We planned to pick up our first set of 20 Freedom Ranger Color Field broiler chicks this Friday.
Then I received a text from our local hatchery that the chicks hatched earlier than expected and were available for pickup today!!! 🐣
Thank you @greenpasturefarmandhatchery!
To say I was excited is an understatement! There’s just something about caring for baby chicks that gets me pumped, especially this time of year.
Last night, I completed enough of the brooder to begin housing the chicks so they could move into their new, temporary digs without a hitch!
If you’re considering getting chickens this year, here are the TOP 5 things I recommend for a smooth transition!
🐣 SHELTER—Have a safe, secure place to house the chicks away from predators, pets, and humans unfamiliar with handling chicks. Ensure that it has proper ventilation and access to natural light!
🐣 WARMTH—Newly hatched chicks are adorable little fuzz balls, but due to the absence of their full feathers, they need an external heat source during the first several weeks. To mimic the warmth a chick would have under a broody hen, starting at ~95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) the first week and decreasing by 5 degrees each week is recommended. A radiant heat plate or radiant heat lamp are great options to keep your chicks comfortable!
🐣 BEDDING—There are various ways to set your chicks up with bedding for their waste. Pine shavings and hemp bedding are great options, but make sure to avoid cedar shavings as they are not good for the health of your chicks!
***BONUS TIP #1*** Using plain paper towels the first day or two helps the chicks acclimate to their surroundings, helps you see the appearance of the normal stool, and makes for (relatively) easy cleanup.
🐣 NUTRIENTS—Your chicks will need access to clean water and food appropriate for every stage of development.
***BONUS TIP #2: Include some electrolytes specifically for chicks in their water for an immunization boost ***
🐣 BRACE YOURSELF – The cuteness overload may surprise you! 😍
Adding chickens to your homestead this year but not sure what breed(s) to choose? Click this link and receive a free guide about different chicken breeds: http://tinyurl.com/ChickBreeds
Music: Florian Christl – Natural #diy #homesteadlife #raisingchickens #backyardchicken
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