Chick season is upon us. Please save this post as you make your first purchases this year. I’ve seen too many posts of little chicks passing due to lack of knowledge.
Your brooder should be equipped with a heat source. If using a heat plate, position it at the height of the chicks backs. For heat lamps, maintain a temperature of 95°F during the first week, gradually decreasing the temperature by 5°F each subsequent week. Always check the temperature at bedding level. Ensure the chicks have access to an area outside the heat source; if they become overheated, it can be dangerous. I recommend placing food and water away from the heat source to prevent them from overheating while eating or drinking.
Chicks require chick starter feed. The crumb may be too large for the first two weeks, so grinding them into a fine powder using a blender is ideal. Ensure their water is kept clean at all times. It is also helpful to provide a second dish with chick grit.
What is chick grit and why is it necessary?
Chickens do not have teeth; instead, food enters a pocket in their chest called a crop. When full, the crop will appear as a bulge. This is completely normal. Chicks also have the ability to open their mouths and adjust the crop by stretching their necks. Grit acts as a substitute for teeth, helping to grind food. Chicks do not require treats at this stage.
As your chicks grow, gradually raise their food and water dishes to prevent bedding from getting into the food.
Brooder Bedding:
Pine shavings, horse stall pellets, and small flake hemp are all excellent bedding choices. A clean brooder is essential for healthy chicks, so I recommend cleaning the brooder on a weekly basis.
Growth Considerations:
Be prepared for how quickly chicks grow. After around two weeks, they may be able to fly out of an uncovered brooder. For their safety, ensure you have a plan in place to prevent them from escaping. Keep in mind that brooders can be very dusty and can develop strong odors. To minimize this, it’s best to place the brooder in a garage or shed, as opposed to inside your living space.
Raising Friendly Chicks:
Frequent handling is key to raising friendly chicks. To pick them up, gently reach under their chest with your palm, ensuring they feel steady and secure. You can also hand-feed them by placing ground-up food in your hand. These actions will help them become familiar with you and develop trust.
When can chicks go outside?
If the temperature is above 50°F, I allow chicks over two weeks of age to explore outdoors during the day, monitoring them for up to one hour at a time. If they begin to cry excessively or huddle together, it is a sign they are cold and should be brought back to the heat source. They can move to an outdoor coop once they are fully feathered, anticipate them being fully feathered between weeks 10-12.
When should chicks transition to layer feed?
Chicks do not require layer feed until they begin laying eggs. Once it is time to switch, ensure they have access to oyster shells to provide additional calcium for strong eggshells
