Caring for your new chicks

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Caring for baby chicks involves several key steps to ensure they grow up healthy and strong.
Here are the basic instructions:

1. Brooder Setup

• Space: Provide a brooder, which can be a large box, tub, or a specific brooding pen, with enough space for the chicks to move around comfortably.

• Bedding: Use bedding such as hemp, pine shavings (avoid cedar) or straw. Change the bedding regularly to keep it dry and clean.

2. Heat

• Temperature: Keep the brooder warm with a heat lamp or brooder heat plate. Start at 35°C for the first week and reduce by 2°C each week until fully feathered (around 6 weeks).

• Monitoring: Ensure chicks can move away from the heat source if they get too warm. They should not crowd under or avoid the heat source.

3. Food and Water

• Feed: Provide chick starter feed, which is high in protein and designed for young chicks. Avoid giving adult chicken feed.

• Water: Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning and change it regularly.

4. Safety

• Protection: Keep the brooder secure from small children, pets and predators.

• Monitoring: Check on the chicks multiple times a day to ensure they are active and healthy. Look out for signs of illness or distress.

5. Social Needs

• Companionship: Chicks are social animals, so keep them in groups to prevent loneliness and stress.

• Handling: Gently handle chicks daily to socialize them and make future handling easier.

6. Transitioning Outdoors

• Feathering: Wait until the chicks are fully feathered before transitioning them to an outdoor coop, usually around 6-8 weeks.

• Weather: Ensure the outdoor temperature is appropriate and gradually acclimate them to the new environment. Ensure access to cool fresh water and shade at all times, as well as a dry protected area during rain.

By following these steps, you can help ensure your baby chickens grow up healthy and strong. Regular attention and care are key to raising

happy, thriving chicks.