Coolness Alright, hi guys!!!! I really, really, really want you to reply, so I'll make this short and sweet! Okay, umm, i was wondering, if i got some day-old chicks or I hatched some, how would I raise them? I mean, I am unsure of the procedures and I would like some advice: hatch them or get them....or don't? Thanks, bye!
i just got day olds too. all you need is a brooder( a large box or large dog crate will work) a heating lamp i am using a 250 watt red light ( a little over kill for my small brooder). a thermometer to keep at 95 degres the first week -5 degrees every week after. food and water. there are tons of pics at the top of this forum under brooder pic https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6233 oh and bedding. there really is a lot of info here with the search tool at top of page never hatched any
If you don't have any experience do not hatch you own, purchase day olds. Once you've done that, follow steps posted by birdbrain 2 and others (you'll be all set).
Hi! and welcome. That's really quite an open question. The basic procedure is to create a brooder box that has sheltered sides and probably a top with good ventilation. You add a heat source ( bulb wattage depends on the size of your brooder). Cover the floor with shavings topped with paper towels. The babies need a chick feeder and waterer that are designed to let them eat without getting in the food and water. This is absolutely basic info. You really need to get a book and spend some time here for the details. All the best, Kate
Hi and ! I would suggest starting with day-olds, maybe get some at Easter. If you go to the blue bar at the top of the page, click on Index, then Raising Baby Chicks, you will find a lot of info, more than we can ever repeat here. You will need it, I sure wish I had found it early on! Good luck, you will love raising chickens and this website!
HI I havent gotten my chickies yet myself...its a drag but im waiting for the best time to get them,but i have learned alot here on byc so i know just about everything youll need: Youll want a brooder,im going to use a large rabbit cage myself,and pine shavings,no cedar,thats bad for chickens,and the first few days ,like 4 days youll want paper towels instead of shavings,NO NEWSPAPER that will end up with spraddle leg or whatever it is and youll want to get your feeders, chick crumble,the fine mash ends up in waste so crumble is easier and cleaner and you will probably want a 60-100 watt heat lamp and start at 95 and go down 5 degrees each week until you get to 70 i believe...and you know handle em,just the basic stuff and i would listen and just get them as day olds cause its just alot easier my friend and yah...dont need to give em grit unless ther eating treats that need help digesting...umm...well...i think thats all i have to say ask or pm if you have any questions!us BYCers are here to help i know,cause ive needed help in some of even just wanting to know what type of shavings....but uh..i should probably stop rambling on..lol GOOD LUCK WITH YUR CHICKIES
Hey! Raising chicks is really fun! If you live in a cold place, you will need to give them a heat lamp. I live in Australia and we didn't- there wasn't really much need. They will need temps of around 35 degrees (95) and you can lower it as they get older. Food, they will eat anything. Make it small, you wouldn't want them to choke. YOu can buy feed at a farm or some kind of pet store. Also another thing- don't let them spill their water! Important! If bedding gets wet this mould will grow and you will be left with a bunch of dead chickies. You can put marbles in their water to stop them from drowning also. Hope this helps! GOod LUck WIth YOur Chicks.
Here is a great reference book, Gail Damerow's 'Storey's Guide to Chickens' is an excellent guide, as well as this web site. This site is an excellent source of information. Also here are some other good sites and info. Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html http://www.mypetchicken.com/aboutChickens.aspx https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart
Hello and Once you do get your first chickies you will realize it is a LOT easier than you thought it would be. I can still remember how nervous I was with my first ones. They are so much fun and really easy to take care of. If you do end up buying chicks around Easter, please be careful. I have heard of people accidentally getting meat chickens and unless you plan to butcher and eat them that is NOT a good idea. I, personally, would order from somewhere like My Pet Chicken that doesn't require a minimum of 25 chicks and that way you can choose the types you want, too. Good luck. There is really no information you can't find on here.
Congratulation on your new babies!!!. Please post some pics. Here is a great reference book, Gail Damerow's 'Storey's Guide to Chickens' is an excellent guide, as well as this web site. This site is an excellent source of information. Feathersite has pics of chicks so you might be able to find out what your peanuts are. Scroll to the bottom of the pages on the breed links and there will be the pics of the chicks. http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKBabyChicks.html Also here are some other good sites and info. Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html http://www.mypetchicken.com/aboutChickens.aspx https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart
