The Thrifted Planter

Just Grow Something

Backyard Chickens

How to care for Chickens in winter

     Leave a Comment

Keeping backyard chickens is a great way to get fresh eggs, learn about animal husbandry, and enjoy the company of these friendly, silly birds. However, before you get started, it is important to do your research. You will also need to provide your chickens with a safe and comfortable coop, as well as a fenced-in run where they can exercise and forage. Caring for your chickens through spring, summer and fall is pretty simple. Then comes winter.

roosters and hens on a farm in winter winter chicken care

Learn how to care for your flock during the cold winter months.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase I may receive a small commission to fund my chicken addiction.

Here are some tips on how to care for chickens in winter:

Chickens are quite surprisingly winter hardy. They grow a down layer of feathers that helps insulate them during the cold winter months but there are a few things to do before winter sets in to keep your flock draft free and dry all winter long.

  • Make sure your coop is well-insulated. You can use straw, hay, or even insulation batting to insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling of your coop.
  • Make sure your coop has cross ventilation. You want ventilation to always be above the chickens. Ventilation allows air flow keeping the humidity and ammonia down during winter. Any extra moisture during the winter is a recipe for frost bite.
  • Provide plenty of bedding. Chickens will fluff up their feathers and burrow into the bedding to stay warm. Use a deep litter of straw, pine shavings, hemp or wood chips in the coop. 6-12 Inches of bedding should be deep enough.
  • Move the coop to a sheltered location. If your coop is exposed to the wind and rain, it will be much colder inside. Move the coop to a sheltered location, such as under a tree or against a building. This will help protect it from extreme weather.
  • Add a heat. If you live in an extremely cold climate, you may need to add a heat plate to your coop. Added heat should only be used in extreme cold for non hardy breeds.
  • Reduce drafts. Drafts can make the coop very cold, so it is important to seal up any cracks or gaps in the walls and doors. You can use caulk or weather stripping to seal up these areas. You may also wrap your coop in plastic or hay bales to keep out the cold.
  • Make sure your chickens have access to fresh water. Chickens need to stay hydrated, especially in the winter. Make sure their waterer is full and that the water is not frozen. Heated waterers come in handy during the winter months.
  • Check on your chickens daily. Make sure they are all staying warm and healthy. If you see any signs of distress, such as shivering or huddled together, take action to warm them up.

New to Chickens and need a coop recommendation? Read this post!

  • Make sure your chickens have a draft-free roosting area. Chickens will roost together to stay warm, so it is important to provide them with a roost that is high off the ground and away from drafts.
  • Monitor the weather. If the weather is very cold, you may need to take additional steps to keep your chickens warm, such as bringing them indoors or covering their coop with a tarp.
  • Be patient. It may take some time for your chickens to adjust to the cold weather. Be patient and make sure they have everything they need to stay warm and healthy.
  • Be aware of the signs of frostbite. Frostbite can be a serious problem for chickens in the winter. Signs of frostbite include pale skin, blackened tips of the comb and wattles, and difficulty walking. If you see any of these signs, take your chickens to the vet immediately.
  • Consider bringing your chickens indoors if you live in a very cold climate. This is especially important for young chickens and chicks that are not laying eggs.
chicken in coop on farm care for chickens in winter

Chickens need a balanced diet that provides them with the nutrients they need to stay warm and healthy in the winter. While you don’t have to change your feed in the winter, it is important to make sure your flock is getting a good balance of food vs snacks.

Here are some things to feed your chickens in winter:

  • High-quality chicken feed: Chicken feed that is specifically formulated for winter will contain more protein and fat than regular chicken feed. This will help them stay warm and maintain their weight.
  • Scratch grains: Scratch grains are a good source of energy for chickens. You can add a handful of scratch grains to their feed or scatter them in the coop for them to peck at.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Chickens love fruits and vegetables. You can offer them a variety of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and broccoli.
  • Yeast: Yeast is a good source of protein and B vitamins. You can add a teaspoon of yeast to their feed or water.
  • Supplements: You may need to add supplements to your chickens’ diet in the winter, such as a vitamin supplement or a calcium supplement.

Not all chickens will eat the same things. Some chickens may prefer scratch grains, while others may prefer fruits and vegetables and others neither. Experiment and find what your chickens like to eat.

  • Make sure their water is not frozen. Providing fresh water throughout the day or using a heated waterer will help keep your chickens hydrated in winter.
  • Monitor their weight. Chickens may lose weight in the winter, so it is important to monitor their weight and make sure they are not losing too much.
  • Check for signs of illness. Chickens may be more susceptible to illness in the winter, so it is important to check them for signs of illness regularly.

Winterizing your chicken run:

Just like the chicken coop your chicken run needs to be protected from winter conditions. In nearly the same way as the coop you will repeat the same steps.

