Tribe.net. Local Connections Nicole http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#5e655cef-2343-4bfa-b4a5-bd2712257e0c 2009-04-16T01:11:30Z 2009-04-16T01:11:30Z

thanks so much for the descriptions- they are helpful. We do have a coop for when the bird babies grow up, But I am a little forgetful on what to do when they are sooo small.

Nicole 2009-04-16T01:11:30Z $item.owner.firstName http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#b22d5473-999b-4c71-898e-ce83e1ab9786 2009-04-15T17:03:55Z 2009-04-15T17:03:55Z

If you are putting a solid top on your brooder I would use ground corn cobs for bedding rather then pine shavings or sawdust. Pine shavingsd along with cedar shavings produce toxic gasses when they start to get a concentration of ammonias (poop) on them. Corn cobs do not. If you use a wire top it would prolly be ok because you have better ventilation

$item.owner.firstName 2009-04-15T17:03:55Z kate http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#4269a746-0037-461f-a539-69cf675585a0 2009-04-15T15:38:20Z 2009-04-15T15:38:20Z

pine shavings work, too keeping the lid on half the container gives the cuties a place to get away from the heat , as well don't put it on tight better yet, get a brooder cage from your local feed store hold the lots so they learn to trust you just wash your hands before and after

kate 2009-04-15T15:38:20Z Heidi http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#bbc7e5db-3bb2-4ecc-b6ed-2814e33a1967 2009-04-14T17:47:23Z 2009-04-14T17:47:23Z

Oh, and cock the lid, don't put it on straight. The lid is to keep them from flying out (they will), and keep some extra heat in. Put the lid on tight, and you'll have to learn how to process chickens earlier than you'd probably hoped.

Heidi 2009-04-14T17:47:23Z Heidi http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#5039224e-77ff-4275-a44f-84bfe4cb7c32 2009-04-14T17:45:50Z 2009-04-14T17:45:50Z

Get a big tall-sided container, preferably with a lid, to keep them in until they're too big. Put newspaper in the bottom, with straw on top of that (or shredded paper.) (NOT cedar wood chips!) Put a lightbulb hanging in one corner of the container for a warming bulb. (those clip-on student study lights are perfect) Get some starter feed to feed them until they get their real feathers. We use a short ball-jar to hold the feed and water (separately!) and feel it keeps things cleaner. Prepare the change the chicken's litter, water and food DAILY. Especially if it's in the house with you (to keep warm.) It will smell some otherwise. Start building your chicken coop/tractor now. It will take longer than you think. Oh, and handle them from day one, if you want people-friendly chickens. Enjoy your baby chicks!!!

Heidi 2009-04-14T17:45:50Z Nicole http://chickenstribe.tribe.net/thread/3df3a7ea-8695-48a5-b896-864b24404489#5f2883b0-498f-4e20-8d01-9e9fb4ca7e92 2009-04-14T03:15:56Z 2009-04-14T03:15:56Z

Hello fellow chicken lovers. Our family is about to become the parents of 12 baby chicks in 2 weeks time. Any pointers on what to do??? and of course what not to do? We have a 6 month old bull mastiff boy dog- and I would like to avoid having the dog consider any of the growing chicks pop tart snacks. thanks

Nicole 2009-04-14T03:15:56Z