Hey Folks!
It's that time of year when we get excited to welcome new baby chicks...and they are sooo much fun! There are many people who are getting chicks for the first time, and maybe you just have not had them in awhile and need a little "Chicken 101" refresher course. Please don't hesitate to call your local Skagit Farmers Supply Country Store with questions, or just stop by and visit us!
CHICK CARE
Brooder House, Chicken Corral, or Plastic Tub
Bedding: Pine Shavings (Gem Bale) or Straw
· Bedding such as shavings or straw must be provided for your chicks. Your bedding should be at least two inches deep. Keep your bedding dry and change as necessary to provide the chicks with a clean growing environment. Cedar shavings burn their feet, so only use pine.
Feeders & Waterers
Heat Lamp:
· Chicks require an area of space that has a temperature of 90-95 degrees. They also need to get away from the heat if they get too hot. The coolest area of your brooder should be no less than 70 degrees. Usually a 250 watt heat lamp per 25 birds is required to start with. Hang your heat light 24 inches off the ground in the center of your brooding area. Check the temperature at the bird level with a thermometer. This will tell you if you need to provide more heat or raise your heat source to lower your temperature. As your chicks grow, you will need to lower your brooding temperature, Decrease your temperature by 5 degrees per week until your whole brooding area is 70 degrees. Then maintain your temperature until your birds are fully feathered. Remember, watch your birds. If they are huddling together, they are probably too cold. If they are away from the heat as far as they can get, they are too hot. Chicks all in a corner suggests that you may have a draft. Chicks spread around and drinking and eating happily are just right. Start warming your brooder pen at least two days before birds arrive. Check your temperature regularly once chicks have arrived.
· Red Bulb – provides heat, calming to young chicks and camouflages any blood from pecking
· Clear Bulb – provides heat and in the winter more “hours” of daylight
Feed:
· Chicks must be provided with feed and water as soon as you receive them.
· Upon arrival, it is a good practice to dip the bird’s beak into the water. This will show the bird where the water is. Provide one 24 inch feeder and one gallon chick fount for each twenty-five chicks. Keep your feeders and waterers close to the heat source. Chicks will not stray far from the heat to eat and drink. Change your water often and keep your feeders clean. This will keep your chicks healthy. Provide day old chicks, ducks and geese with Purina Start and Grow or Flock Raiser for a mixed flock. Turkeys and Game birds require a higher protein feed such as Flock Raiser. Ask us for the proper feed.
· Chick Grit for up to 10 weeks.
· Scratch Grain
Medicated Feed: Purina Start and Grow, we do have non-medicated Start and Grow
· Helps prevent coccidiosis in chickens
o Coccidiosis causes considerable economic loss in the poultry industry. Chickens are susceptible to at least 11 species of coccidia. All wild birds carry Coccidia.
· As your chicks grow, provide them with more space. This will reduce cannibalism, provide an area for them to exercise and reduce the chance of disease.
· Chickens will start laying eggs on average between 4-6 months.
· Molting generally begins after their 1st year.
· For your most frequently asked questions, check out: http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-faqs-the-frequent-asked-questions-of-raising-chickens
You can also check out our blog at: www.skagitfarmerssupply.blogspot.com
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