How to raise Backyard Chickens: Re: [CHICKENS-101] Advice please: New Chicks

Sorry you didn't get any answers. If they were mine I would separate them into a plastic container. I cut the middle of the top our and secure chicken wire to the open area to provide air circulation and you can put the heat lamp on the wire so it does't burn anything. Keep dad away! Mom will be ok without her chicks and they will be ok without her. They will need something on the bottom of the container because it is slippery. I use old towels and take them out and wash them. Some people use straw or paper towels. I prefer the cloth towels. you will need Start and grow to feed them and they will eat all day! Fresh water is a must!

I would keep them inside until they are feathered out at about 6 weeks, sometimes more. Cold will kill them quick and their temp needs to be 95 degrees for the first week at least and then take it down 5 degrees each week. At least that's what I do and have been successful. During this time you can get aquainted with them and that will help them to be calm chickens.

I don't know if this helps, but good luck! Susan

From: "PiranhaFem@aol.com" <PiranhaFem@aol.com>
To: CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2011 2:42 PM
Subject: [CHICKENS-101] Advice please: New Chicks

Yesterday's query got no responses, and I'm getting nervous! My Silkie hen is (hopefully) about to hatch 3 eggs, and I have an important question: Do I need to separate the chicks from the daddy? He's a very nice Silkie rooster but I don't know if most people keep the roosters separated from brand new chicks. Is there a chance he will be nice and help raise them, or is the risk of him hurting them too high?

Also, the weather here is in the mid 80s during the day, and down to the high 40s or low 50s at night. Am I correct in thinking mama hen will be able to keep her babies warm? When should I worry about it? I can bring them inside if needed.

Thanks for any advice --

signed, a nervous soon-to-be chicken grandma

--Maureen

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