Day Old Chicks

I'm sure you've seen and maybe read some of the multitude of books published on raising chicks and magazines dedicated to the same. It's our opinion, it's just not that hard. It certainly doesn't take a 150 page book to describe how to raise chicks. Basically like any other living thing, feed, water, shelter. They have their own little adjustments as anything other living thing, plant or animal.

                                                         

                                       Here are the basic requirements for raising your day old chicks:

  • 1.
    A clean, warm, draft free place to live, starting at around 90 degrees for the first week and dropping 5 degrees each week. If they are huddled tightly together, up the temp a little. If spaced out away from your heat source, possibly panting, it's probably too hot. By week 4 you're at room temperature. And by this time they have most likely started feathering. Depending on the breed, they have probably grown to about 4 times their day old size as well. You'll need bedding unless your brooder has a wire floor. We use pine shavings, works well for us, is easy to clean out and goes right into the compost bin. Using shavings lets them start scratching, dusting and all the things they will be doing as adults. You will need a top on your brooder after 2-3 weeks or earlier if it's short sided.
  • 2.
    They need feed and water. A clean water source is important. Keep water available at all times. Feed your chicks a chick starter, medicated or not, your choice. You can also sprinkle in some chick grit after the first week or so but go easy as you don't want your chicks filling up on grit and depending on your feed they may not even need it but a little is probably a good thing.
  • 3.
    Someone should be available to check in on them periodically. Your little chicks can run out of water or feed quickly, depending on feed tray size and the water system you are using. They should always have feed and water available...especially broilers.



    Things can and sometimes do go wrong but most of the time... a clean, warm environment with proper feed and water and you won't have many problems. We often mix some electrolytes in their water for the first week just for an extra boost as they get started in their little lives.

    Watch for them to get pasted up (damp paper towel will usually take care of this), colds or other sickness can happen but that usually goes back to the environment. There is a draft or they are too cold, something isn't right. Round brooders are preferred to square or rectangle as this prevents the chicks piling up in corners. Chicks grow fast, make sure your brooder can handle the quantity of chicks as they get bigger until the time comes to move them to your permanent facility. Make sure you buy your chicks from a reliable, clean source for best results.

    When things do go wrong, it's often difficult to diagnose as many symptoms can be signs of multiple afflictions. You would want to zero in on the symptoms as to exactly what is affected. Is it a problem respiratory? Is it external or internal? Pecking and cannibalism can be a problem but that is usually due to overcrowding or incorrect lighting. Mites or lice go back to a clean environment. If necessary, your local Ag/Farm store will have various medicines on the shelf. Again, know what it is you are trying to treat. Don't just throw some medicine at them because it says it's for chickens and looks like it's for a lot of illnesses.

    Keep the brooder warm and clean, give the chicks fresh water and feed as well as enough room and you'll have few problems.