When I first considered the idea of chickens, I put in so much research. Hours upon hours of searching google, reading books, reading blogs, reading Facebook groups. It was too much.
There is so much to learn about chicks and chickens and everyone has an opinion. Here's a fact for you. Until you actually have the chicks in front of you, you honestly will know nothing. So here's a few things to keep in mind.
1.Laws and Regulations-
Know your laws and ordinances. Don't have contraband chickens. It wrecks it for the law abiding citizen. Check your HOA, your city, your county, and your state laws. Ignorance will be no excuse in the long run. If you aren't allowed roosters, this will help you pick your chicken breeds. If you aren't allowed roosters, you need a plan for them if you choose to get a breed that might risk having one.
2. The Brooder-
I used a dog crate. Some people use boxes, some people use plastic tubs (be careful with these as they can bother a chick's respiratory functions with hot plastic). If I was to do it again I would definitely change some things. I'd get a bigger brooder. When the girls were 8 weeks...they were too big for the space they were in. I'm lucky, they got along great! But bigger is better.
Heat Source-I used a heat lamp. I know shame shame. There's nothing wrong with using a heat lamp as long as you are aware of it and pay attention to it at all times. I was home due to covid. I was in the bathroom where the chicks were growing all the time, just staring at the chicks. I was well aware of the heat lamp. I would probably do a brooder plate next go around though.
Bedding- I used pine shavings. I highly recommend this. They stay warm, the chicks can dig and play in them and have enough traction to avoid splay legs. I don't recommend sand for chicks. They will need to be cleaned constantly and sand is a real hassle to clean inside. Please don't use newspaper or paper towels. You can get leg issues this way due to lack of traction. Also newspaper is gross when pooped on and paper towels are so expensive (and hard to find still!)
2. Feed
Medicated feed verses Unmedicated feed-
If your chicks were vaccinated for coccidiosis, you don't need to feed them medicated feed. Medicated feed can cause them to lose the immunity from their vaccine. If they weren't vaccinated, you can go for medicated feed. If you have a hen with your chicks, you will want to use a flock raiser or all flock feed with oyster shells on the side. Hens should not have medicated chick feed.
Grit-chicks don't need grit if being fed chick starter. You don't really need grit until they are starting to peck at grass and eating things other than their feed.
3. Vaccines and Biosecurity
Please if you have the option, get your chicks vaccinated for Marek's. They have to be vaccinated for this in the first 48 hours of life.
Everyone, and I mean everyone, will want to come by and see those tiny peeps. Be aware of biosecurity. Be paranoid. Don't allow people to wear the clothes and shoes they've had on in a farm store around your chicks. Make sure there is plenty of handwashing.
4. Resources
Buy the following books (I've included links to our Amazon Storefront)
Gail Damerow's Chicken Health Handbook
The Chicken Chick's Guide to Backyard Chickens
Wilma The Wonder Hen's Podcast
Join our Instagram Chicken Community. There are a lot of us out there willing to help and give solid advice.
