The chickies are coming!

We have over 3 ft of snow, winter has been unbearably long and hard this year - so I ordered chicks! I know it's way too early because the coop won't be up until, realistically, May. We just needed something to help get us through and what better way than with Chicks! I'm picking them up at Meyers on their birthday, 3/15. We're getting 5 sexed Easter Eggers and 2 black Silkies. I guess there is no way to sex Silkies so I only got 2, and am keeping all crossed that one is a girl!

Beclu727, I've been looking at your pics, the rocks in the water dish, and taking notes from all the threads as to the temperature of their box and food. Such great info on this site!!! They'll have to live in the house for a while - good socializing with us and the dogs - and then can be moved later, along with the heat lamp, into a pen in the heated garage. I'll gladly give up my side of the garage for them LOL. I think 7 won't be too many to keep in the garage for a while.
We're just foaming at the mouth EXCITED about this!!!

Annie

Congratulations! You are so lucky to be able to pick them up and not have to worry about shipping.

Hi Annie, I hope you have a blast with your new flock. Long winters can be depressing, we have had almost no winter at all. But last year was long and ton's of snow. This year one light dusting, and spring came way before normal. Not sure thats a good thing. Your chickens will educate you quickly and give you many good laughs. Have fun. Haystack

Thank you!! We're so excited about the chicks!

I have a bunch of plastic trays from the plant nursery that I plan to do "container planting" grasses in for them to scratch and play with. I know the next month will be all about keeping them in a consistant warm temperatures and making sure they are all eating and drinking well - - but at what age would it be ok it give them a container to scratch in?

I was thinking about planting wheat, can you think of any other grasses they would like? Also, at what age can they get other foods (fruits & veggies) besides their chick feed?

Have I mentioned how excited we are?? LOL

Annie

I have a dumb question -- do people do chicken give-aways? If the Silkies, or EE's, turn out to be roos then I'm going to give them away. I absolutey can NOT eat a pet and am hoping someone might want an EE or Silky roo.

Annie

It is funny--but until I watched my broodies raise their own chicks outside, I didn't realize how quickly chicks start to eat dirt and bugs and things. Of course they have the mothers to show them what is best to eat and the broodies do really show them--but they do peck at just about everything.

The only real worry indoors is that the chicks will not have any grit to help them digest tougher food. You can use parakeet or canary grit--but try to buy the kind without added calcium (not easy).

ZZ digs up clumps of grass from outside and gives them to her chicks. She says it helps them recover quicker from cocci. There are probably a lot of beneficial organisms in the natural environment that they aren't exposed to in the brooder. In a brooder there is always the danger of cocci building up, but this seems much less a danger outside.

In short, I think after a week or so, it is perfectly okay to introduce other foods as long as they have some grit or the food is very soft (defrosted sweet corn is very popular). They will also go crazy over meal worms and beetles, which are a good source of protein.
Pillbugs (sowbugs, potato bugs) and earthworms can carry internal parasites--so I would avoid them.

You can try to sell them on craigslist. Someone will usually take a roo for free--but they usually want to eat them. I have re-homed a few roosters to good homes on craigslist and freecycle. A lot of times feedstores will buy them (or take them) from you and sell them.

I try not to think about it. I love roos.

By "cocci" I think you mean coccidia but want to make sure. Is that what the medicated chick food is for, to keep cocci under control, or, to keep them from getting it ?

As a rule do all chicks have cocci..... meaning, are they born with it?

I had planned to buy the chick started kit at Meyers, it has a bag of grit with it. I need to go look and see what kind of grit it is. Is there a brand that is better than others? Do I mix the grit in with their food or offer it in a different feeder?
I have so much to learn!!

Annie

Chicks are not born with cocci, but it is everywhere in the environment. All adult chickens are assumed to have cocci, which is not a problem for them. When a chick is out with a broody, it naturally develops resistance to cocci, gradually acquiring it without problem. But if a chick is weak, or if the level of cocci is very high before the chick has developed resistance (and this is what happens in the brooder if the bedding gets the least bit wet), then the chick will be overwhelmed by the pathogen, develop bloody diarrhea, sit hunched up and miserable and quite possibly die.

If you only have a few chicks and keep their bedding dry, you really don't need medicated feed. In fact, there is an argument that by medicating them you prevent them developing natural immunity and risk their being overwhelmed by it when they go outside. If your chicks do get cocci there are antibiotics you can put in their water to clear it up. You might want to order some to have on hand. It is not expensive, but they usually sell you enough for gallons of water and you have to figure out how to break it down for pints. Really good scale needed for that.

Chicks don't need grit until they are eating things other than chick starter. You want a fine grit for them--pet bird grit works. But try to buy the kind without added calcium. The chicks don't need it and it can throw off their metabolism. You can sprinkle it on their food or give it to them in a dish.

That brings up a good point. Socializing with your dog. We have two dogs. One seems overly interested in the chickens, the other one could care less. We have a sizable coop, so they don't free range. Only because of the dogs. (And other predators) Whenever I show them one of the little chicks, they don't react, but I am afraid that they would go after the chickens.

