Sponsored Post Six Steps For Starting a Flock

[cindip]

Curious! did you set the traps close to the chicken area? and what did you use for bait? thanks!!

 

[ariadne]

Get yourself a copy of "Backyard Poultry - Naturally". Best thing I ever bought, it's been invaluable in keeping my flock healthy for 10 years now. Great advice on how to prepare your yard for your poultry's health.

Great advice on keeping other poultry, breeds, raising chicks etc.

Get to know your local stockfeed supplier too, their advice is always spot on.

 

[sammy56]

What can I do I dont have a heater I live in bangladesh

 

[ariadne]

What can I do I dont have a heater I live in bangladesh

How warm is it in Bangledesh? I'm in Australia, and we've just raised 7 chicks from one day old without a heater. It is summer here at the moment, and we found the light supplied sufficient heat for them to thrive. 7 very healthy chicks later....

If your weather is already warm enough, I wouldn't put a heater in. It'll be too hot for the little lovelies. See what temperature you'd set the heater to, grab a thermometer and see if you can obtain that temp with just a light.

Do check though; it's warm here in Australia in summer (between 30-40 degrees Celsius most days) so it's easy here. Warmth ain't an issue here

Good luck!!

 

[birdman55]

great information

 

[karenerwin]

I hadn't thought about the square corners being a problem. However, I just lost 2 Astralorps chicks today. They were a week old and they were both in opposite corners of the brooder. I wasn't sure what had happened until I read the comment about chicks getting stuck in the corners. I think that is probably what happened to mine & then they got too cold because they were too far away for the heat lamp. Lesson learned.

 

[WVDoug]

Tractor supply has their chicks shipped in,so it would be the same as if you ordered them from a hatchery.

While this is true, they are ordered by the hundreds and have a much better chance of keeping warm than a direct mail order of 12 or so. You also obviously only bring home live and healthy-looking chicks, and can control the temperature in the car in the way home (even if it is unpleasantly warm for you)!
I bought my first chicks (18) at Tractor Supply last March and haven't lost any.

 

[WVDoug]

I hadn't thought about the square corners being a problem. However, I just lost 2 Astralorps chicks today. They were a week old and they were both in opposite corners of the brooder. I wasn't sure what had happened until I read the comment about chicks getting stuck in the corners. I think that is probably what happened to mine & then they got too cold because they were too far away for the heat lamp. Lesson learned.

I read about the corner thing just before I set up my brooder. It was a rectangular appliance box, so I added a fold in the middle of each long side and made it into a hexagon shape. Still had corners, but harder to get stuck in.

 

[cubalaya]

1. choose a breed that you like and won't get tired of
2. research and find out who has great birds in that breed and is willing to ship
3. try to get a trio or 2 pairs of adults. adults have already got past the diseases and have shown immunity.
4. raise some chicks from your trio or pair
5. select the best chicks and cull ruthlessly as they get older.
6. feed them a good ration like southern states(medicated chick starter, layer pellets)