F or so every 4-5 days until you're about equal to outside temperatures.

Read the articles on ventilation, but keep in mind that ventilation is more important than insulation. If the coop lacks ventilation, you'll run into respiratory issues and mold from the condensation. Depending on your breed, they will be more cold hardy than you think. Mine don't get any supplemental coop heat until it's well below zero degrees. I have more issues with summertime temps. They have a beautiful down jacket on 24/7.

x2, prioritize ventilation over keeping them warm. Most of us steer away from insulation, it's more trouble (and cost) than it's worth in most environments. In the continental US you should never get cold enough to need insulation.