How to take care of baby chicks?

Question

i will get baby chicks- they cost less than hens and they'll get to know you better. I have quite a large cardboard box i think i will use. (we'll get two chicks) i need some info on how to care for them - how to keep them entertained, what to feed them and bedding (i think i'll use wood shaving on newspaper), also where to keep them! will i need a light if i live in Australia, since its pretty hot here?

Answer 1

A heat source is required for the peeps and can achieve this by a shop clamp or a lamp with a shield to direct heat to bottom of container. This should be a steady heat of 95 degrees for at least 5-6 weeks then lower the heat source,This is done by raising the heat source a tad every week,this will bring the temperature down,for the first 5 weeks so bottom area is lowered by 5 degrees or decrease the bulb wattage this will give same affect.The container does not need to be same temperature and SHOULD NOT BE!! all the same temp, the peeps need to escape  the heat when they get to warm. If can't they will die.The peeps will lay around the heat ring  and get exactly the amount of heat they need.If they are peeping loudly they are cold,If laying to one side or at end of container all the way they are to warm,To hot will kill your peeps!!When cold the peep loudly and long till get warm.

Feed ing the peeps is pretty easy get you a growing mash can buy at local feed stores tractor supply stores.This has all the minerals and vitiams they will need to start to grow well.Give this to them till 5 months, also can give table foods when about 2-3 months as well they love this.about 3-4 months you can give them scratch feed can get at same stores as above this is a mixture of grains also some grit or oyster shell this helps digest food and egg shell texture.When peeps are in your box make sure you have fresh water all the time and a low dish or small dispencer this keeps peeps from drowning and a small dispencer helps the peeps from pottying in so bad but still it get dirty plus it may also get to warm. Have a dispencer for food as well this keeps a supply all the time for the peeps and when gets low you refill peeps eat all the time. For the bedding news paper on bottom is good to absorb moisture and there will be alot if the peeps spill water and of course the waste they have.Hay is better or shaveings since you dont need your peeps to get ther tails backed up meaning they can get waste and food packed on back sides. So its imporant to keep box clean and dry as much as possible. You will have to keep the peeps safe from harm since they are tiny and can't defend them selves and don't handel no more than 10 mins at a time since skin is tender and can let play on floor or grass out side to let have a little freedom from the box but watch while out or you could loose them quick.I hope you will let them be free range when bigger around 5-6 months they will be able to be on there own and eat bug and play around your yard or garden or feilds but also need a place for them to roost at night and locked in to kepp critters from a free meal .

Good luck and have fun with your peeps and hens when growen.

Answer 2

Yes. You most definitely need a light of some kind, even though you are in Australia. Young hatch-lings need this direct warmth for around 4-6 weeks, as their feathers are not fully developed and will be unable to maintain their body heat. Begin the heat at around 95 degrees fahrenheit, then slowly lower it around 5-10 degrees each week, depending on the chicks growth and development. A great, cheap way to maintain this warmth is through one of those bendy desk lamps, which uses a regular bulb, as you are able to tilt the lamp towards, or away from the chicks. Place the lamp in the corner of a box, preferably above the chicks height, as they may accidentally burn themselves in their quest for warmth.

As for the box to keep them in, any large cardboard box should be fine, and newspaper is more than suitable as bedding.

As for food the best possible food for young chicks is known as 'chick crumbs', it is basically a mixture designed specifically for young chicks, and is available at most pet shops, and farming stores. If however you are unable to get ahold of it, try weetbix, mushed up with small amounts of water for the first few days of their lives, then gradually build them up with breads and the like.