Preparedness
Your First Flock Awaits Essential Tips for Raising Chicks
Embarking on the journey of raising chickens can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Whether you’re interested in the fresh eggs or simply enjoy the company of these feathered friends, getting started with chicks is a popular choice for many beginners.
There are several methods to introduce egg layers into your life. You could opt for an incubator and fertile eggs to hatch your chicks, or you might consider buying chicks through the mail, from your local feed store, farmers market, or a local breeder. Alternatively, purchasing pullets—hens on the verge of laying—or adult hens already laying is another option. Be cautious, though, as some people sell their two-year-old hens because their egg production has slowed.
Purchasing newly hatched chicks is a common approach for beginners. While feed stores or hatcheries typically sell sexed chicks, meaning you should mostly get hens, there’s always a chance a rooster or two might sneak into the mix. “Straight-run” chicks, on the other hand, have not been sexed, so expect about a 50% chance of them being roosters.
Preparation is key before bringing your chicks home. They grow rapidly and have specific needs that must be met to ensure their health. A brooder box is essential, but you’ll also need a coop ready within weeks, as chicks quickly outgrow their initial space. If you’re considering the deep litter method, as demonstrated by Carolina Coops, the same area can serve as a brooder box, helping the chicks become familiar with their future hen house. Just remember to block off nest boxes to prevent them from roosting there.
Before your chicks arrive, make sure you have the following essentials on hand:
– **Brooder**: A large cardboard box with sides at least 18 inches tall can work well. Plastic tubs are another option, but be cautious with heat lamps, as they can melt plastic and cause fires. Ensure there’s enough space—one square foot per chick initially, expanding to two square feet as they grow.
– **Location**: Place your brooder in a draft-free area with access to electricity for a heat lamp. A room with natural daylight aids in regulating their sleep/wake cycles.
– **Heat**: While heat lamps are affordable, they pose fire risks. Radiant heat plates, though pricier, are safer and more energy-efficient, mimicking a mother hen. Their adjustable height accommodates growing chicks.
– **Bedding**: Avoid newspapers, as they’re not absorbent and can cause “spraddle leg.” Use puppy training pads for the first week, then switch to pine shavings for a clean, dry surface.
– **Food and Water**: A chick fountain is ideal for providing water, preventing spills that make the brooder unsanitary. For food, a chick feeder should accommodate most chicks simultaneously. Initially, scatter feed on the floor to help them learn to find it.
It’s crucial to be aware of the health risks associated with live poultry. “Live poultry may have Salmonella germs in their droppings and on their bodies,” which can spread to various surfaces and people. To mitigate this risk, wash your hands thoroughly after handling poultry or anything in their environment, and supervise young children around chicks.
Remember, chickens grow quickly, so be prepared to introduce elements like roosts to their space. Chicks enjoy perching, so provide roosting poles or bricks to keep them from roosting on feeders or waterers. As they feather, allow them short outdoor excursions in a wire pen to exercise and explore.
As you interact with your chicks, use slow, gentle movements to avoid startling them. Chickens are creatures of habit, so establish good practices early to prevent unwanted behaviors.
Around ten weeks, transition their feed from “Starter” to “Grower,” and at eighteen weeks, switch to “Layer” feed. This ensures they receive appropriate nutrition at each stage. Most young hens begin laying eggs around six months of age, though this can vary by breed and season. Watch for signs like a vividly colored comb, indicating fertility and readiness to lay.
The initial eggs may be small or yolkless, known as “wind eggs,” as the hen’s reproductive system adjusts. Embrace this learning curve as part of your rewarding journey with chickens.
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Winter can be beautiful, but when temperatures drop below freezing, it quickly becomes dangerous, especially for older adults or anyone with health conditions that affect circulation or mobility. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory problems. Whether you live in the countryside, a city apartment, or a rural cabin, preparing before the cold strikes can make all the difference. Here are seven proven ways to stay warm, safe, and healthy through the harshest winter conditions.
1. Dress in Smart, Protective Layers
Layering is your body’s first line of defense against cold. Rather than piling on one heavy jacket, wear several thin, insulating layers. Start with a base layer made of synthetic or wool fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin. Add an insulating layer like fleece or down to trap body heat, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer shell to block snow and icy winds.
Don’t neglect extremities wear insulated gloves, a thermal hat, a scarf, and warm socks. If you’re indoors, cozy slippers and thermal leggings can also help you stay warm without overusing your heating system.
