What am I missing?

[Jeepman]

My chicks arrive May 17th. I want to make sure everything is in order.

I'm reusing an old cattle trough that is 36" high x 72" long x 20"wide. I will eventually have a wood framed cage that measures 24" wide x 72" long x 24" tall that will wall mount in the coop. I have bought a new red brooder light and lamp. I plan on using newspaper on the floor for the first week. I bought a 100lb of chick starter and 100lb of oyster shells. I bought a galvanized watering tray that utilizes a Mason jar. I also have the feed dish of the same type. I even bought 3 bundles of pine shavings to use after a week of the newspaper.

What am I missing?

Also

1. I was told to use an unscented baby wipe and clean the rear end and legs of the chicks by a neighbor whom has a thriving hobby farm. I never heard of this.

2. She also told me no food until I see every chick drink from the watering can and I may have to dip the tip of their beaks in the water.

Are these good ideas?

 

[Izzymoon]

you can't feed chicks oyster shell they need chick grit, but they don't need it if you don't give them snacks (things other than chick starter) You should try to use something other than newspaper, as they are slippery and they might get splayed legs from it. Better to put pine shavings down if possible. If all you have is newspaper, then rip it into strips.

never heard of the baby wipe thing

yes, they do need to drink water first

 

[Lollipop]

My chicks arrive May 17th. I want to make sure everything is in order.

I'm reusing an old cattle trough that is 36" high x 72" long x 20"wide. I will eventually have a wood framed cage that measures 24" wide x 72" long x 24" tall that will wall mount in the coop. I have bought a new red brooder light and lamp. I plan on using newspaper on the floor for the first week. I bought a 100lb of chick starter and 100lb of oyster shells. I bought a galvanized watering tray that utilizes a Mason jar. I also have the feed dish of the same type. I even bought 3 bundles of pine shavings to use after a week of the newspaper.

What am I missing?

Also

1. I was told to use an unscented baby wipe and clean the rear end and legs of the chicks by a neighbor whom has a thriving hobby farm. I never heard of this.

2. She also told me no food until I see every chick drink from the watering can and I may have to dip the tip of their beaks in the water.

Are these good ideas?

Hmmmm, the oyster shell won't be needed until they are laying. When you take them out of the shipping box, dip each beak in the water and be sure they get a good drink. The baby wipes may come in handy if any of them have pasty butt, but don't worry unless you see their butts dirty. They grow rapidly and will fly at about 2 weeks, so be prepared for escapees. Also, their space may need expanding in short order, depending on how many you have. be sure they can get away from the light if they get hot. You can observe their actions and tell if they are hot or cold. Good luck, sounds like you are set.........Pop

 

[crazychickenwom]

My chicks arrive May 17th. I want to make sure everything is in order.

I'm reusing an old cattle trough that is 36" high x 72" long x 20"wide. I will eventually have a wood framed cage that measures 24" wide x 72" long x 24" tall that will wall mount in the coop. This is a nice size, how many chicks will you be getting? What kind of chicks?
I have bought a new red brooder light and lamp. Good way to go with the red light! Make sure you hang it to one side of the brooder so the chicks can get away from the heat if they want to.
I plan on using newspaper on the floor for the first week. If I were you I would skip the newspaper, put the shavings down and then put a layer of paper towels over top. By the time the chicks have soiled the paper towels they will be fine to be on the shavings. The newspaper can be too slippery and they might have trouble walking on it.
I bought a 100lb of chick starter and 100lb of oyster shells. Chick starter yes, oyster shells not yet. You won't need these until they start laying, between 20 - 25 weeks or so old.
I bought a galvanized watering tray that utilizes a Mason jar. This will work as long as you don't plan to use apple cider vinegar in the water. If you do, the metal may rust and won't hold up well over time. If you can take it back and switch for the red plastic ones, they also fit the mason jar, I have several and recommend them highly. I also have the feed dish of the same type. I even bought 3 bundles of pine shavings to use after a week of the newspaper.