  • Insulate the run. This will help to keep the chickens warm on cold days. You can use straw, hay, plastic or even insulation batting to insulate the walls, floor, and ceiling of the run.
  • Provide plenty of bedding. Use a deep litter of straw, pine shavings, wood chips or fallen leaves. Having a layer on top of the ground helps keep your chickens feet dry.
  • Move the run to a sheltered location with the coop. If your run is exposed to the wind and rain, it will be much colder inside.
  • Do not add heat. Make sure you have insulated your coop well and your flock should be ok.
  • Reduce drafts. Drafts can make the run very cold, so it is important to seal up any cracks or gaps in the walls and doors. We use thick plastic to cover and wrap our run. We leave space open for ventilation at the top of the run. Remember even though its winter your chickens still need air flow.
  • Make sure your chickens have access to fresh water. Keep your waterer in the run and not the coop.

Now that you know how to winterize your chicken coop and run here’s a list of the top winter hardy chicken breeds.

  1. Rhode Island Red. Rhode Island Reds are known for their cold hardiness and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  2. Buff Orpington. Buff Orpingtons are another cold hardy breed that is known for their gentle temperament and their fluffy feathers. They are not as prolific layers as Rhode Island Reds, but they are still a good choice for cold climates.
  3. Australorp. Australorps are a black chicken breed that is known for their cold hardiness and their egg-laying abilities. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  4. Wyandotte. Wyandottes are a hardy breed that is known for their variety of colors and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  5. New Hampshire Red. New Hampshire Reds are a cold hardy breed that is known for their egg-laying abilities. They are not as fluffy as some other breeds, but they are still able to withstand cold weather.
  6. Barred Rock. Barred Rocks are a cold hardy breed that is known for their gentle temperament and their ability to lay a lot of eggs. They are also relatively easy to care for.
  7. Dominique. Dominiques are a cold hardy breed that is known for their dark feathers and their ability to forage. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a good choice for cold climates.
  8. Ameraucana. Ameraucanas are a cold hardy breed that is known for their blue eggs. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a popular choice for cold climates because of their unique egg color.
  9. Olive Egger. Olive Eggers are a cross between an Ameraucana and a Maran. They are cold hardy and lay blue or olive green eggs. They are not as prolific layers as some other breeds, but they are still a popular choice for cold climates because of their unique egg color.

These are just a few of the many cold hardy chicken breeds available. When choosing a breed for your flock, it is important to consider your climate and your needs. If you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose a breed that is known for its cold hardiness. You will also want to consider how many eggs you want your chickens to lay. Some breeds are better layers than others and some breeds are friendlier than others.

Chickens are a relatively easy pet to care for on a homestead. Once you get them all set up they pretty much take care of themselves and are pretty content mostly happy little creatures.

Happy Homesteading!

How to Ferment Chicken Feed and why you should!

     Leave a Comment

ferment chicken feed

Have you wondered how to ferment chicken feed? Are you curious about the process? Let me help you with that!

What is fermented chicken feed?

Fermenting chicken feed is a process of pre-digesting the feed by allowing it to undergo anaerobic fermentation. It involves soaking the grains or pellets in water for a specific period, usually 24 hours, allowing beneficial bacteria to break down the components of the feed. This process enhances the nutrient availability, digestibility, and overall benefits for your chickens. Sounds great right!

What is Fermentation?

Fermentation is a natural process that converts sugars into alcohol, gases, or acids using microorganisms such as yeast or bacteria. It is a metabolic process that has been used for centuries in various cultures to produce a wide range of foods and beverages. Fermentation not only enhances the flavors and textures of these foods, but it also helps in preserving them and increasing their nutritional value. Additionally, fermentation is often associated with numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion and gut health.

How to ferment chicken feed:

  1. Gather your materials. You will need a food-grade container, chicken feed, water, and a lid.
  2. Fill the container with chicken feed. The amount of feed you use will depend on how much you need to feed your chickens.
  3. Add water to the container until the feed is completely submerged.
  4. Cover the container with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 days.
  5. After 3-5 days, the feed will be fermented. Strain out the liquid and feed the fermented feed to your chickens.

Tips for fermenting chicken feed:

  • Use a food-grade container. This will prevent any harmful bacteria from getting into the feed.
  • Use filtered or bottled water. Chlorine in tap water can kill the beneficial bacteria that are responsible for fermentation.
  • Stir the feed every day. This will help to distribute the beneficial bacteria throughout the feed.
  • Don’t overfeed your chickens. Fermented feed is more nutrient-dense than regular feed, so you don’t need to give your chickens as much of it. Which means you’ll save money on feed!

