TIPS FOR GETTING THE BEST RESULTS FROM YOUR NEW CHICKS

ENVIRONMENT:   Keep them clean & dry.  Provide warm, dry housing without drafts.  Make sure predators (dogs, cats & children too!) can’t get inside.

SPACE REQUIREMENT:  No crowding allowed.  From hatch until 6 weeks old they need .8-1.0 square feet per chick.  Six weeks and older they need 1-2 square feet per bird.

TEMPERATURE:  Avoid chilling!  When they are a day old, keep temperature at 90° - 95°F.  Use a heat lamp or a light bulb, approximately 20” above chicks.  Heat in advance, raise or lower light to adjust temperature.  If the chicks are cold, they will huddle under the light. If they are too hot, they will huddle in the corners.  Reduce temperature 5° every week until minimum of 65°F. 

WATER:  Use a 1-quart fount per 25 chicks. Use fresh, cool water.  Clean daily.  Dip beaks to induce drinking.  Elevate waterer after first week to reduce contamination from litter.  Water should not be higher than the chick’s back.  Double waterer capacity at 6 weeks.

FEEDS:  Use chick starter until 18-20 weeks old (they should be feathered).  Then for hens switch to a 16%-20% complete lying feed.  If you’re raising other types of birds, ask a store employee what you need to feed your birds.

LITTER:  Use dry mold free bedding (such as Bed-O-Cob) to keep dry & comfortable.  Slick surfaces can cause leg problems, especially for turkeys, broilers and water fowl.

         HAPPY CHICK RAISING!