Well there are many opinions here. You will have to use your best judgement on which advice to follow.
Chicks need only chick starter (I prefer medicated) and water for the first 6 weeks. Their digestive tract is still developing, and treats may upset their digestive tract or unbalance their diet.
Instead of a thermometer, watch the chicks. If they avoid the light it is too warm. If they all huddle underneath it, it is too cold.
A shallow water dish is a good idea, I use a small flat bowl with a large smooth stone in it to prevent drowning.
Newspaper is indeed too slippery. And pine shavings, hay or other organic materials may be dangerous to investigating chicks. For the first few days use paper towels or (what I use) puppy training pads. When you start using pine shavings get the larger ones, not the fine textured ones.
Good luck and have fun!
Chicks need only chick starter (I prefer medicated) and water for the first 6 weeks. Their digestive tract is still developing, and treats may upset their digestive tract or unbalance their diet.
Instead of a thermometer, watch the chicks. If they avoid the light it is too warm. If they all huddle underneath it, it is too cold.
A shallow water dish is a good idea, I use a small flat bowl with a large smooth stone in it to prevent drowning.
Newspaper is indeed too slippery. And pine shavings, hay or other organic materials may be dangerous to investigating chicks. For the first few days use paper towels or (what I use) puppy training pads. When you start using pine shavings get the larger ones, not the fine textured ones.
Good luck and have fun!
