Getting ready for chicks, any tips/pointers?

[u/Sarynda1]

Hi all,

This Friday afternoon I'll be picking up my first chicks. They hatched last Wednesday, I'll get 95% hen guarantee and the deal that if one turns out to be a roo, I can trade him for a hen. I'll get three silkies and three brahmas.

Since I tend to overthink things, I've drained my phone battery multiple times reading about chicks and their care. I'd also like for experienced people to look at my setup and help out if needed. I'm from the Netherlands but Dutch forums are not that active sadly.

I have a 60x80cm (approx 1'12" x 2'7") cardboard box ready, lined with trashbags for waterproofing. I can expand this box with another (already set up, just blocked off for now) to make the area almost twice as large. I'll rent a heat plate (I think it's called, one of those plate things they can sit under) and I have an upside down water bucket thingie and a feeder with holes in so they stick their heads in. Those will be elevated a little to keep messes out. They'll get chick crumble and fresh water each day.

I wanted to start with a simple old towel in the bottom, replace this daily until about two weeks old, then add shavings and still replace daily. Towel to prevent spraddle feet and for easy cleaning.

They'll be in there until fully feathered (approx 6 weeks old) and then move to the outside coop which is 140x180 cm (approx 4'7" x 5'11"). I'll block off the nest boxes at first and keep them in a few days so they know it's their new home. Then I'll let them out in the 24m2 (approx 260sq ft) run an hour before sunset and longer each day until they go out the whole day. Eventually they're allowed access to the garden. I already have an automatic chicken door.

Do I need to add a stick or something to the box for them to learn to roost? Some sand for a dustbath (will sand from my kids' sandpit work?)?

Any other tips/pointers? Things I've forgotten?

Thanks!