I would think they would look at the chickens as big running toys. And in their entertainment, they would kill them. Some dogs got into my friends coop and killed two of her pet chickens. They did not eat them, just killed them and when after the others. We can home from a walk to catch the dogs in the act.

I guess I answered my question, I am always hoping that I can free range my chickens. It would be so much fun for them...

I have the same concern - the dogs seeing the chickens as big running toys - great description!!

Both of my dogs are well mannered & socialized, trained and calm. One even has 2 Obedience titles. Both dogs totally submit to my 4 cats because my rule is Leave The Cats Alone! I know cats aren't chickens and dogs will be dogs.

A friend of mine is able to have all 4 of her dogs walk into the chicken coop with her and the chickens have no fear of them and even like them! The dogs have never chased them either, even when they're free ranging. She worked hard on teaching them to co-exist. As far as the dogs are concerned the chickens are just another animal, as are all her goats, sheep, and pigs, no chasing allowed. It's an exceptional case and not the rule.
I know it "might" be possible and a lot depends on the manners and prey drive of the dog.

I think I could control any one of my dogs while I am there. And probably with time, I might be able to convince all of them at once that they are not to bother the chickens while I am there.

But if a chicken flies into their yard and I am not there--all bets are off.

I checked the grit, it just says starter grit. I'll check into the bird grit w/o calcium. Thanks for the tip on keeping the bedding really clean and dry to keep the cocci away.

Congrats on your new chicks. You'll be amazed at how fast Easter Eggers grow. DH is about to enlarge the brooder that goes in the garage for my 9. The old one held 5 Wyandottes, but is too small for these EEs.

The ones I raised last year got Chick Grit from Tractor supply at about 6 weeks. That's when I started giving them some greens and other non-starter food. It was so funny to watch them with "foreign" food. At first they weren't sure it was food, then one ate it and the others followed. Then the fights began. LOL.

I wish we had a Tractor Supply near here!

If it says "starter grit" it should be the right kind. The type you have to watch out for is the kind for parakeets and canaries...it usually does have added calcium since it is for adult birds.

Thank you, glad to know starter grit will work - and they don't start getting it until 6 weeks of age when they go off the chick starter feed, correct?

Roost or perch--- which is the correct term? I forgot about them, at what age will they need them? They'll be living in the house and then the garage until the coop is completed - hopefully be in the coop by 8 to 10 weeks of age.

I was thinking of increasing the order by 2 or 3 chicks but think I should wait so the aren't crowded. 9 will be plenty for now and lots of time needed to entertain them. I so hope the Silkies aren't roos!

We're sooo excited!!

They will happily go up on a small roost when they are only a couple weeks old. That is about the time mine want to roost on the edge of the brooder.

Chickens actually need a fairly broad structure to perch on. A two by four set widthwise is usually suggested for adult birds. Probably on its side for younger chicks? They also love it when you put things in that they can jump up on and hide in.

It is so cute to see a line of little chicks roosting.

I feed chick starter until just before they are due to start laying, sometime around 5 months. I just add greens (chopped) and some scratch at about 6 weeks. I think it depends on the brand how long you feed starter. There's also grower finisher some use before they start layer feed.

The first perch we put in the brooder was 1 x 2. It was only 1" off the ground. Then we put a 2" dowel in higher later.

I keep adding to the List, thank you all so much! When I get the chicks you'll all be so tired of me sending pictures to you LOL! I'm going to order 2 more black Silkies and hope I get one hen out of the 4 total.

Only 22 more days until I pick them up!!

Annie

AnnieBBB, post those photos! I love looking and all of your fowl photos!

Oh I plan to post pics and probably drive every here crazy with them!

If only it would quick snowing here. The place we're getting the coop from is already behind delivery schedule a few weeks because of the weather. I don't want to have to post pone the chick order even a couple weeks because of it. Keeping everything crossed that doesn't happen!

Annie

Annie,

Do you have a feed store or feed mill near you? We have found the food to be good quality and lower cost than TSC.

There is an Ag store, I haven't checked out their prices yet. I was going to buy a few bags of chick starter at the same time I pick them up at Meyers --- Two Weeks From today --- YAY!!! Is there a brand of food you think is best?

I called Meyers today to check on some supplies and ended up adding a couple more chicks to my order, it's at 16 now!! I *HAVE* to stop my chick madness!!! I just have to have some Silkies!

Annie

Buying little chicks is addictive! It's like buying daylilies or underwear or socks or shoes or....there is always one more you gotta have... Stop calling and close your eyes when you go. LOL My 2-3 dozen turned into something like 65 birds in our first order!

We had ours on the starter food until they were so many weeks old-I want to say 20 but I don't honestly remember. Then we switched them to the layer mash. You want to keep an eye on the protein. What we buy at the feed store does not have an actual brand. I think it varies by the mill. Let me grab a tag later and I can tell you what is in it.

The Purina feeds that I buy suggest you keep the chicks on the starter until they actually start to lay. The laying ration specifically says not to feed before 18 weeks of age. The calcium content is the critical factor.