Fermenting feed is a great way to improve the nutritional value of your chickens diet and boost their immune system. It can also help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

ferment chicken feed

Here are some of the benefits of feeding your chickens fermented feed:

  • Increased nutrient absorption
  • Improved gut health
  • Reduced risk of foodborne illness
  • Increased egg production
  • Stronger eggshells
  • Healthier chickens
  • Save money on feed

If you are looking for a way to improve the health and well-being of your chickens, fermenting their feed is a great option. It is a simple and easy way to give them the nutrients they need to thrive and you’ll save money on feed. Healthy flock, healthy eggs!

Happy Chicken Keeping!

Ciearra

Chicken Safe Plants to grow for your flock!

     Leave a Comment

As a chicken owner one of the funnest things we can do with our flock is give them snacks. Snacks are anything other than their daily feed. Chickens will eat just about anything and it’s always surprising when we come across something that they don’t like.

chicken safe plants

Here are some chicken safe plants to grow:

  • Herbs: Many herbs are safe for chickens to eat, including basil, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
  • Fruits and vegetables: Some fruits and vegetables are safe for chickens to eat, including berries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, melons, peas, peppers, squash, and tomatoes.
  • Grains: Some grains are safe for chickens to eat, including oats, corn, and wheat.
  • Nuts and seeds: Some nuts and seeds are safe for chickens to eat, including almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.

It is important to note that not all plants are safe for chickens to eat. Some plants, such as avocado, rhubarb, and tomato leaves, are toxic to chickens. It is always best to do your research before planting any new plants in your chicken coop or run.

Herbs are great for drying and adding to your chicken feed, dust baths and even the nest boxes!

chicken safe plants

When growing chicken safe plants, it is important to choose plants that are appropriate for the climate in your area.

You should also plant in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. Chickens need access to fresh, clean water at all times.

6 Lemons Scented Herbs you need to grow and are safe for chickens! Read This!

By providing your chickens with a variety of safe plants to eat, you can help to keep them healthy and happy. Happy chickens equal happy chicken owner!

Ciearra

Top Tips for Raising Chickens from Hatch to Coop

     1 Comment

Raising chickens

As a backyard homesteader adding chickens to your homestead for the first time can seem quite scary. Being responsible for those little fluffy butts can make one quite nervous. Before we delve into raising chickens you need to know that sometimes chicks/ chickens die and there’s nothing you can do about it. They are delicate especially when they first hatch and sometimes even in a adult chickens death you just don’t know what happened. So don’t beat yourself up if you lose chicks. Raising Chickens can be a scary endeavor but these tips will give you the confidence to get started.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Before you even think about bringing home chicks you will need to check your city ordinances especially if you live in a suburb or inner city. There’s nothing worse than trying to hide chickens from your neighbors and city. Some places may only allow hens and not roosters so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Once you’ve established that you can in fact have chickens you have to find space to keep them.

Chicken Coop

Raising Chickens

Chickens like to roost at night and if you don’t provide a coop they will try and roost anywhere that’s off the ground. Coops are good for protecting chickens at night from predators and Inclimate weather. Your site will need a coop on level ground that doesn’t flood. There are some MUST haves when it comes to building or buying a chicken coop. You will want to make sure the coop can be closed up at night so a door where the chickens can come in and out but can be locked when they go to sleep.

Air vents preferably two so that there is a cross breeze. Air flow is very important in a coop during the seasons. It allows heat and moisture to escape.

An access door for easy cleaning and checking on your birds along with nesting boxes where your chickens will lay eggs. I know this sounds like a lot but, prefab coops come with all this and if you are not handy with building prefab is the way to go If you build your own you will want to make sure to include all of these necessities.

There are so many options for chicken coops from wood to plastic and large to small. All have pluses and minuses.

To learn about the 100% Recycled Plastic Nestera Chicken Coop Read this post!

Protecting Your chickens

raising chickens

You will need to decide if you want your chickens to free range, stay in a run or both. Either option is fine its all up to you and how your property is set up. If you live in a area with a lot of predator pressure you may want to keep your chickens in a run. Or if predators are not as prevalent you may consider allowing your chickens to free range.

Many think that using chicken wire will protect their chickens from predators but many predators can get through chicken wire. Chicken wire is only good for keeping chickens in but not at keeping predators out. Hardwire cloth is what you need to use when you are protecting your coop and run.

Raccoons, possums, snakes, weasels, hawks, dogs, foxes are just a handful of the predators who would love to eat your chickens. Pretty much any animal that eats meat would love to make a meal out of your flock. If you have dogs as pets you are going to have to teach them to be chicken friendly.

If you live in an area that has bears, bobcats etc. You may want to reconsider the whole chicken keeping idea because there’s not enough hardwire cloth in the world that will keep a hungry bear or big cat away from your flock.

