Egg-citing news everyone! I’m so happy to introduce you to Ladybird (Barred Rock Plymouth) and Cornelia (Ameraucana).
Sorry not sorry for the messy garage! IYKYK.
Do you want your own backyard chicks but don’t know where to start?
Or do you have your own layers, but not sure how to introduce new chicks?
Follow along with me to see how it goes. I’ve done this twice before with no major issues, though once I did have to give away a troublemaker hen! But here’s to hoping for another successful merge once these baby chicks have fully feathered and joined the flock around 8-12 weeks old.
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WEEK 1:
🐥 When you buy baby chicks from the hatchery they are usually 2-3 days old, so sit down and do the math. Write down the dates for weeks 1 – 6 so you are prepared when the time comes, and can better watch their progress as they grow.
🐥 Babies need to be at least 95 deg to be happy and survive. You will need a 24 hour heat lamp, and some space for them to move away from it as needed. Good air circulation is important. Get a thermometer so you aren’t guessing if it’s warm enough.
🐥 Their home: I use a wide rectangular metal cage, but a large plastic bin works too. I prefer the wider rectangle shape myself, as sometimes it can be hard to regulate the temperature, and I want to give them the space to move closer to or further from the heat lamp, wherever is comfortable for them. I have them in my garage, where it’s hot in the day and cool at night. If you’re keeping them inside, it’s easier to regulate the temperature, of course. Also, I use shredded paper for the bedding, but shavings, straw/hay, other materials will work as well.
🐥 When putting them in their temporary home, dip their beaks in the water and food so they know what/where they are. Yes, every single chick. If you move the water or food in the first day or two when settling into their temporary home, I would just do it again to be sure. They don’t have a mama to show them the ropes, you are their mom now!
🐥 Chickens are social, a minimum of two is recommended so they have a friend to bond with. I’m residential so I can’t get 12 at a time even though I would absolutely love that. 🤩 Maybe someday I’ll be a chicken farmer, who knows.
🐥 Babies need chick feed, this is different than regular feed because it has less calcium. Too much calcium before they are ready can damage the baby chicks’ organs. So make sure the feed you purchase is for chicks, not laying hens.
🐥 They need fresh water on the regular! Make sure to clean it often.
🐥 Baby chicks can get pasty butts! Cute right? 🫣 Check their lil baby butts regularly and if you see poop getting matted up, clean with a soft washcloth or use scissors to cut it. If their little vents get blocked they can die. Yes it’s gross, but I swear you get used to it and it’s not a big deal eventually.
🐥 Check them regularly and monitor behavior. If they’re super noisy, that usually means something is off. (The 1st day is typically very chirpy while they adjust though.) They huddle and shiver when cold, pant and try to escape when hot, etc. You will get a feel for it and learn the signs.
🐥 That’s it for now. More to come, so follow along with Ladybird & Cornelia!! 🥰 Feel free to leave any tips in the comments. I’ve had chickens for years, but I’m always open to learning new tips and tricks!
Next post: WEEK 2.
