[Mum2mj]

I'm so excited  we should hopefully be collecting x2 cream legbar day old chicks this weekend if hatching is successful.  They will eventually join our current flock of 3.
I have a 2& 4 yr old (children not chooks!) who are a bit scared of our ones at the moment even though we've had them a year, so I'm also hoping having some from chicks will help.

So, I have a large cardboard box, mesh top, an ecobrooder, little feeder & drinker. Will be getting chick crumbs when I collect them. Was thinking of putting old teatowels on top of newspaper (I have loads of them..) for the first few days then shavings when they're a bit bigger - does that sound okay?
They'll start off in our spare room then a separate coop/run outside so they get used to each other before intergrating them.  Have I forgotten anything? Does anyone have any hints or tips on chicks or the breed?
Many thanks!

[ANHBUC]

It sounds as if you have things ready and in place for them.  Make sure you warm up your brooder ready for them coming home.  Read up as much as you can about keeping chicks healthy before they arrive.  Keep them warm in transit, a small heatpad under a folded teatowel in the box or a hot water bottle under the box will help.  You may have to show them how to peck at the chick crumb, just use your finger to tap at the feed.  The same with the water and make sure they cannot drown in the container, clean marbles or pebbles in a shallow dish is fine.  Cleanliness is really important for you, your children and the chicks health.

Do you know how to check the sex of the chicks as I understand you can with Cream Legbar day old chicks.  I take it you will not want a cockerel.  There is a short video for you to see the difference and plenty more information online.

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Don't forget we will expect plenty of photos of your cute chicks.   

[splash101]

So exciting, i think the males have a spot on their heads whereas the females dont and it is that obvious (just check the video ANHBUC has uploaded to check i've got that the right way around)

Its so lovely having little chicks running around.

Dont plan on getting anything done for a week  and the most important thing to remember ...... Photos!

[Mum2mj]

Thankyou both & thanks for the transportation & feeding tip. I'll be sure to take lots of pics, & only accept girls!
I really hope the hatch is successful, I'll be so disappointed if we can't get them on the weekend.  I'm too excited for words!! 

[ANHBUC]

I know that feeling, it is a bit like when you believed in Santa.   

[splash101]

it is a bit like when you believed in Santa

what do you mean? 

[ANHBUC]

it is a bit like when you believed in Santa

what do you mean? 

Well I was going to say like Chr*stm*s morning as a child, but you know we are not allowed the 'C' word at this time of the year.   

[joyfull]

I hope we all believe in Santa   

[Mum2mj]

I do! I called today as I'm so impatient & only one egg had started hatching so far. I have to call back Sunday - will be a long Saturday but fingers crossed I'll be able to collect Sunday or Monday!

[ANHBUC]

We will be eagerly awaiting some photos.  Don't be tempted to take any that may be males if they have a low hatch rate.  It is always best to be patient and make sure they are females.   

[Mum2mj]

Christmas came early!!

[ANHBUC]

Aww, so cute.  Just have to wait for one of mine to go broody for my next hatch.

[Mum2mj]

They are indeed, although they definitely sleep a lot! Quick question, they're eating - 1 more than the other but neither have drunk. I've 'shown' them where it is, how frequently should they be drinking? I've had them home around 3&1/2 hours. Thanks!

[ANHBUC]

You can dip the tip of their beak in the water but careful not to cover the nostrils.  Or you can dip your finger in the water and wipe the side of their beak which should encourage them to open their beak.  If they are only day old they will still be absorbing the yolk sack so try not to worry.  They should soon get the hang of drinking.   

[Mum2mj]

Just a little update - both chicks eating, pooing & drinking well 
One keeps trying to peck the other one in the eye for some reason & they're noisier than I expected but soooo cute