What am I missing?

Also

1. I was told to use an unscented baby wipe and clean the rear end and legs of the chicks by a neighbor whom has a thriving hobby farm. I never heard of this. The neighbor might use this if the chicks get pasty butt. Personally I use warm water and a paper towel. The warm water seems to help break up the feces well.

2. She also told me no food until I see every chick drink from the watering can and I may have to dip the tip of their beaks in the water. Probably personal preference here, I introduce both right away, dip all of their beaks in the water as they go into the brooder, normally one will drink and show the others where it is. As for the food I sprinkle a little on the ground near the feeder and use my finger to "peck" the feed. This causes the chicks to some over and see what I am pecking at, and they get the idea!

Are these good ideas?

You are sure on the right track! Most important have fun and enjoy your babies!!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I've never actually used newspaper (I don't get one!) But I've read it isn't good as the primary surface, it is too slipery and not adsorbant, plus I'd think the ink would get on them-mess up your pics! Use the pine chips.
You didn't say how many chicks, 100lbs of oyster shell is alot! Put out both food and water, they will find it just like magic. Never have had to clean them with anything, remember to have a cool side as well as warm area for them
You may want to make sure the trough has a hard wirelid so nothing can get them.
Lets see, food,check water,check, shelter/warmth-check...I think you're ready!!!
One thing I do for chicks is put a planter saucer filled with dirt, they will dust bathe and find grit there.

 

[Jeepman]

Ok I will do the pine shavings an paper towel idea first. There is a dozen pullets. 6 browns and 6 cornish according to the feed mill. I have the light to one side and will test it tonight. What temp am I looking for under the light?

Thanks for all the informative replies.

 

[crazychickenwom]

Under the light should be about 95 degrees for the first week, and then drop it by 5 degrees each week. However, that is just a general rule... watch the chicks to see how hot or cold they are. They will all be huddled on top if each other if they are gold, and all in the far corner from the lamp if they are too hot. Ideally you would like them evenly dispersed throughout the brooder. Some eating and drinking, some laying under and some near the light. The chicks do like to lay near each other for comfort, and that is great, you just don't want them on top of each other. The cooler side of the brooder at my house is room temp, about 70 and that is where I put the food, in the middle is the water, and the heat lamp on the other end. Each set of chicks I have done have thrived very well in this set up.

I hope you have a lot of fun with your babies and I commend you for asking questions before they come!!

 

[CorinneP]

you will want to keep reading before they come for your own peace of mind .. I would add make sure when you are dipping there beaks you need to be very shallow you don't want water to get in the vents on their beaks . I would suggest you get a good thermometer to check heat levels. I often use plain old hay as I have the space to store it for bedding never a smooth surface . I also add marbles to the water'r as I once had a chick drown in the tiny amount a waterer can let out at a time only about 1/2" of water and yet she did and I have heard of others doing marbles for the same reason . I really think its best to stick to chick starter only avoiding treats .. chicks do not need to eat or drink for three days as they are still digesting the yolk .. but they really do not need more treats and they can be hard for them to digest the first couple weeks .. I am sure you are going to really enjoy your babies. I use a wet paper towel if I see a problem with their butts. I would check there vents immediately make sure they dont have a hard dried clump as they often do when you first get them . You will want to clean that up . I personally will also dab the vent with a little olive oil after I clean them up to prevent it from sticking again .. I have used like old window screens until I had a few custom tops made to prevent them from fluttering out .. you can use a nice large plastic tote ( with shavings hay etc so it isnt smooth )for a couple weeks using your floor you will quickly see what a mess can be made .. as urine will run through the shavings etc. And chicks do poop A LOT ! Good Luck and Enjoy !

 

[chicks@feathers]

your best then to use for the floor is straw for i have had alot of chicks die for wood chips becouse the chicks get picking at it and end up getting it stuck in thier trought straw is easy to clean and is a nateral for them

 

[dskchickie]

Loots of good advice here!