Baby Chicks

If you're new to raising baby chicks, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. These little fluff balls are adorable and fragile, and they require proper care to grow into healthy, productive adult birds. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know to take care of baby chicks, from housing to feeding to health concerns.

Housing

Before you bring home your baby chicks, you need to have a suitable housing arrangement in place. Your chicks will need a warm, dry, and secure place to live for the first few weeks of their lives.

Brooder

A brooder is a small enclosure that provides a safe and warm space for your chicks to live. You can purchase a pre-made brooder, or you can create your own with a large cardboard box or plastic tote. Your brooder should be large enough to accommodate your chicks comfortably, with enough space for them to move around, eat, and drink.

Heat source

Baby chicks need to be kept warm, as they cannot regulate their body temperature effectively yet. A heat lamp is the most common way to provide heat for your chicks. You can purchase a brooder lamp and a heat bulb from a farm supply store. The lamp should be hung over the brooder, with the bulb about 18 inches away from the bedding. The temperature in the brooder should be around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and you can gradually decrease the temperature by 5 degrees each week until the chicks are fully feathered.

Bedding

Your chicks will need a clean and dry bedding material in their brooder. Pine shavings, straw, or shredded paper are all suitable options. Make sure to change the bedding regularly to keep the brooder clean and dry.

Feeding

Proper nutrition is crucial for your baby chicks to grow into healthy adult birds. Here's what you need to know about feeding your chicks.

Starter feed

Chicks need a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth and development. You can purchase chick starter feed from a farm supply store, which is formulated specifically for baby chicks. The feed should contain at least 18% protein and be free of medication.

Water

Clean water is essential for your chicks' health and well-being. You can provide water in a small dish or waterer, making sure to keep it clean and free of debris. It's important to check the water regularly, as chicks can be prone to drowning in their water dish.

Treats

While it's tempting to give your chicks treats like mealworms or fruits and vegetables, it's important to wait until they are a few weeks old before introducing any new foods. Chicks need to focus on eating their starter feed to get the nutrition they need, and treats can fill them up without providing the necessary nutrients.

Health concerns

Like any animal, baby chicks can be prone to health issues. Here are some common health concerns to be aware of.

Pasty butt

Pasty butt is a condition where feces get stuck to a chick's vent, which can cause blockages and infections. To prevent pasty butt, you should check your chicks' vents regularly and clean them if necessary. You can gently clean the area with warm water and a soft cloth, being careful not to pull any feathers.

Coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection that can be fatal to baby chicks. Symptoms include diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. You can prevent coccidiosis by keeping your brooder clean and dry, and by providing your chicks with medicated feed.

Marek's disease

Marek's disease is a viral infection that can affect chickens of all ages. Symptoms include paralysis, weight loss, and blindness. There is no cure for Marek

's disease, so the best way to protect your chicks is to vaccinate them at a young age. If you suspect that one of your chicks has Marek's disease, it's important to isolate the sick bird and consult with a veterinarian.

Injuries

Chicks can be fragile and prone to injuries. Common injuries include splayed legs, which is a condition where a chick's legs splay out to the sides instead of being underneath their body, and sprains or fractures from jumping or falling. If you notice that one of your chicks is injured, you should separate them from the others and provide appropriate care. Splayed legs can be treated by using a small brace or splint to support the chick's legs, while sprains or fractures may require veterinary attention.

Socialization

Chicks are social animals and benefit from being around other chicks. If possible, try to keep at least two chicks together, as they will keep each other company and help regulate each other's body temperature. You can also handle your chicks regularly to help them become more comfortable around humans.

As your chicks grow, you'll need to start thinking about their long-term housing arrangements. If you're planning to keep them as backyard chickens, you'll need to provide them with a suitable coop and outdoor space. It's important to research local laws and regulations regarding backyard chickens, as some areas may have restrictions on the number of chickens or the size of the coop.

In conclusion, raising baby chicks can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it requires proper care and attention to ensure that they grow into healthy, productive adult birds. By providing a suitable housing arrangement, proper nutrition, and monitoring their health, you can help your chicks thrive and enjoy the benefits of backyard chicken keeping.