Tutti Frutti Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 After losing Tallulah yesterday, we're on the hunt for more girls... but have been offered 3 week old chicks! Very exciting but also a bit daunting, as we've only ever had POL or "end of lay" They're auto sexing so confident they're girls. I've read the guides and know they need heat but I'm on hols so can care for them and they'd be 6 weeks old by the time I go back to work. Anyway, I have lots of questions (sorry! I just want to research it thoroughly rather than rush in and be pants!) so if anyone could offer advice, I'd be really grateful What's their mortality rate @3 weeks - should we get 3 to hope for 2 survivors or are they pretty stable by 3 wweeks? What problems/health issues could we encounter? When can they go in my spare classic - and what should they stay in until then or can I just take the roost bars out or a cardboard box with a lamp until they can go out during warm days? I've read about dander and scratching and generally being dirty monkeys but DH is asthmatic so where can I keep them - spare room, garage (too cool?), my bathroom (too humid?)? DH is asthmatic so that rules out the bedroom Thank you - off to read more guides! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 12, 2011 Share Posted April 12, 2011 The garage would be ok and probably the best bet from a dander minimising point of view - the chicks should be fine in there A large cardboard box (as long as the garage is predator and vermin proof) would be ok providing its deep enough to keep them contained, I use indoor rabbit cages which are ideal so if you can get your hands on one its worth it! Alternatively you can use boards to make a coral type set up A lamp or electric hen will be needed, if you use a lamp then you'll need some way of suspending it over the box They should be kept in till they are fully feathered, start turning the lamp off in the day from 4-5 weeks then off around 5-6 weeks when they can go outside during the day if its warm then they can go outside full time from about 7 weeks. Remove the bars from the Eglu and only replace them when the chicks are 14 weeks plus Mortality in 3 week old chicks is not high as long as they are kept warm enough they should all be ok, things to watch out for are adverturous chicks getting jammed in small spaces, coccidiosis, poo-ey bottoms and them getting too chilled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted April 13, 2011 Author Share Posted April 13, 2011 Thank you Redwing! We're going to collect a couple tonight! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted April 13, 2011 Share Posted April 13, 2011 What Redwing said, plus chick crumb. It's sold with and without ACS - the anti cocci medication. Personally I only use medicated crumb because cocci takes hold of youngster very quickly and you have little time to save them. A probiotic in their drinking water is good too - it helps get their systems off to a flying start. A tiny bit of chopped up grass daily is good for preventing vitamin E deficiency. If you get some warm, sunny, still weather, you can move their accommodation outside for a little while and supervise them in the sun. A comfy chair for you is essential too! Enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
