We are starting a brooder this week as our coop gets built and are NEW to the chicken hobby. I've done some research but now I'm wondering what age to get some chicks and what the difference is between getting day old chicks and 3 week old chicks. We want to hand raise our chicks to be happy, friendly, and personable and will be handling them every day. The brooder is going to be in a 2.5'x2.5x1.5' high sturdy cardboard box if that makes a difference. I am just finding a LOT of 3 week old chicks and zero day old chicks on craigslist. Any advice would be awesome!
I'd start with day old chicks. You can order from one of the hatcheries; I got mine from Ideal in Texas. They are really easy to tame if you get them just a day or two old...
THREE DAY OLD. First, they've already absorbed their yolk sacs, and the very early mortality issues are less of a factor. I actually buy chicks at the feed store that have been there about a week. My favorite feed store gets its shipments on Thursdays, I go on weekends (because I can't get there after work before they close) and specifically look for those that came in the week before for the above reason. If the chick has survived a week in a bin of other chicks, it's most likely going to survive in my brooder. Besides, by then, there are some feathers growing on their wings so I can get a clue as to what they MIGHT feather out as!
Most definitely try hatching...VERY addicting! Also,getting them earlier and handling them every day is important I think. Also you know what they've eaten...been around,etc. Or you could do all three Hatch,day olds AND 3 week olds!! LOL...It's that darn chicken math in my head!! I got some 3 day olds...then hatched some...then ordered some day olds....am now up to 34!!! I love them! So,any way you do it...you'll love them
Well I found a local hatchery that is getting a shipment of 3 day olds on Friday!!!! They are getting Light Brahmas, RIRs, Barred Rocks, Buff Orpingtons, Black Australorps, and Ameracaunas! All of these breeds are known for their good temperaments right? I really want at least one of each breed...haha! Gonna set up the brooder (a wardrobe cardboard box which is 2'x4'x2'H) this week so we're prepared for the chickies on Friday . Now, do 3 day old chicks do well on bedding or do we still need to start them on paper towels? SO EXCITED!
