What do I need?!

[coloradowildflower]

Hatch day is next week, but I live 3 hours (round trip) from the nearest farm store. I'll be making a trip there in the next couple of evenings, and I need to know what I should have on hand for hatching and the first week of brooding! I have the brooder, extra bulbs, a chick feeder and waterer, but please help me make my shopping list for anything else: chick emergency supplies? First aid stuff? What do you keep on hand for hatch and early brooding?

 

[peopleRanimals2]

The list of stuff you should have is not limited to this, but heres some stuff off the top of my head:
Chick crumbles
bedding
olive oil and Q-tips and paper towels (For pasty butt)
band aids or whatever you want to use in case one has spraddle leg or curled toes
A camera of some sort to take pictures
I might think of some other stuff later
Some people like to have some kind of wound spray or ointment, but for our 6 chicks we got along without it fine
maybe some Vaseline for wounds, if there are any

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Good luck and have fun with your new chicks!!

 

[coloradowildflower]

Thank you so much! How about Sav-a-chick? Does anyone use that? And I've heard of Poly-vi-sol, should I get that too? (So exciting and nerve-wracking!)

 

[peopleRanimals2]

Never heard of either of them

Usually, things go pretty well. We had one chick with splayed leg, and we got it fixed up and everything was fine. A lot of worrying over something so small, though. You don't need a lot of fancy products, usually everything works out well. Post pictures when they hatch!!!
Best of luck,
-M

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thank you so much!  How about Sav-a-chick? Does anyone use that? And I've heard of Poly-vi-sol, should I get that too? (So exciting and nerve-wracking!)

I use sav a chick electrolyte in my water for the first 2-3 days after hatch. Poly vi sol is nice to have on hand, nutri drench is another many people keep on hand. I would have either Vaseline or neosporin non pain relief in case it's needed to keep membranes moist in instances of assists if you are inclined to assist. Q-tips. Of course starter crumbles and bedding. Vet wrap. Or comparative aids for spraddle leg/curled toes as mentioned.

While often extras won't be needed, it's always good to have them on hand especially if you are no where near a place to get them in case of emergency.

 

[coloradowildflower]

Thanks so much AmyLynn. Got all the supplies. Now I guess I just have to endure the wait!!!

 

[Pork Pie]

This is a great thread regarding first aid / what to have on hand for general chicken keeping - you may find it useful for future reference.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1149741/topic-of-the-week-emergency-first-aid-preparedness

 

[junebuggena]

Just make sure that your brooder is going to be large enough to allow for a 'cool' zone.

 

[AmyLynn2374]

Thanks so much AmyLynn. Got all the supplies. Now I guess I just have to endure the wait!!!

The wait is the worst! Lol Good luck!