Total beginner, welcome any advice

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

You might want to lower the temperature to about 85F. The more feathers they get, the less heat they need. Also, do not buy a pre-made coop online. I bought one as a quick fix to separate my cockerel from the pullets and it has taken me longer to make adjustment to the pre-made pieces than if I would have just started from scratch. It's also less expensive. You have some time and there are great plans here on the BYC site. You might consider purchasing a brooder plate for your next batch of chicks. The savings on your electric bill will pretty much pay for the plate. I used the heat lamp with my first batch and it was OK. But I have noticed a big difference in the chicks I'm brooding right now with the brooder plate. They seem less crazy and are getting their feathers quicker. Best of luck to you.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Set up looks pretty good - nice cover, the heat is only on one side, plenty of space. I would get at least 1 more chick, because chickens are social animals and if something happens to 1, you don't want to be scrambling to find a friend for the surviving bird.

If you're thinking that you'd like to try out having chickens first, and would build something bigger later on if you decide that keeping chickens is for you, then a prefab might be a good option, as long as you're only planning to keep a few birds at first. The prefab can be recycled later. Keep in mind you'll likely need to put in some extra work on it (like reinforcing wood or wire, adding vents, adding a bigger run). Most of them aren't very sturdy or long lasting and often are poorly laid out.

If you're thinking you'll be expanding regardless, save some money and skip the prefab and consider modifying a shed or building a coop yourselves.

 

[Kale Chips]

Hello there and welcome! I agree that you should get at least just one more chick, it won't be too big of a deal to feed one more bird but if anything happens to one of the chicks you'll have a backup buddy. There was also a thread recently that basically asked chicken owners what their biggest mistake was...and I couldn't believe how many people regretted buying a prefab coop! Just letting you know...I bet it works for some people but just be aware Good luck on your chicken adventure!

 

[Jlpiat12]

We have decided to go with a local place that sells sheds. They have one that is already set up as a chicken coop and would be perfect. We will be building our own large run around it. Oh.. And we did get a 3rd chick

 

[Jlpiat12]

I did have a question about chick grit. I have been thinking about offering some in the brooder for a dust bath. Is this ok to give even if we arent going to be offering the chicks anything besides starter?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wouldn't use it for a dust bath (a little too coarse) but I'm a believer in giving chicks grit early, because they will eat stuff other than their feed (like wood shavings).

 

[Jlpiat12]

I wouldn't use it for a dust bath (a little too coarse) but I'm a believer in giving chicks grit early, because they will eat stuff other than their feed (like wood shavings).

What would you suggest for a dust bath? I have read that some people use plain old dirt or soil but we still have snow on the ground here in montana and are expecting more. I have heard both positive and negative things about play sand. Plan on stopping by murdochs tomorrow to see what they have.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I use plain peat moss. Sand, wood ash, or some sort of bagged soil that has nothing added would be some other options.

Since these are chicks they don't need a dust bath just yet, they'd be satisfied just rolling around in the wood shavings.

 

[aart]

I did have a question about chick grit. I have been thinking about offering some in the brooder for a dust bath. Is this ok to give even if we arent going to be offering the chicks anything besides starter?

Even if they are not eating anything but crumble can be good to give them some grit in moderation.
http://www.jupefeeds-sa.com/documents/GraniteGrit.pdf.

I bought about a 2 gallon bag of granite grit from the local mill, they put it in their chicken scratch. Ran it thru a colander with 1/16" holes. Bagged the smaller stuff for the chicks and sprinkle some over a chunk of sod in the brooder during the second week.

You might be able to find some ground starting to thaw...southside of building?
Bust a chunk out and let it thaw inside before giving part of it to the chicks.