What do baby chicks eat?

[SmartyChick]

Quote:
x2!!!

though depending on how many chicks you have you may not need two feeders and waterers. For a brooder you could use a big rubbermaid, a fishtank or any sort of box.

And guys, don't beat her up about getting into chickens spur of the moment, sometimes it happens, what we need to do NOW is HELP.

 

[RAWR]

chick starter for the first few days, then as they get older you can give them "treats" as you will

 

[rancher hicks]

Quote:
NO TREATS! Chicks do not need treats and this is why I think folks have problems. Chicks need only two things, chick starter and clean water. To many chicks have succumbed to being over "treated".

I post what I do so that others may benefit from being advised to do some research first. It breaks my heart to read, "Help! my chicks are dieing".

All the best
Rancher

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Sometimes people need a reality check on what and how they're doing things instead of being coddled and told "oh it's gonna be ok".

The chicks, ducklings, goslings, whatever are what suffer when people don't think getting them through before they ever go out and get them. These are not throw away creatures and people need to remember that and think long and hard about getting them in the first place and then whether they have the facilities and space to keep them. They don't stay cute little babies for very long.

Animals should never be a spur of the moment decision whether it's chicks or a dog.

 

[ranchhand]

Orpington, not Orphington, for starters, and a still air Little Giant is a difficult incubator to use.


Please get more info and educate yourself by going to the Index, in the blue bar above, and reading all about incubating, hatching, raising chicks and all things chicken. You are dealing with living creatures, not cute little toys. They will need care for 10 years or more! It's quite a commitment.

I never go on a vacation, because I have animals that need tending. I get up early and often stay up very late to provide proper care for my birds.

Hatching is fun- I love it. But I have already done my research and learned to do it. And I have already learned how to care for chickens and ducks. You might consider buying the book "Raising Chickens for Dummies", co-written by the owner of this forum.

http://www.coopedup.net/store/product_info.php?cPath=48&products_id=187

 

[featherz]

Wow. I knew ZERO about raising chicks (never had em) but I had all the stuff I needed a month in advance sitting next to the brooder. I read and read and read some more. Still stuff to learn, but I did at least have chick starter/light/waterer/paper towels etc all warmed up and ready by the time I had the chicks. Always a good plan, but at least OP is trying!

 

[yard]

I had the most grusome experience to date!!! Unfortunatly i put two small chicks in a coop with 2 older hens and 5 pullets, when i checked in the morning they had pecked one of the chicks to death!!!! they had basically skinned the little creature, I was discusted with them that it took days before i could go near them!!! I had introduced the hens to the chicks for 5 days previously and never let them in the same coop till they started to mingle with out problems, that night i kept going out to check and they were all snuggled togeather, it must have been early morning when they were fiesty to get out of the coop? now I keep the other surviving chick in a seperate coop and i got another chick to keep him company, they are quite content on their own, whenever they see the larger hens they run for cover at my feet!!!! they trust me more than their own kind!!! When can i leave the chicks alone with the hens.....I dont trust them, because the evening i decided to put the chicks with the hens in the same coop they appeared to be getting on fine theat evening and the days previous.....will I have to wait till they grow fully? Please help tramatised hen owner

 

[ranchhand]

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That's the right way to do it!

Over 18 years ago, I got 2 chicks from a feed store at Easter.

There were no easy to read books, no websites, nothing but the advice from the feed store. Somehow, I managed to learn, but it was certainly the hard way. I'm trying to spare others the frustration!

I was very lucky, too. My instincts guided me and in all those years or raising chicks I've only lost one! Yes, I am smug about that,

but it really was dumb luck. But when I say do the research first I DO know what I'm talking about.

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
yard, I usually wait until the chicks are full grown or close to it before I start trying to mix them. Then I either cage them in the coop or divide a section of the run off for 2 weeks, so they can see and socialize with each other but not attack. Chickens are just barely removed from dinosaurs, and will kill and eat the weaker ones.