Oh I'm in soooo much trouble!! We all know what happened last summer when I looked at a daylily! I'm not going to count them but the number is around 200, most for spring delivery. That doesn't count my Bluestone perennial order which will take a truck to pick up the order.

Thanks so much for checking out the tag on your feed, I need all the info I can get so the chickies will thrive!

I really need to stop looking at chick pictures! I will..... honest... but not until I find a place with Silkies that will vac them.

Purina chick starter, does it come medicated? I'm going to the Ag store this week, we also have a TS store, will check there too. I'm so excited about the chicks! My DH just laughs when we talk about the chicks but I know he's excited too. Our DN who lives with us and wants one for a Clover Buddy project too. She has a note book filled with pictures of chicks and a list of names.

Purina Chick Start and Grow is medicated. I buy it at a Purina feed store, but out Tractor Supply carries it too.

Okay, hubby snatched the tag for me when he went out to feed.

Crude protein, min...18%
Lysine, min....0.5%
Methionine, min...0.2%
Crude fat, min...2.0%
Crude fiber, max...6.0%
Calcium, min... 3.2%
Calcium, max...3.7%
Phosphorus, min...0.4%
Salt, min...0.1%
Salt, max... 0.5%

We pay $8 per 50 pound bag and it is made by the feed mill where we buy it. It is more ground than what we buy at TSC for emergencies (like running out on Sunday!!) and our birds prefer it.

I'm not saying you HAVE to have this. It's just what we use and our chickens are doing very well. They are however 3 years old and slowing way down. :( Last summer we were getting 3 dozen eggs per day!

You will eventually find your own methods and preferences for taking care of your birds but asking for opinions can't hurt. :)

PS. I have over 550 named cultivars of daylilies, then there are some no names and a bunch of seedlings and species and......we should set up a play date. LOL

Thanks for all the feed info! Bought feed this morning, more bulbs for the heat lamp too. I'm going to love Tractor Supply.

QUESTION---- In all my notes I can't find anything about bedding, and I know I read it here on the boards but can't find it again. I wanted to buy some this morning but completely forgot what kind. They had Pine, Cedar, and Hardwood kiln dried shavings.

I remember something about cedar, not to use it?

Oop's I ordered more chicks this morning too. Cabin fever is dangerous in front of the computer.

Ahhhh, yes. She is one of us...

No to cedar. Yes to pine, spruce, aspen or hardwood shaving, or pelleted "horse bedding"...althought he pellets are a bit hard for babies.

Great, Thank you! Wrote it down and won't lose it this time. I'm all stocked with food, grit, waters, feeders, heat lamps and ready to go!

In the interest of honesty.... I didn't actually order just a few chicks.... it was 19 Black Silkies, and 19 Buff Silkies (it was all they had). But in the big scheme of things that reallly isn't a lot, right? They ship on the 10th, will be here on the 12th. I'm so lucky to have a really nice fellow DG'er who has chickens, humors me and will take any that I can't keep - remember my 14 chicken limit? I'm going to send tons of pics and hope you all can give me best guesses as to which of the Silkies might be girls. I only want to keep 3 Silkies for my DN's Clover Buddy project. Plus, having a broody hen might be fun next year.

Also, on the 15th I have an order to pick up from Meyers, 14 EE'ers and 3 Buff Orpingtons. All sexed, but they might make a mistake so I thought excessive ordering was prudent. :-)

Annie 14 chicken limit-- that's my story and I'm sticking to it!!

I may get differing opinions on this.. but I pull up a clump of grass with dirt on the roots and put it in the brooder. There is your grit!
I had chicks suffering from pasty butt and it fixed the problem! I am convinced the natural dirt, roots and greens are the ultimate cure all. :)

Oh boy sister, you are really jumping in. LOL

If we end up getting together in the next few months, you may have me and the kids begging to swap something for a black silkie or two. My 14 year old has wanted some for quite some time...

Heavens to Murgatroid! That's a lot of poultry to give away! Do you know any 4H'ers? Not that D-G'ers aren't equally as worthy, and your extras may already to spoken for, but it is better to have more people that chickens when it comes time to give poultry away!

My husband calls it "Chick & Click." I look at websites, see the chicks, click and buy them!

My DN is going to need a few for her Clover Buddies project. Also, I could never do this without the help of my DG partner in chick crime, Jar617. She is taking most of the Silkies. I'll pick out a few and the rest she'll take home. The same with the order I'm picking up on the 15th. She lives on a farm and hers will get to free range, mine will be in a coop and fenced area. Also, any that I have that are roos (even though I got sexed ones) she will take. I can't eat something that has been named, she can!
The long delay in the coop delivery isn't going to work so I have a guy coming to give me an estimate on building one here. Have I mentioned how excited I am, for the 1,000 th time???

Annie

I use alfalfa in the coop to cut down on the dust.. VERY good idea MsJestr! I also put it in the nest boxes so the hens can nibble on the leaves while they are in there. The protein is great for them.

Babiez love to pick at roots! The lil outside babiez even play king of the mountain on the pile of weeds I threw in yesterday. LOL