Chicks 101: How To Get Started Raising Chicks In The Springtime

Spring is just around the corner, and that means it's time to start thinking about raising chickens! Whether you're a wannabe farmer or a sustainability enthusiast, raising chicks can be both fun and rewarding. But before you can get started, you'll need to make sure you have all your bases covered. Here's a quick checklist of everything you'll need to know and do when starting out with your chicken-raising adventures this spring. 

What You'll Need 

Before getting started with your chick-raising journey, there are a few things you should have on hand. The first and most important is a warm home for your chicks. A brooder box is ideal; it should be large enough for them to move around in but small enough to maintain the necessary warmth. You'll also need some kind of heat source, such as an overhead lamp or heating pad (we recommend the latter). Finally, make sure you have plenty of fresh bedding—wood shavings work great—as well as food and water dishes. 

Feeding Your Feathered Friends 

Your chicks will need access to food 24/7 if they are going to thrive. Start by providing them with a starter feed specifically designed for chicks; this will give them all the nutrients they need for their first few weeks of life. Once they reach four weeks old, however, it's time to switch them over to a grower feed designed for older chickens. Finally, if you'd like your chicks to lay eggs eventually, switch them over to layer feed once they reach about 18 weeks old (or earlier if you notice egg production beginning).

Safety First! 

Chickens may look cute and cuddly but don't be fooled—they can still cause some serious damage! Make sure that any fencing or barriers surrounding their living area are secure so that predators—both wild animals and humans—cannot get in. It's also important to take basic biosecurity measures such as washing hands after handling chickens and not letting anyone with an infectious disease near them. This will help keep your flock healthy while avoiding any potential legal issues down the road! 

Now that we've gone through our chick checklist, it's time for the fun part: watching your feathered friends grow up into healthy hens (or roosters!). With the right preparation and care, raising chicks can be an incredibly rewarding experience from start to finish. So don't wait any longer; grab your supplies today and get ready for some serious chick-raising this spring! Good luck!