What supplies do I need to care for chicks? Find out the answer, plus information on how to naturally care for them during their first month
Here Chick Chick!
Making the decision to care for chicks is an exciting one! Those little fluff balls have to be the cutest thing. Whether you’re choosing chicks for eggs, broilers, or both, making sure you have the right supplies and knowledge is priority. Since you are reading this, you are probably asking, “what supplies do I need to care for chicks?”
You may be choosing to purchase your chicks from a hatchery, local feed store, or big chain livestock supply store. We purchased ours from a local feed store, and decided to get a few different breeds. You can research breeds here if you’re unsure on what to look for. Either way, you’ll need to purchase supplies, and more than likely, your local feed store or big livestock store will have everything you need for their first month.
What Supplies Do I Need To Care For Chicks?
When we purchased our chicks, we decided to do so in a quick, last minute decision. We bought whatever the feed store had on hand, and brought everything home that same day, fluff balls included. You can read more about that funny story here. That being said, I do not recommend it! We should have done more research with supplies because I feel like we wasted some money on things that were either mediocre or unnecessary. I’m here for you friend! Let me tell you what I have learned.
Brooder Box
You will need some sort of container to keep these fluff balls in. There are many different options depending on how long they will be in there and how much you want to spend.
The cheapest option requires a small amount of DIY, but is very nice to your wallet. Grab 2 big plastic storage totes (something around that 18 gallon size) and CAREFULLY cut 1 narrow side from each away. Fit them together with some good ‘ole duct tape and voila! You’ve got yourself a good sized brooder for a handful of chicks. Now, if you only have a few chicks, I would say 1 plastic tote would do.
The next option would be to purchase a ready-to-go, large watering tub from a livestock store with no fabrication required. Sturdy and reusable, but not so nice on your budget.
The final option would require a bit more DIY, but you could always build a brooder from some 2×4’s and plywood. If you make the sides high enough and square footage large enough, it should last until they are ready to be outside permanently. Place a tarp underneath it so clean up is a breeze when you’re done with it.
Also note where you want to keep your chicks in your house or barn. They are dusty, and other animals can be curious. Even the most gentle cat or dog. I would recommend a cover that can easily be lifted to protect them from toddler hands and animals. A large piece of cardboard fitted nicely will do.
After setting up your brooder box, you’ll need bedding to place into it. The best kind to get would be a large flake pine shaving, which is typically sold in bales. It’s inexpensive and keeps the dust down compared to other varieties. Since a chicken’s respiratory system is very sensitive, you’ll want as little dust as possible.
Heat Source
I will tell it to you straight…I NEVER recommend heat lamps. They are a fire and burn hazard, and they can be hard to regulate the temperature. This is what I recommend, and it is worth the money spent over and over again. Chicks require a delicate balance of just the right temperature at certain weeks of age. Here is a general timeline of temperature control based on age:
Age: Less than 1 week Temperature: 90 degrees
2 weeks 85 degrees
3 weeks 80 degrees
4 weeks 75 degrees
5 weeks If temp does not fall below 60, remove heat.
Food & Water
You can purchase an inexpensive feeder and waterer at the feed store, just as long as the waterer is not too open or deep. Chicks can unfortunately drown in the smallest amount of water if the openings are large enough.
You’ll want to dip their beak in the water as soon as you bring them home to show them their water source. I also recommend a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in their water source to help prevent illness. In addition, you can also purchase an electrolyte solution to add.
You will also need to purchase a chick starter feed which should be ground up very finely. There should be no large granules in it. Always make sure feed and water are fresh and accessible 24/7. Since we choose to raise our livestock as naturally as possible, we do not provide our chicks with feed that contains antibiotics. If for some reason, you think you have a sick chick, you can treat them accordingly. But, we just prefer to treat as needed instead of preventatively giving antibiotics. Here is a good resource if you think you have a sick chick.
Entertainment
As your chicks age, they will start developing natural tendencies to roost and flap their wings. You can bring in a few twigs to prop up to allow them to practice roosting. You can also assemble a little perch from some scrap wood laying around. They will learn to love this little bit of entertainment.
Once the chicks age enough to allow some outdoor time, you can set up a secure area in the sunshine for them to practice foraging. The temperatures need to be above the level required for their age, but providing regular sunshine should be a priority as they grow. Also, be mindful of overhead predators when they are outside.
Supplies Needed For A Chick’s First Month
Brooder Box
Heat Source
Bedding
Food and Water Dishes
Entertainment
Naturally Grow Your Flock
I really hope you enjoy the entertainment and benefits of raising chicks. Naturally raising chickens continues to be a passion and hobby of mine. You can read about a recent post I did here, about ways to increase egg production in Winter. You’ll find a source for a free printable I offer for the best herbs to feed your chickens. Herbs are a great health benefit to both chicks and chickens.
As I cultivate my Sprouting Community on this website, I really hope to include a lot of information on naturally raising a sustainable flock of chickens. The best way to stay updated, is to add your e-mail list below.
Thank for visiting friends, and as always, stay kind and healthy (and enjoy those fluff butts)!
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