Chicks 101

With all that is going on right now, a lot of people have decided to start keeping chickens. During the springtime baby chicks are easily available from most feed stores. The only problem with them being so easily obtainable is that some folks will impulse buy without being ready.

Baby chickens do require some items that you wouldn’t normally have on hand.

I have compiled a basic list of items needed and what they are used for below.

Brooder box

This can be as fancy or as simple as you want.(Mine is SIMPLE) A brooder box is just a temperature controlled area that you keep the chicks in until they are feathered.

I used this video by Lumnah Acres as my inspiration for my brooder boxes. You can also purchase complete brooder boxes from feed stores and amazon.

Heat source

There are several options for heat in your brooder box. You can use a heat lamp with a clamp, a heating pad, or you can purchase a brooder heat plate. I would recommend the heat plate as the heat lamp is a fire hazard and you can't really set the temperature on the heating pad.

Thermometer

Any basic thermometer can be used for this. You just need to be able to monitor the temperature inside your brooder box. You will want to keep your chicks at 95℉ for the first week and then lower the temperature by 5℉ each week until they are fully feathered. Most chicks are feathered by 6 weeks of age.

Feeder

The feeder is kind of self explanatory, but it is just the container in which you feed your chicks. There is a wide selection of feeders that you can choose from. It can be as simple as a tray with food to a pvc pipe feeder or a store bought feeder. What ever you choose to use just remember that the chicks will make a mess of all of them.

Waterer

A waterer is a container that keeps fresh water available to your chicks. Fresh water is a must for your chicks so be sure to keep the waterer clean.

Bedding

As far as bedding goes the options are endless; pine shavings, hay, straw, dirt. I tend to stick with the pine shavings as I like the smell of them.

Feed

First you will need to decide if you want medicated or non-medicated feed for your chicks. Chick starter feed can be found at feed stores online and even at walmart. Your chicks will need a starter with 18-20% protein.

Now this covers your basic needs for chicks once they are feathered and ready you will also need a coop and run for them.