Raising Chicks

Raising Chicks: A Comprehensive Guide

One way to get chicks is through the mail. We like Cackle and Meyer Hatchery. The chicks we have received have been healthy, and they come through the post office. The other option is to hatch fertile eggs using an incubator. The incubators that we have found success with are Ebonnixs automatic digital incubator with built-in LED candler and Harris Farms Nurture Right 360 incubator with built-in candler.

Next, you decide on a Brooder and heat source: we use either a red heat lamp (and you will need the brooder lamp guard as well) or we really like using a 12 x 12 RentACoop adjustable heating plate because it is a little bit safer, and you don't have to worry about the light burning out. Also, without the continual light, the chicks get more acclimated to the natural night and day cycle. Many different items can be used for brooder boxes! Totes, metal wash buckets, repurposed watering troughs are some examples. As for the bedding, we prefer non cedar wood chips.
Temperature control: we look at the behavior. If they are piled up, they may be too cold and if they are laying down with their wings spread out, they may be too hot. Initially baby chicks will need warmer temps and then one can decrease the temperature by moving the height of the light or heating plate.

Feeding: Provide a high-quality chick starter feed. We tend to use medicated chick feed but have used non medicated as well. Ensure a constant supply of fresh water. We use gravity feeders and fonts when starting baby chicks. One thing we like to do when we first receive or hatch our chicks is to have dry feed as well as a small dish or lid of feed mixed with water to create a thick soupy meal. In the water we will add electrolytes, probiotics, and a little sugar for the first week or so. Also, for baby chicks we receive in the mail, we will gently dip the chick's beaks in the water to ensure they get the hydration they need.
Lighting: We like to provide 14-16 hours of light per day for the baby chicks if possible.
Handling: We try to handle the chicks gently and daily to help them become accustomed to human interaction. We enjoy giving them treats such as meal worms as a way to help them positively associate being handled.

Healthcare: We closely monitor the chicks for signs of illness, vigor, and keep the brooder clean with fresh bedding food and water.
Transition to Outdoors: we gradually introduce the chicks to the outdoors on warmer days. As they feather out week by week, they seem to become better acclimated to being outdoors and enjoy being out of the brood for longer periods of time.