Newbie Chick Questions

[ellieanne22]

Hi All!

I am hoping to start my flock this year! I am so excited! As I am a total newbie to chickens, I thought I would ask you all for some advice.

I am planning on getting my chicks from a local-ish (in my state, but still a ways away) hatchery, rather than the local farm supply store. Primarily for the variety of chicks they offer and because as much as they guarantee their shipping success rates, I don't trust the idea of shipping little baby chicks by mail.

Do you all have any tips on what to look for when picking out healthy, strong baby chicks? Are they like puppies where you want to find a personality that suits yours? I plan on only having a very small flock to start out (2-3) because where I live I am only allowed to have up to 6 and I want the ability to grow as I learn but not be overwhelmed from the start. What are the chances of the chicks dying, if they're properly cared for? Do I need to start out with more chicks than I'm willing to keep (like 4) to make sure I end up with the number of chickens I want in the end? Or do I have a pretty good chance of keeping 2-3 chicks alive to chickenhood? If I bought two or three chicks and one of them did die, would it be problematic to try and add another chick in immediately? I've heard that sometimes that causes some peckiness between the chickens and that it's usually better to not add a lone new chick(en)?

Anyway, I think that hit the majority of my picking new chicks questions. I'm sure I'll be back with a lot more questions! Thanks, everyone!

 

[sylviethecochin]

First, do you live in a state with "Easter Laws?" That is, will they allow you to buy only three chicks at a time? PA won't.

Pick bright-eyed chicks that are large and well-fluffed. Ignore chicks with poop on their bums, or that you see picking at the toes of other chicks. Chicks aren't like puppies; they're highly unlikely to run up to you and make love.

Chicks are highly unlikely to die, if properly cared for, but things do happen. Four is a good number. Two will pair off and isolate the third; if you only have two, if one dies, the other is flat out of luck.

You can add really young chickens (0-3 mths) together pretty easily. Teenage pullets (4-8 mths) are getting laying hormones, and are pretty aggressive then.

 

[blackdog043]

Also, you could possibly get a rooster, it happens. I'd get four and next time get 3 or 4, you can sell the extras, if you end up with more than 6.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Watch for chicks that have pasty butt (droppings stuck to their behind) you can remove the droppings with a warm, not hot, paper towel or washcloth but don't pull as this can cause injury to the chick.
Gather a first aid kit of sorts with items you may need to save a chick. There are great articles on here that discuss that information.
No, chicks are not like puppies. You do however want to purchase chicks that will be well suited for your climate.
If keeping them confined you'll want to predator proof with hardware cloth.
Have a heat lamp or brooding heat pad along with your brooder set up and ready to go.
Remember that sexing mistakes can and do happen so have a back up plan in case you get a cockerel and can't keep him.
If you're purchasing a pre-fab coop keep in mind that they seldom accommodate the number of chickens as described and can be cheaply constructed.