Week Old Chicks - Should I be Doing More?

[countrylifelover85]

Sounds like you are more than prepared! Lol. Making me a little jealous! I have been trying to get our new coop painted for over a week now and its still not done

 

[Sunshyne276]

It sounds like you are doing everything right!

Much like someone else posted, my first time with chicks I had only two and no light source! I kept them in a regular small animal cage in my bedroom. They thrived! But this year, i'm doing a plastic tub, lots of pine shavings and a heatlamp. Trying to do it the "right" way! lol

 

[Chickmate]

Man, you guys are great! I don't have anyone else to talk to about my chickens or get advice from. My family all think I'm nuts. You're building a chicken coop for what?? Duh! Chickens!!! Yeah, we'll see who's laughing when I'm eating my fresh eggs and they all want some!

 

[Sunshyne276]

lol Same here! I drive everyone else nuts with my chicken talk!
Even my Mom thinks i'm crazy for wanting to keep chickens. lol

 

[3chimama]

Looks like you are doing a terrific job!!

 

[Momto3]

Quote:
Ya know I thought the same thing. I thought well I will get 7 or 8 of them just in case I lose some or some are males. But things change when you get the little buggers home and get attached, they arent just chickens that can be replaced at the drop of a hat. Just saying.

 

[bakerjw]

Sometime watch baby chicks with their momma out in the run. It can be very cool and yet the little ones will scoot off adventuring when they could be cowering under their mommas warm feathers. Chickens haven't survived for millennia due to being fragile.

 

[moetrout]

I think you are too worried about them. This is my second year with chicks and I am in SE Michigan like you! You probably really only need one source of heat and could forgo the lamp or the ceramic heater. I also doubt you need the blankets to insulate the brooder tank you are using. Mine are inside the house right now with a heat lamp. Most of them are about 2 weeks old. I have began shutting the light off periodically during the day when I am home to help them get use to not having the extra heat. They don't seem to mind at all. I have to take a trip to Germany next week for work, but when I get back they are being moved outside to my little coup. They will probably still have the heat lamp on them, but they will be 3 weeks old at that point so if the weather cooperates they will get their first chance to be outside for brief outings, supervised of course.

When you see how your chickens easily cope with our Michigan winters you will know just how hardy they can be.

 

[Chickmate]

Thanks for all the support you guys. I've only had them four days now and I was afraid I was going to lose a few. I haven't lost anybody and they all look great!! I guess it's like you said moetrout, they are hardier than I thought! They are so cute and their colors are developing nicely. The ameraucanas are so pretty and a couple are a beautiful caramel color. I'm not sure if those are ameraucanas or isa reds, but the barred rocks are easy to tell apart! Of course they are mostly black, but all five of them have a little white spot right on the top of their heads. Too cute!

Now if I can just get my BCMs, I'll be a very happy chicken mom! I have also been thinking about a few silkies and I love the look of cochins. I also have always wanted a Jersey Giant roo and seabrights are so beautiful. . . at what point does chicken math become a big problem?

Tomorrow I'm going to get their big enclosure ready so I can switch them over when they are ready. I can't wait till they are old enough to go outside in the run and peck around.

I got my taxes done today and I'm finally getting a refund instead of having to pay Uncle Sam! Life is good.

 

[ButtersMama]

Hi Chickmate! I'm in SE MI too! Got my chicks around March 1...they are about 3 weeks old. First time chicker here too...

I can't believe how big they are. They recognize my voice and get all excited when I approach them...its like they all want me to pick them up...they are so cute. I have 5. Enjoy!