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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