2. Seal In Warmth and Block Out the Cold
Even small drafts can drain heat from your home. Inspect doors and windows for gaps, then use weather stripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal them. Hang thick curtains and close them at night to trap heat inside. If you have unused rooms, close their vents and doors to concentrate warmth where you spend the most time.
Rugs, towels, or blankets rolled up at the bottom of doors also help prevent cold air from seeping in. If possible, consider window insulation kits inexpensive plastic sheets that add an extra layer of protection.
3. Stay Dry at All Costs
Moisture is a silent danger in cold weather. Wet clothing can cause body heat to evaporate rapidly, leading to hypothermia even in temperatures above freezing. Always keep an extra set of dry clothes nearby. If you must go outdoors, wear waterproof boots and gloves. When you come inside, remove damp shoes and clothes immediately and replace them with dry layers.
4. Create a “Warm Room” for Emergencies
If your heating system fails or power goes out, select one small, well-insulated room to serve as your heat zone. Hang blankets over windows and doors to keep warmth in. Gather blankets, sleeping bags, and all household members (including pets) in that space. The shared body heat will make the room more livable. You can use candles, hand warmers, or small battery-powered heaters to supplement warmth just ensure proper ventilation and avoid open flames near anything flammable.
5. Eat and Drink to Fuel Warmth
Your body is like a furnace, it needs fuel to stay warm. During extreme cold, focus on nutrient-rich, high-calorie foods like nuts, peanut butter, whole grains, and soups. Warm drinks such as tea, coffee, or broth can help maintain your core temperature. Avoid alcohol and caffeine in large amounts, as they can dehydrate you and give a false sense of warmth.
Drinking plenty of water is equally important. Cold weather can dull your thirst, but dehydration makes it harder for your body to regulate temperature.
6. Build and Maintain a Winter Survival Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Include thermal blankets, batteries, flashlights, a first-aid kit, bottled water, energy bars, a whistle, and a hand-crank radio. If you live in a snowy area, add snow shovels, cat litter (for traction), and jumper cables for your car. Recharge portable power banks regularly, and keep an extra set of warm clothes in a waterproof bag in case you need to evacuate or travel.
7. Recognize and Respond to Cold-Related Illnesses
Knowing the warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite can prevent tragedy.
- Hypothermia begins with shivering, fatigue, and confusion, then progresses to slurred speech and drowsiness.
- Frostbite causes numb, pale, or hard skin, especially on fingers, toes, and ears.
If you suspect either condition, move to a warm area immediately, replace wet clothing, and warm the person gradually using blankets or body heat. Never apply direct heat, like a hot water bottle or hair dryer, as it can damage skin and tissue.
Final Thoughts
Surviving extreme cold is about preparation, awareness, and calm decision-making. By layering properly, securing your home, staying dry, and having an emergency plan, you can protect yourself and your loved ones through even the harshest winter storms. Remember, it’s not just about enduring the cold; it’s about staying comfortable, confident, and safeuntil spring returns.
Because peace of mind beats panic every time
When a big storm’s coming, the news spreads fast. Shelves empty, gas stations fill up, and suddenly everyone’s buying bottled water like it’s gold. The truth is, once panic buying starts, it’s already too late. Real preparedness isn’t about fear it’s about peace of mind. The best time to get ready is when things still feel normal.
Here are ten simple, affordable items you can stock quietly now so you’re not scrambling later.
1. Water and Water Filters
Start with the basics: one gallon per person per day for at least three days. Keep bottled water handy, but also grab a small filter straw or purification tablets for backup. Clean water matters more than anything else when supplies run short.
2. Non-Perishable Food
You don’t need fancy freeze-dried meals. A few weeks’ worth of canned goods, rice, oats, peanut butter, and protein bars go a long way. Choose foods you actually eat, rotate them out as part of your normal pantry.
3. First-Aid Kit and Medications
Every home needs one. Bandages, antiseptic, gloves, and basic medicines like pain relievers and allergy pills can make a huge difference. If you take prescription medication, try to keep at least a few extra days’ supply on hand.
4. Flashlights and Extra Batteries
When the power goes out, light is everything. Stock a few small LED flashlights and a headlamp for hands-free use. Don’t forget extra batteries or a crank-powered option that never needs charging.
5. Portable Charger or Power Bank
Phones are lifelines during emergencies. Keep a charged power bank in your bag or car. Solar versions are great backups if you’re stuck without power for days.
