Very first chicks....

[pwdrummer]

Well I took the plunge today.
After reading plenty of stuff here I went and looked at what kind of materials I had to build a brooder and eventually a coop/pen and to my surprise I have plenty of good stuff. I went to the local store and picked up a lamp, thermometer for heat regulation, bedding chips, food/ water dispenser, food, and I bought the biggest rubber made tote I could find (this will be only for a couple days until I can get the brooder built).
I got 4 RIR.
In the next day or so I'll build a 4' x 3' x 18" box which I'll elevate about 2' off the floor.
I'll take some pics to show.
After setting up the temporary brood I made sure the lamp was adjusted properly for heating.
These 4 already know what's up with the food and water, and one is LOUD. Seems like she'll be the "head chick on campus".
I've got a 8' x 12' storage building out back whick I'll build the new brooder in.
My only concern is the cold weather we've been having lately. I guess the heat lamp will provide enough heat for them.
Look forward to sharing this journey with you all
Thanks

 

[allieloveschickens]

Congratulations on the new chickies! Can't wait to see photos of your progress, chickens are so much fun!

 

[blefky]

Congratulations and

 

[greatchicken]

I just got my chicks today. 30 of them. I built my brooder a few weeks ago. Now I just have get the coop done. My family already loves them.

Congratulations on the new chicks...

 

[lichick28]

Good luck with the fluffy butts. Where will you be keeping them that you are concerned about the cold? It will help if you put some thing under neath the rubber maid container so they dont have direct contact with the cold floor like an old blanket or some thing like that. I found that wee wee pads in the container helps with slipping & helps absorb poop.

 

[MyKidLuvsGreenEgz]

I line our brooder boxes and plastic tubs with the rubber-type shelf "paper". It's easy to take out and replace with clean during the daily pasty-butt check. And is good for providing traction so they don't get spraddle (sp?) legs.

Sounds like you're ready. Guess you're in love already.

That's the peril!

 

[end9586]

Congrats on your first chicks, prepare for them to take over your life

Also watch and make sure the other chicks aren't picking on the loud one, if no picking is going on you may have a roo!

 

[Egg Rookie 2010]

WHoo hoo! Welcome! We had friends over for the super bowl this afternoon and one of the guys commented that hubby has been kicked down a notch under the new babies..he will have to compete for attention.

 

[FarmerVal]

Congrats on your new chicks! Have fun!!