Yippee! I'm chickspecting!

[iPeanut1990]

My 3 lil peeps should arrive around May 23! Ordered 3 RIR from mypetchicken.com. Put down ameraucana, delaware, new hampshire, orpington and red star as substitutes if necessary.

Tomorrow I'm headed to Tractor Supply to pick up some chick feed, chick grit, a feeder and waterer. I'm gonna go ahead and get some Sav A Chick electrolytes and probiotic packets too. Anyone know a rough estimate on how big of a bag I might need to get them to 10 weeks old? I'm planning on using the Dumor chick starter/grower. Would the 20 lbs bag for 3 chicks be good?

I have their little brooder set up already-- 54 gal rubbermaid tub with a lamp and a couple inches of aspen shavings. Am I missing anything?? Any advice for a first time peep mama?

When can they eat things like meal worms or table scraps?

 

[luvmypets]

A 20 lb bag may seem like alot but actually it is a good amount. I just live chicks.

 

[luvmypets]

Chicks can eat mealworms from a week old. Probably even younger!

 

[iPeanut1990]

1 more thing! With the save a chick stuff--- I see that you have to make a gallon at a time. Can I pre mix it and keep it in the fridge or something and just fill up a smaller waterer as needed?

 

[luvmypets]

Idk i only used it once and that was for a little bit, but read the directions, otherwise i wouldnt see why not.

 

[iPeanut1990]

Idk i only used it once and that was for a little bit, but read the directions, otherwise i wouldnt see why not.

Thanks! I'm probably going to get a gallon waterer to use when they're older anyway but it says to make it fresh daily. Using a gallon waterer and having to change it every day seems like way over kill and totally wasteful when they're so itty bitty. Maybe I'll give them some yogurt instead? We buy that every week anyway. I'll wait for the electrolytes for a few weeks until they're old enough to be outside in the summer heat every day I guess. I was only planning on doing it for about a week while their so small to get some energy and hydration in them after being shipped.

 

[coffeychicks]

I use the nipple waters (love them). My day olds start on them. Normal waterers get dirty oh so fast. I use sand in my brooder with pet training pads I have tried the shaving with no luck. Make sure you have a warm spot and a spot away from.the heat just incase it gets too hot. But mostly enjoy your new babies. Best of luck

 

[luvmypets]

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