Raising Chicks for Beginners
Are you thinking about joining the craze and raising backyard chickens? Well today I'm sharing what you need to know about raising chicks. You'll be confidently handling your chicks in no time!
Caleb and I have raised chickens for about 4 years. We originally started with 12 chicks, BUT several trips to the local feed store and we couldn't resist adding 16 more. What can I say?! The little fluff balls work their way into your heart.
This year I was given 6 chicks as a hostess gift. That certainly takes the cake for most unusual hostess gift I've ever received! Caleb and I decided since we were already going to raise 6 chicks, why not add a few more. There are currently 16 little chicks happily hopping around our coop. Our plan is to phase out some of our older hens and add the new chicks to our existing flock. Since I'm currently knee deep in raising chickens, I thought I'd share how we raise our chicks here at Home in the Hollow.
Choose Your Goal -
Before you ever go to the farm supply store you need to decide what your goal is for raising chicks. Do you want to raise specialty or rare breeds? Are you purely interested in egg production? Do you see your future feathered friends as pets? These questions will help you decide which types of chicks to choose.
Caleb and I usually stick to raising chickens for egg production. We typically choose breeds such as Leghorn, Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Wyandotte, etc.
If you're looking for rare or specialty chicks you may want to choose breeds like Laced Polish, Sultan, Egyptian Fayoumis, Crevecoeur, or Cochin.
If you are interested in chickens that are friendly and great for pets you may want to choose breeds such as Silkie, Jersey Giant, or Faverolle.
Where To Purchase -
Once you've chosen the breeds you're interested in, it's time to decide where to purchase your chicks. If you're looking for more common breeds you should find success with local farm supply stores. If you're interested in more exotic breeds you may need to find a hatchery online and have chicks mailed to you.
Just know that hatcheries often have a minimum number of chicks you must purchase and can be more expensive. If you receive chicks via mail service, you will need to be sure to pick up your chicks at the post office as soon as they arrive.
Evaluate your space -
Next, you need to decide where to house your chicks. For the first few weeks, we keep our chicks in our basement or barn in a wooden box. I would recommend using a large plastic or wooden box for your chicks. You don't want to use cardboard because it will start to breakdown and fall apart.
You will also need to decide where to house your chickens long-term. There are 3 main schools of thought in regards to raising chickens:
Free-range - Birds are allowed to roam where they please outdoors. Birds will return to a coop or roost in trees at night.
Enclosed or Caged - Typically used in commercial poultry and egg production; birds are kept in smaller individual enclosures.
Cage-free - a hybrid where birds are in a large enclosure with access to the outdoors but unable to roam wherever they please.
Each method has its pros and cons. I personally use the cage-free method. My hens live in a large chicken coop and have access to an enclosed chicken run that is about 12 x 60 feet long. The hens can come and go as they please. Although I like the idea of free-range chickens, I have a big problem with predators; specifically Red-tailed Hawks. Prior to enclosing the chicken run, I lost several hens to hawks. It's no fun to lose your livestock!
Whichever route you choose, there are 3 things that chickens need to thrive in their environment.
Access to fresh food and water
Roosting area
Nesting boxes
I won't go into detail on this, but just know that you can build your own or order prebuilt coops. Don't be intimidated by the Pinterest chicken coops. Your chickens won't care if you have a chandelier hanging from the ceiling (seriously, I saw a hen house on Pinterest with a chandelier!?!). As long as you've included these 3 elements and don't overcrowd your space, you're good to go!
What You'll Need to Start -
There are several items you'll need to keep your chicks alive and well.
1. A Heat Source -
There are two main options for heat. The first is a heat lamp. They are relatively inexpensive and can often be bought in a chick starter kit. You could also purchase a brooder. This is a more expensive option, but in my opinion, if you're raising a lot of chicks, it is more convenient. I don't have to worry about my heat lamp falling into my box of chicks and breaking or causing a fire. If you're only raising a few chicks, you may want to stick with a simple heat lamp. Be sure to fasten it well so it won't fall into your chick enclosure. As always, use caution with any heat source as there is always a risk of fire if not properly managed.
2. Feed and Water -
Chick feeders and waters can be purchased at a local feed or farm supply store. Be sure to check the food and water twice daily. Chicks have a bad habit of mixing their bedding in with their food and water. Bedding often needs to be cleaned out of feeders/waterers.
When choosing feed for your chicks you'll want to choose a starter/grower mix. Starter mixes typically have a higher amount of protein than regular layer feed. Chicks need the extra protein to help support their rapid growth.
You will also need to decide what brand/type of starter mix you would like to use. Some people choose organic feeds. Others choose feeds that are medicated to help prevent chicks from becoming ill. I personally go middle of the road. Although I support organic as much as possible, I am unable to afford organic chicken feed due to the size of my flock. I do however, choose not to use medicated feeds. I prefer to treat my chicks with natural remedies if they become sick. There's not a right or wrong when choosing brands/types of feed. You'll have to decide what is important to you.
3. Bedding -
Chicks will need soft bedding to help keep them warm and absorb droppings. My favorite type of bedding is pine shavings. I have also used straw with great success. I think the key is changing out bedding when it becomes soiled. And believe me, you'll be able to smell when the bedding needs changed!
It is not recommended to use paper or hay, as these can mold easily. Cedar shavings should also not be used as it can cause lung irritation.
4. Safety from Predators -
Caleb and I built a beautiful enclosure for our chicks before realizing our cat had the perfect opportunity to snatch the chicks right out of the pen. Luckily, we were able to fix the issue before she got to our birds. Remember to keep a close eye on pets, livestock, and wild animals that would be interested in your chicks.
If you're thinking of taking the plunge and adding chickens to your life - DO IT! It's the most rewarding feeling caring for your flock and collecting your own eggs. I hope this post helps you navigate the ins and outs of bring chicks to your homestead.
If you have chickens or have had them in the past leave us a comment with your tips and tricks for raising healthy, happy birds. We'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading,
Abby
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