What am I missing?

[True Patriot]

My chicks ship from MPC the week of the 25th. I couldn't decide what breeds so I'm getting 10 mystery . I've built a brooder box 2x4x2 feet to get them through the first couple of weeks. Cozy coop heater on one end. Food and water on a hardware cloth platform on the other. Have starter feed, grit and bedding. I need some help with a shopping list for TSC. Planning on picking up nutridrench, bedding (are stall bedding pellets ok?) And more feed(medicated or not? have non med now). I'm open to suggestions on what else to get. TSC is a drive from the house and I won't be able to make a quick trip if something gets forgotten. Items for common injury/illnesses would be most appreciated. I'd rather have and not need than need and not have. This is my first batch of feather babies, trying to give them their best chance of success.
Thanks to everyone!

 

[lazy gardener]

That is only 8 s.f., and less than that if you deduct the floor space of the feed, water, and heater. By the time they are a week old, they will have outgrown that brooder. General recommendation is for 2 s.f./bird by the time they are 2 - 3 weeks old. Crosding results in aggression, starting with feather pulling and rapidly progressing to blood letting and possibly cannibalism. Crowding also makes it difficult to allow the chicks to self regulate their heat exposure and maintain a bit of cleanliness. Otherwise, awesome brooder build.

I'm not familiar with the Cozy coop heater. Is that what's mounted on the end wall? Is it meant for the bird to have physical contact with it? Hopefully, someone will chime in with info regarding the suitability of the CCH for brooding chicks, or their experience with it. I've used MHP system and am really pleased with the ease of use, as well as the way the chicks adapt to it.

 

[mountain chicken]

I started out with a broader about that size maybe a little bigger as I had 15 , they grew so fast the first week I had to go to good will and get a play pen , was faster and easier than to build another broader,
so just be prepared if the same thing happens to you

 

[True Patriot]

That is only 8 s.f., and less than that if you deduct the floor space of the feed, water, and heater. By the time they are a week old, they will have outgrown that brooder. General recommendation is for 2 s.f./bird by the time they are 2 - 3 weeks old. Crosding results in aggression, starting with feather pulling and rapidly progressing to blood letting and possibly cannibalism. Crowding also makes it difficult to allow the chicks to self regulate their heat exposure and maintain a bit of cleanliness. Otherwise, awesome brooder build.

I'm not familiar with the Cozy coop heater. Is that what's mounted on the end wall? Is it meant for the bird to have physical contact with it? Hopefully, someone will chime in with info regarding the suitability of the CCH for brooding chicks, or their experience with it. I've used MHP system and am really pleased with the ease of use, as well as the way the chicks adapt to it.

Yes that's the heater on the wall. It was given as a gift so making use of what I have. I know it's small but they're only going to be in it about 2-3 weeks until the main coop is finished. Thanks for the response

 

[True Patriot]

I started out with a broader about that size maybe a little bigger as I had 15 , they grew so fast the first week I had to go to good will and get a play pen , was faster and easier than to build another broader,
so just be prepared if the same thing happens to you

I'm totally expecting them to out grow it quick
I have most of the material on hand for the main coop. Hoping for a couple of dry weekends to get it built. If not I'll build in the rain.

 

[mountain chicken]

I had one of those burned out in about a week
heating pads work good if you roll a towel as if it was mamma
I just went with the plain Jane red broading light as it was simple

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

You’re doing a great job and sounds like you’re super excited for your fluffy butts!!

My first flock slept in a medium size dog cage until they were around 14 weeks (maybe older). They were perfect, no issues what’s so ever, so yes there are lots of things that COULD happen but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Consider building them a mock run for when they can handle the temp better in a couple of weeks. My flock had a 6ft x 12ft animal kennel in the grass for the day. It took forever building their coop

Actually until I was given the large dog kennel I had built a “playpen” with 1x2in boards, chicken wire, corner braces, and staples. I could easily carry it, move it, where I live there were no daytime predators to worry about besides snakes and crossing my fingers a stray dog didn’t show up. It doesn’t look like much but 5 years later and it’s still doing its job, currently housing my teenagers in the coop. And let me tell you I have NOT been nice to that thing over the years

I think I buy medicated chick feed but that’s because it’s all my store carries in smaller bags I don’t worry about it. Don’t be surprised if your darlings make a mess with the water. Mine like to jump on top of theirs and then poop so it runs down the side and into the water. How will you be able to clean the food/water mess underneath the wire?

 

[True Patriot]

I had one of those burned out in about a week
heating pads work good if you roll a towel as if it was mamma
I just went with the plain Jane red broading light as it was simple

I try to remember to pick up one. I have a heat lamp, was just avoiding using it after reading the horror stories of things catching fire.

 

[True Patriot]

You’re doing a great job and sounds like you’re super excited for your fluffy butts!!

My first flock slept in a medium size dog cage until they were around 14 weeks (maybe older). They were perfect, no issues what’s so ever, so yes there are lots of things that COULD happen but that doesn’t mean you’re doomed. Consider building them a mock run for when they can handle the temp better in a couple of weeks. My flock had a 6ft x 12ft animal kennel in the grass for the day. It took forever building their coop

Actually until I was given the large dog kennel I had built a “playpen” with 1x2in boards, chicken wire, corner braces, and staples. I could easily carry it, move it, where I live there were no daytime predators to worry about besides snakes and crossing my fingers a stray dog didn’t show up. It doesn’t look like much but 5 years later and it’s still doing its job, currently housing my teenagers in the coop. And let me tell you I have NOT been nice to that thing over the years

I think I buy medicated chick feed but that’s because it’s all my store carries in smaller bags I don’t worry about it. Don’t be surprised if your darlings make a mess with the water. Mine like to jump on top of theirs and then poop so it runs down the side and into the water. How will you be able to clean the food/water mess underneath the wire?

I like the idea of the play yard. I have a fold out toddler yard. Been sitting in a closet for years, now it has a use again. The wire platform is removable just for cleaning reasons. Thanks for the good idea.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

I'm totally expecting them to out grow it quick
I have most of the material on hand for the main coop. Hoping for a couple of dry weekends to get it built. If not I'll build in the rain.

Just hire a neighborhood kid or two to help with the coop build if you're in a rush, $10 and they would be glad to carry lumbers for you, ride their bicycle to the store for some extra screws, chicken feed, beer run, etc etc