Check out our latest update on the DIY chick brooder and our new arrivals—20 Freedom Ranger Color Field broiler chicks that came a couple of days earlier than expected! I am excited about these fast-growing chickens! Let me know in the comments whether you want to see a more in-depth video about the DIY brooder builder Part 2 or if the highlights featured in this video are enough!
Adding chickens to your homestead this year, but unsure what breed(s) to choose? Click this link and receive a free guide about different chicken breeds: http://tinyurl.com/ChickBreeds
Here are the TOP 5 things I recommend preparing before bringing home new chicks!
🐣 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! 😍
Affiliate links:
Chick Feeder and Waterer Set*: https://amzn.to/3PD6HaL
Rentacoop Radiant Heat Brooder: https://amzn.to/49c1Btj
Electrolytes for chicks: https://amzn.to/4auvNk8
Eaton Hemp Pet Bedding: https://amzn.to/3THaRzA (also available on their website: https://eatonpetandpasture.com/)
Evie’s Acres participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
*I’m not affiliated with Tractor Supply Co., but you can purchase the feeder and waterer bases separately from the feed and water containers online and in the store .
#backyardchickens #babychicks #dayoldchicks #chickenbrooder #broilers #homestead #raisingchickensformeat #homesteading #blackhomesteaders #raisingchickens #raiseyourownfood #meatbirds
MUSIC (from Epidemic Sound)
Dance (Instrumental Version) by Lvly
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