Raising Chicks

I was asked about my chick raising by a friend/blog follower and though I would expand and explain. Please note, that chicks do need care and a clean house but I think anyone can do it. If unsure, just start with a small amount.

If purchasing fertile eggs, keep in mind they take about 28 days to hatch whether they are in an incubator or under a broody chook. I purchased chicks that were a few days old as I do not have an incubator. 

What you need:

A HOUSE

The chicks' first home is called a "brooder".  A cage suitable for a rabbit or guinea pig is terrific and easy to clean. Some people even use an aquarium, I started with a large plastic tub! Chicks should be kept indoors (or in a heated brooder box) until they have their feathers, about 5-8 weeks. I use a large wooden box with a flyscreen as a assess door, the rest of the box is sealed as they are outside in the shed. The bottom should have a layer of clean litter. Wood shavings are great, shredded paper is also good.

Baby chicks are prone to a number of diseases, most of which can be avoided with proper sanitation.

The size of the brooder depends on how many chicks you have - the chicks should have enough room to move around, and to lay down and sleep. You also need to have enough space in it for a waterer and a feeder.

Similar to what mine looked like for only 4 chicks.
If you have more chicks image this setup in a larger box. 

When the chicks are a month old, add a low roost - a stick or piece of wood dowelling about 4" off the floor. The chicks will jump on it and may even begin sleeping there. Don't put the roost directly under the light, it will be too hot.

Wood shavings on the floor – can be easely changed as needed and keeps the chicks healthy.

FOOD

You need something to hold food and water. I use similar to what is in the photo above but you could use the bottoms of icecream containers. Just make sure that if the chick falls into the water they can get out again.

Chicks will naturally scratch at their food, so a feeder that keeps the food in one place is good.I check on the water and feeder daily and replace or clean when needed. They tend to make a most lovely mess of the water. 

Chicks start out with food called crumbles. I am using ‘Chick Starter’ from a local rural supplier or your pet store may have smaller amounts. The feed is a complete food, it has all that they need – and no other food is necessary. After the first week or two, you can give them a worm or a bug or two from your garden to play with and eat but nothing too big. Check the chicks for poo that is stuck on their backside area and preventing more poo from passing - if you see this, clean off their backside area (you can use a moist towel)

TEMPERATURE

A thermometer in the brooder is helpful, but you can tell if the temperature is right by how the chicks behave. If they are panting and/or huddling in corners farthest from the light, they are too hot. If they huddle together in a ball under the light, they are too cold. You can adjust the distance of the light until it is right, and this is what I do. 

I use a black reptile one like this. Shop around for the best price.


I hope this helps you Sarah! I also hope it makes sense lol