6. Trash Bags and Zip Ties
Sounds simple, but trash bags are a survival essential. They can collect waste, store supplies, or even serve as ponchos or tarps. Pair them with a handful of zip ties one of the most underrated tools for securing gear or sealing openings.
7. Manual Can Opener
If your food storage depends on cans, make sure you can open them without electricity. A sturdy manual can opener can save you a lot of frustration (and hungry hours).
8. Multi-Tool or Pocket Knife
A good multi-tool replaces an entire toolbox in an emergency. Cutting rope, fixing leaks, opening packages you’ll use it more often than you think.
9. Basic Hygiene Supplies
Soap, toothbrushes, wet wipes, and feminine products often get overlooked. Staying clean keeps morale up and illness down, especially when running water isn’t guaranteed.
10. Emergency Cash
If card readers go down, cash is still king. Keep small bills in a waterproof envelope somewhere safe but easy to grab.
Final Thought
Preparedness isn’t about hoarding or panic, it’s about independence and calm. When something unexpected happens, the people who’ve planned ahead are the ones helping others instead of fighting for supplies.
📝 Starter Supply Checklist
☑ Water (1 gallon per person per day)
☑ Food for 3–7 days
☑ First-aid kit and medicines
☑ Flashlights + batteries
☑ Power bank or solar charger
☑ Trash bags + zip ties
☑ Manual can opener
☑ Multi-tool or knife
☑ Hygiene essentials
☑ Small cash reserve
Your kitchen drawer might just be the best survival kit you never built
You don’t need to live in the wilderness or have a fancy bug-out bag to be prepared for an emergency. Most people already own half the tools they’d need to survive they’re just scattered across kitchen drawers, garages, and bathroom cabinets. The secret is knowing what you have and how to use it creatively. Here are ten everyday items that can turn into life-saving tools when things go sideways.
1. Garbage Bags
A simple trash bag can do more than hold waste. Use it as a rain poncho, emergency shelter, ground tarp, or even a water collector. Heavy-duty contractor bags can be stuffed with leaves for insulation or turned into makeshift sleeping bags.
2. Aluminum Foil
Foil is basically metal in your pocket. Wrap it around food to cook over open flame, fashion it into a bowl or wind guard, or use it to reflect heat toward your shelter. You can even fold a small square into a mirror for signaling.
3. Shoelaces
Strong, lightweight, and easy to find. Shoelaces can tie gear, hang food from trees, fix broken zippers, or become makeshift tourniquets. In survival situations, cordage is priceless and you’re probably wearing some right now.
4. Bleach
Unassuming but powerful, regular unscented bleach can disinfect surfaces and purify water. Add just 8 drops per gallon of clear water, mix well, and wait 30 minutes. (If it smells faintly of chlorine afterward, it’s safe to drink.)
5. Coffee Filters
Coffee filters aren’t just for caffeine lovers. They make excellent pre-filters for dirty water, help start fires when dry, and can even work as disposable plates or wound covers. Lightweight and cheap, they’re worth tossing in any emergency bag.
6. Duct Tape
If something’s broken, duct tape can probably fix it. Patch holes, secure splints, seal windows, or twist it into rope. It’s waterproof, durable, and compact a survival MVP in any scenario.
7. Plastic Bottles
Empty water bottles are more useful than they look. Use them to carry and purify water, as makeshift funnels, or to store dry goods. Fill one with water and set it in sunlight for a few hours the UV rays can kill bacteria naturally.
8. Vaseline and Cotton Balls
Together, they’re an instant fire starter. Coat a few cotton balls in petroleum jelly and store them in a small bag. Even in rain, they’ll ignite easily and burn long enough to get a fire going.
9. Paper Clips
A tiny metal multitool. Paper clips can pick locks, fix zippers, clean small gear, or act as hooks and fish lures. They’re proof that even office supplies can have survival value.
10. Hand Sanitizer
Besides keeping your hands germ-free, sanitizer with alcohol doubles as fire fuel. A small squeeze on kindling makes damp wood catch flame faster. Keep a travel bottle in your car or pocket, it’s hygiene and ignition in one.
Final Thought
Survival isn’t about buying gear it’s about using what’s already around you. The next time you open a junk drawer, look again. You might not see a mess; you might see a ready-made emergency kit hiding in plain sight. Being resourceful isn’t just thrifty, it’s one of the best survival skills you’ll ever have.
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