Preparing For Your Chicks

Spring is here and that means it's chick season once again! Whether you're buying them locally or having them shipped to you, you'll need to prepare for their arrival.

Equipment needed:
Heat lamps
Litter and/or shavings (use wood shavings, not shredded paper)
Feeders
Waterers
Chick feed
Clean water
Sanitizing solution
Cleaning brushes
Q-tips

A warm place indoors for the chicks, away from adult chickens, if any. For housing, we've always used large plastic totes with wheels. You can get these for less than $15 at Walmart or Home Depot.

Feeders, waterers, litter and feed can be purchased from your local feed or ranch supply store. If you're buying Purina feed, be sure to sign up for their Purina Difference Rewards Program - they email you coupons every quarter. 

I'd advise buying litter from the feed supply store rather than a pet store which is a lot more expensive. Remember to only use wood shavings for chicks. Do not use paper sheds as the chicks may get their legs entangled and/or broken from the paper sheds.

Clean and disinfect the chick area a few days before the chicks arrive to allow to area to dry. Place the heat lamp about 20" above the chicks.

Make sure the brooder is warm before they arrive (approx 90F). If the chicks are huddled under the lamp, the area is too cold. If you find the chicks moving too far away from the lamp, the area is too warm. Overheating the chicks can be as dangerous as having them too cold. If the chicks move comfortably around the area then you have the temperature right.

Water and feed should be cleaned and replenished daily. Wet or soiled litter should be removed and replaced with dry clean litter.

It is also important to note that chicks are susceptible to a condition call "pasting up" - this is when the feces builds up on the chick butt, preventing additional excrement from releasing. Check chicks daily and remove the dried waste with a warm damp paper towel or Q-tips, which I've found to be quite handy!