The Times They Are A Changing

You’ve decided to raise a few chickens, but where do you start. It will be great to have fresh eggs. The children will learn a great deal about responsibility and how life works. It will make you just a bit more independent in providing your own food. It’s all good. Before you bring home that first (or several) chicks, you’ll need some supplies and a brooder (warm place for baby chicks).

Start with your local feed store. If chicks are moving out of the store at record pace, as they are in some locations, see if you can reserve or prepay for the chicks you want.

* Chick brooder: You can make your own from a cardboard box with a light bulb (for heat) entering at one corner. Get a temperature gage - it should read 90 to 100 degrees for the first week and then 5 degrees less each week there after. Pine shavings work well for the bottom of the box. This site gives more info on how to put together a chick brooder. You can also purchase chick brooders at the feed store or try this site.
* Food and Water: A starter feed must be fed to your baby chicks for the first 6 weeks. They will have this starter feed at the feed store, where you purchase your chicks. Use an egg carton for the food dish, simply tear off the top. You should also get chick feeders and waterers. When you see the chick eating from the chick feeder, you can remove the egg carton. Make sure your chick has fresh water and food at all times. If litter or dirt has gotten into the food, or it’s gotten wet, remove it immediately and replace it with fresh.

At the feed store, if you are wanting egg producers ask for sexed pullet chicks that come from Rhode Island Reds or Leghorns. The chicks most likely came from a commercial hatchery. If they did, make sure they have had a Marek’s disease vaccination. Also, make sure the hatchery, itself, is a Pullorum-Typhoid Clean hatchery. There is no sense in wasting your money or your affections for the chick, as without these assurances, your chick may not live.

When you get your chick(s) home, gently remove them from the box and place them in their brooder. Being rough with the chick can be damaging. They are babies, remember. Handle with care.

CHICK TALK

Learn your chick’s needs from their “chick talk.” When your chicks are content, they will chirp in a low tone. If they are unhappy and uncomfortable, they will let out a shrill, high-pitched chirp. Check that they are warm enough, they have water and fresh food and that their litter has been changed so it is clean and dry. Sanitary conditions are one of the most important aspects for your chicks if they are expected to live.

PLAY TIME

Spend time with your chick(s). A bit of play time each day will go a long way in your chick getting used to humans. Just like a puppy or kitten, they need human contact in order to get used to being around people.

After the first 60 days take your chicks outdoors to let them peck at the ground and move around a bit. Always stay with your chicks during this period and make sure they are in a safe location. Larger birds of prey and cats can easily get into your back yard and make a fine meal of your chick.

Check out this site for extensive information on raising your chicks.