What would you tell the newbie you?

[organic egglets]

My first set of girls are coming in next week and I amso nervous about somehow forgetting something important about caring for them. my husband told me that I should just relax. So in an effort to do just that, any advice for a newb that you wish you would have known about with your first flock?

 

[SobbaChickens]

What would I tell myself?

GET THE STINKING COOP DONE QUICKLY! I ended up with a lot of carpenter issues and my girls were around 11wks before they got into a coop

Other advice:
1. Using apple cider vinegar with the mother in the chicks water
http://www.scratchandpeck.com/the-values-of-raw-apple-cider-vinegar
2. Get multiple watt bulbs, as its summer you won't need to supplement heat as much but it's nice to have a way to change the temp. I'm a firm believer in just watching the chicks and you'll know what they need. If they are huddled under the light, they are cold. If they try and get as far from the light as possible, they are too hot.
3. Research illnesses common with chicks so you know what to look for. My chicks have never ever been sick so we were very blessed


Have fun! I've enjoyed having chickens so so much

 

[blriehl]

What would I tell myself?

GET THE STINKING COOP DONE QUICKLY! I ended up with a lot of carpenter issues and my girls were around 11wks before they got into a coop

Hahahahaha I say the same! It took my husband and I (mostly my husband) a while to get it done. Other than that I'm with SobbaChickens... The brooder temp is important. Also, I found wood shavings to be the best brooder flooring. You may find something that works better for you, but it really eliminates the smell!

 

[blriehl]

... Oh, and you can never have too many! I started off with 9, that quickly turned into 15. My husband was right in telling me to start off with more lol... I wish I knew Chicken Math before I picked out my chicks

 

[clintdaniels83]

Ok, I've been through all of those problems. Also, the minute you think you know what your doing. Bam!! Something else always comes up...I would say to my self, when you finish the first coop start the second. Prep for winter! Lol

 

[NC Chick Man82]

I like the wood chips in my brooder too, makes cleaning easy and it absorbs real good. As long as you got food, water, dishes to put both water and feed in, heat, safe place for them to stay, and a watchful eye... you got everything you need... once you get them started good they take care of themselves pretty much

 

[NC Chick Man82]

decide if you wanna vaccinate for marek's as well... the younger they are when you vaccinate the better off they will be.

If its gonna be real hot where you live you might wanna get them some electrolytes to put in their water keep em hydrated real good.

 

[clintdaniels83]

Yes!!! Woodchips always it's wonderful.

 

[clintdaniels83]

Definitely study diseases and prep for them early..

 

[Elena2424]

To be absolutely positive that the predators can't get to your chickens
And to spray for mites