Recent content by Masekhomestead

Thank you!! They will be in our basement in a brooder for the first few weeks anyway, that clears up a lot!

We will be getting buckeye chicks here soon and I am conflicted on whether they need medicated food or not. We are ordering from Tractor Supply and when I spoke with a worker on the phone I was told they are unvaccinated. Since they will be egg and meat birds I saw they need a higher protein...

Will heat plates be enough if temps are pretty low at night (tomorrow low 13 but next 10 days is 28-39s)? Can those run on an extension cord for long periods? Our coop has a large window so in that case we wouldn't need any additional lighting right?

We were planning on inside either the garage or basement. We are in Nebraska so highs of about 60s up to 78 but also have a low of 13 one day.

We plan on getting 20 (buckeye!) day old chicks mailed to us shortly. I have been trying to figure out what the best option is for a brooder. I found an galvanized garden bed 8x4x2 with a cover on Amazon (https://a.co/d/e9kjizP) but I'm worried that will be too small for 20 chicks when they are...

So if I buy chicks from a hatchery I am leaning towards getting them vaccinated. Do you need to continuously vaccinate them or is it a one time thing?