Very new to this...just bought chicks today

[Thomas423]

Yes, they probably need a light. A red light bulb is the best. And little ones can jump/fly alot further/higher than you would think. Make sure that the light is safely secured.

Yes, they need to be in a safe brooder. You don't want them to get hurt and chicks drop ALOT of poo. ALOT!! We used newspaper on the floor and set up boxes to form a fence so we could let them out once they were a little bit bigger.

And no....they will not sleep all night. It helps if you have a red light and turn everything else off in their room. But be fair warned.....mine did it and others on here had same problem......they might make alot of noise when you first start turning off the light. It's kinda funny, but they quickly get used to it and will start sleeping throughout the night.

Congrats on your little ones and welcome to BYC. Everything you could ever need to know, you'll find here.

 

[annek]

You will notice a difference in the sounds of the chicks, they will tell you when they are uncomfortable. If they are loud they are uncomfortable. They are too hot/too cold/hungry/thirsty. They will gently peep when content.

Do yourself a favor-put them in a box! Box needs to be large enough so that they can get away from the light if they are too hot. Line it with either wood chips (never use cedar), paper, puppy pads and keep it clean. Like Thomas said they poop a LOT! I don't know how old they are but if they are very young put rocks in their water so that they don't drown. Feed them chick starter crumbles and nothing else for the first week or two. Then you can give them boiled eggs without adding grit. Don't feed bugs or anything else unless they have chick grit. You can buy that at the feed store.

 

[annek]

Oh forgot to add. make sure their butt doesn't paste up with poop. This will kill a chick. It is called pasty butt. Do a search on it-it is very important to keep their butts clean.

About now you are saying "what did I get myself into". It will get easier! Good luck.