Took the plunge and ordered my baby chicks !!!!

[Blooie]

I'm happy for you! And if those Speckled Sussex don't completely win your heart, you'd best get to a cardiologist because that ticker ain't working right!

You are smart to get going on that coop. Having my first batch in the house, I was ready to evict them at two weeks old, and they were OUT by 5 weeks. I am a very good housekeeper - with a disabled little granddaughter who gets around by crawling on the floor to get everywhere I have to be, besides being a natural neat-freak anyway - and the dust and dander those sweet little chicks can put out is unbelievable. After that I raised every batch outdoors in the run, every time, no exceptions, and was surprised at how much more quickly they became confident and how healthy they always were.

Whether indoors or out, consider Mama Heating Pad for brooding rather than a heat lamp. I don't know, you may have already planned for a commercial brooder plate, which are great too. But Mama Heating Pad has other advantages, and you can learn more by clicking on the following links:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

Welcome to the great adventure!

 

[moniquem]

Congratulations and welcome to the flock. Beware of chicken math, it really adds up.

Yes, that is why I'm making an 8x12' ish space in my shed for them with an 8x12' run... I'm sure there will be more

 

[moniquem]

That's so exciting! I've read good things about their hatchery. Do they add warmers to the shipping boxes during winter? Someone ordered from Meyer's recently, and the chicks didn't arrive on the day they were expected. Please let us know how this experience goes for you.

They are actually hatching 4/2/18, so hopefully it will be warmer then. I'm just really excited now!

 

[moniquem]

I'm happy for you! And if those Speckled Sussex don't completely win your heart, you'd best get to a cardiologist because that ticker ain't working right!

You are smart to get going on that coop. Having my first batch in the house, I was ready to evict them at two weeks old, and they were OUT by 5 weeks. I am a very good housekeeper - with a disabled little granddaughter who gets around by crawling on the floor to get everywhere I have to be, besides being a natural neat-freak anyway - and the dust and dander those sweet little chicks can put out is unbelievable. After that I raised every batch outdoors in the run, every time, no exceptions, and was surprised at how much more quickly they became confident and how healthy they always were.

Whether indoors or out, consider Mama Heating Pad for brooding rather than a heat lamp. I don't know, you may have already planned for a commercial brooder plate, which are great too. But Mama Heating Pad has other advantages, and you can learn more by clicking on the following links:

http://www.backyardchickens.com/t/956958/mama-heating-pad-in-the-brooder-picture-heavy-update
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

Welcome to the great adventure!

Thanks for all your help Mary. I already have my heating mamma brooder mat made! I am having an electrician come out next week so I will have some electricity to the coop if needed and I am seriousely considering brooding them outdoors instead of my basement

 

[Trish1974]

I did it!!! I placed my very first ever chick order! I'm gonna get baby chicks

I ordered from Meyer Hatchery, I actually had a gift certificate that a friend gave to me when I first bought my home 11/2015....I know, its been along time coming.

Anyway I ordered 5 chicks, one each Black Australorp, BO, Welsummer, Speckled Sussex and BLW. OMG, OMG, OMG..

Now gotta work on my shed to coop conversion this weekend because they will be here before I know it.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! How exciting!

 

[Folly's place]

YES!!! Nice variety, and I too love my SS hens! Don't forget to talk in person to your local post office a few days at least, before your chicks are shipped. They need your phone number, and to know that you want to be called the minute your chicks arrive! Any time of the day or night! Have the brooder set up, water in the waterer, heat source on, temperature managed, before the babies arrive.
If there's a postal hub nearby, you might be able to pick them up there. Anything to shorten their travel time.
Mary