What all do I need?

[lolalucy]

Ok so I have eggs on the way. Will receive them some time next week and later in the week will put them in the incubator. I am a first time chicken owner LOL so can anyone let me know the basics of what I need? I will be using a 55 gallon rubbermaid bin as a brooder and I know to get a heat lamp, thermometer, feeder, waterer, chick food. What else will I need please? Thanks!

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Lots & lots of T.L.C. Oh yeah, I would put sand in the bottom of the brooder box.

 

[wing it]

some type of bedding

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Quote:
I've used the same Rubbermaid bin as a brooder myself. It's very nice when they're small peeps, but at one week, maybe 9 days, they'll be hopping up and onto the rim of it, acting all silly like they do.

It sounds like you've got everything covered. The thermometer is great, but I adjust the heat lamp based on the peeps' actions. If they're cold, they'll huddle directly underneath it. If they're hot, they'll be at the far end of the brooder, trying to escape the heat. What you want to see if the peeps lying down and relaxing in a nice arc formation around the perimeter of the heat.

I keep mine on paper towels for the first 2-3 days so their feet have plenty of traction. After that, I use pine shavings. They'll drink a lot more water than you might expect and they will also foul it up by acting silly and kicking crap into it.