Please give me a quick tutorial on chick-starting

[willowgirl]

We're thinking of adding some chickens this year because current events. Now, I've had chickens in the past, but I got adult birds from my stepdaughter, and my broody hens raised their babies on their own without any assistance. So, can an experienced person give me a quick run-down on what I'll need to start a half-dozen chicks from TSC? We have an old chain-link dog kennel at our disposal and Numb can knock together a coop, but how long do I need to keep them indoors under lights?

[Maura]

A half dozen chicks should be pretty easy. I have always kept mine in the house. Use your basement, or even the kitchen or bathroom, not the laundry room (toxic chemicals).

You will need a single bag of chick/duckling feed, a cardboard box and a heat lamp to start. I would start with a smaller box, say 2 x 3 or 3 x 3. Put a tarp or piece of plastic under the box. Cover the floor of the box with newspaper, then a layer of paper towels. You will need a water thing and a food thing. You can get the lamp, food and waterer at tractor supply or possibly a hardware store.

The heat lamp is hung over the chicks in the box. If they huddle together when awake, lower the lamp. If they stay far away from the lamp, raise it. You can give them greens, like carrot tops.

Check on them often because they are cute. Talk to them so that they get used to you and your voice. I would also handle them, let them perch on your hand, carry them.

They will poop in their food and water, so change as needed.

You should know when to move them to a larger box. Add a perch or two. They like to perch above the floor and it will keep the poop in one location when they do. A perch can be a fat stick or a board.

When they have finished the bag of chick feed, start giving them grown up food. Whole wheat, oats, corn.

If the temp is warm enough, they can start spending time outdoors in a pen or crate. Make sure they have access to sun if it is cold. If it is warm, they need access to shade. Have them out for an hour at a time, then extend the time.

Put the hen house away from your house or they will lounge on your porch and deck. Make sure there is electric netting around the chicken area for their protection.

Have a perch in the hen house. Keep straw on the floor. I used a bale of straw, picky side up so the poop would fall down into it.

How long to keep them indoors and under light? Until they can manage the night coldness, so it will depend on when you get them.

[Melissa]

For the first day or two I add a little sugar to the water. Gives them a little boost. Once they are a week or so old I pull some clumps of grass, dandelions, clover- whatever you have around. Gives them something to peck at and keeps them busy.

[willowgirl]

Thanks girls!

Looking forward to having fresh eggs again!

[Melissa]

As long as you keep them warm and fed & watered, they will do fine. I am sure numb will have them completely spoiled!

[Deleted]

A tiny bit of Apple Cider Vinegar in their water is good too....James

[willowgirl]

Thanks James!

And yes, Numb will be a very good Chicken Daddy, lol.

[Jolly]

A piece of advice...I'd stick to older, mainline breeds. I've found some of the crosses not be quite as broody. My choice would be Rhode Island Reds for eggs, Buff Orpingtons for dual purpose, but That's just me.

[Maura]

Jolly, that is what we ended up with. We started with RIR and a meat hybrid. Found the RIR's tasted better. Later got Orpingtons. Loved them, but they take longer to maturity, which I did not mind.

[Deleted]

How are the chicks doing?

....James