Monday, February 3, 2014

How To Care For Young Chicks

 Supplies You Will Need
A brooder
Heat lamp
Chick starter (medicated or not)
Bedding (Pine shavings, towels, hay, etc,)
Water
Food Container
Water Container
Any additional things to keep them busy



My Opinion on Medicated vs. Non-medicated starter: I always give my chickens medicated chick starter. It prevents them from getting sick. Yes, they can still get sick if they are on medicated starter, it just isn't as likely. The other food is fine too, but if you can I would say get medicated, though some may disagree. 

Placing The Heat Lamp: Put your hand in the brooder while placing it, see if it seems to be a good height. You don't want it to be to far away or too close to the chicks. Raise the lamp about 2 - 3 inches each week. Make sure that part of the brooder is not heated, so the chicks can get away from the heat if they want to.

How Long Do The Chicks Need To Be Under The Heat Lamp: Chicks will need the heat lamp until they have most or all of their adult feathers. Do not keep them in too long, or not long enough. You may be able to figure out when it is time to get them outside on your own. 

My Chicks Are Bored, How Do I Keep Them Busy?: Chicks and grown chickens love to look at themselves in the mirror, so if you securely attach a mirror to your brooder, the chicks will have so much fun admiring themselves. They also like ping pong balls! And bells! 

Brooder Ideas:
  



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