Where To Purchase Baby Chicks

Where to Purchase Baby Chicks for the First Time

While there is a lot that goes in to raising baby chicks it isn't impossible to learn how to do so for the first time without even taking a class. Thanks to the library you can find a ton of books about raising baby chicks and because of the World Wide Web you don't even have to leave the comfort of your home to learn the process and to order the products you'll need in order to get the job done. The following basics should be enough to get your little farm of chickens up and running.

The First Couple Months

There are a few things you will need to focus on during the first 60 days of raising baby chicks. The first is housing. Until the babies reach 5-8 weeks of age AND they have feathers, they need to be kept indoors under an brooder. A brooder is simply a cage (like one used for a rabbit) with clean newspaper and litter on the bottom.

There should be enough space for a waterer and feeder, and enough room for each chick to stand, sit, lay, and walk around. You will want to put a light bulb with reflector to heat the brooder to 90-100 degrees for the first week. You'll decrease the temperature by 5 degrees each week until 5-8 weeks old.

Always keep fresh water in the brooder at all times. Chicks drink a lot of water so it should be carefully monitored. They drink right out of bowls like a dog or cat would but a special waterer can help minimize spills in the brooder. As for food, raising baby chicks means learning what "crumbles" are. this is a specially formulated food for babies that help them to grow properly. You can also feed them meal worms as treats when you like.

Another important part of raising baby chicks is play time. Babies are very curious and love to play. After the first couple weeks of life you can let them play outdoors in a very confined and closely watched area for short periods if the weather is warm.

• Home - Where To Purchase

• Privacy & Contact Info