New Chicks-First Time Breeder

[AddiesDidi1]

Hello-
I will be having new Chicks on Sunday
they have been in an Incubator for the past 17 days- I have ordered a Brooder-
I have a Few question?
1. What type of Feed should I use for the New Chicks?
2. I have also read that new Chicks need Vaccination? The eggs come from Chickens that we have on our Farm that we were given from a Friend. Assorted types-How will I know which chicks need vaccines? or when do I give the vaccine? Where do you purchase the Vaccine?
3. At what age do you put the chicks with the older chicks?
Thank you so much for your help.

 

[Chiko]

First of all...

1. What type of Feed should I use for the New Chicks?
I use 18% protein Medicated Chick Starter for the first 6 weeks
2. I have also read that new Chicks need Vaccination?
Usually hatcheries vaccinate meat birds or other birds shipped in large quantities. If you are hatching birds on a small scale as a hobby, you don't need to vaccinate them. I never do it. There's really no need..
3. At what age do you put the chicks with the older chicks?
I put my babies in with the big girls at about 7-8 weeks old when they are fully feathered, and don't need heat anymore. They will always stay together as a small flock and are so cute to see out there with the big girls

I hope this helped!

 

[cashdl]

Congrats on your soon to be new babies.


I feed my babies organic chick start because it doesn't have soy in it, I put organic apple cidar vinegar in their water.

I do not vaccinate my chicks. For me personally, I want a naturally resistant and strong flock. It is a choice each person needs to make for themselves. I do let people know that my chicks are not vaccinated when they enquire to purchase.

I put 1 week old babies in a brooder with babies up to 1 month. I have several pens of babies from 1 week to 1 month growing out at the same time. When they are about 6 to 8 weeks old I will combine them all into 1 grow out pen.

I don't put babies with adult untill they are close to 5 months old.


Just my little ole way of doing things. I hatch between 25 and 100 chicks per week year round successfully.

Lanae