Picking out Chicks

raising chickens

Now for the fun part of picking out which chicken breed is right for your homestead. Believe it or not there are many different breeds that serve multiple purposes. You can pick chickens for egg production, Meat, breeding, Egg color, Broodiness, Cold tolerance, heat tolerance, friendliness the list goes on. Many backyard homesteaders choose for friendliness and egg production but as your experience grows your curiosity for different poultry will change.

Ordering chicks online is a very common thing these days, the chicks are typically shipped just after they hatch. Make sure that the company you are buying from has good reviews and that your chicks have their shots prior to being shipped. You will pay more when having chicks shipped to your home.

Many areas have stores that sell chicks starting in spring through late fall. Two major retailers where you can buy in store in the midwest are Rural King and Tractor Supply

Setting up your brooder

When you bring your chicks home you will need a place to put them. A brooder is a sort of a nursery for chicks. It has a substrate, heat source with food and water. There are many configurations of Brooders but its best to start small with your first flock. Chicks require a specific temperature each week in the brooder to ensure they transition to being outside in the coop. They are unable to regulate their own temperatures in the beginning.

You can keep the brooder in your home, garage, barn wherever you have space. What’s most important is that the chicks be kept under stable temperatures.

You can make brooder out of just about anything. The most basic brooder can be a plastic tub. It’s a very simple set up and can be very cost friendly.

For a chick brooder checklist read this!

Daily Care

chickens on grass field

Once you have your chicks you will have so much fun looking after them. They are cute, tiny, fuzzy and make the most adorable sounds. Every day you will need to clean their brooder. Chicks are messy and no matter what you do they will get messier and smellier as they get older. So cleaning the brooder daily is key to keeping the smell down.

They need fresh food and water daily. You will likely need to change the water multiple times a day as the chicks will kick their bedding in it or will poop in it. There’s no way around the messes that they will create.

Chicks grow so fast. You will see them change almost daily, it’s sad and exciting all at once. The fuzz will disappear and feathers will show up in their place. They will look more and more like chickens daily and before you know it they’ll be laying eggs.

Transitioning 6 Weeks Old chicks

Six weeks is such an exciting time for your chickens! They are so much bigger than those day old poof balls you brought home. They are finally at the stage where they can move into their coop. To start this transition be sure that you start with small increments of time within a run. Keep a close eye on them as they are very vulnerable at this time.

Day One: One Hour

Day Two: Two Hours

Day Three: Four Hours

Repeat this until your chicks are out for eight plus hours. If you are transitioning during winter take longer with your transitioning schedule as your chicks will need to get used to colder temperatures. You will want to keep them in a run attached to their coop while they are still learning about being outside. When your chickens start spending the night outside you will want to keep a close eye on them making sure they learn how to get into their coop. You may find yourself putting them into the coop at night for a while. It’s natural for them to go roost at night.

I have heard that certain breeds do not roost such as silkies but you’ll want to do your research on the breed(s) you choose.

Smart Chickens

selective focus photography of white chicken

Once your chickens have learned to put themselves to bed in the evening all you need to do is make sure they are all in then close and lock the coop door. If you wish to let them free range you can start doing so. They will come back to the coop each night to sleep. When free ranging your chickens especially in the beginning keep close eye for predators and make sure they get back into the coop each night.

If you choose to free range your chickens they will supplement their diet with lots of greens and bugs. Chickens will eat anything so if you don’t want them to eat your vegetables or ornamental plants you’ll have to put up a barrier, otherwise it’s fair game. If you are keeping your chickens in a secure run than you will want to provide snacks such as fresh leafy greens, herbs, dried soldier fly larvae the list goes on.

**Do your research before you give your chickens any new foods. There are some foods that they shouldn’t eat**

See raising chickens isn’t so scary! Now that your chicks are big chickens now there’s so much to look forward too! Chickens are so goofy and provide endless entertainment along with fresh eggs so take good care of them and they will reward you for years to come.

Happy Homesteading

Ciearra

THE Chicken Coop for Backyard Chickens

     Leave a Comment

When thinking about a new coop for our flock, there were many “musts” we had in mind. Kind of like buying a house, we had a list of things we wanted out of our chicken coop. Our used, wood, pre-fab coop was not going to cut it long-term and we knew that when we purchased it. We were going to ride it out through Winter, then in Spring buy a new one. We wanted something safe first and foremost for our girls, affordable, easy to clean, with good ventilation. So I scoured the internet looking for chicken coops to replace our old wood coop.

prefab wood chicken coop
wood chicken coop in the garden
Prefab wood chicken coop

This blog post is sponsored by Nestera and may contain affiliate links and as always all opinions are my own. I may earn a small commission that helps fund the homestead if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

Should you place an order with Nestera after following a link from this post you will receive 5% off of your order automatically at checkout!

I stumbled upon many different chicken coops during my search. There were fancy chicken coops with all the bells and whistles. Some even had actual windows with curtains. I saw wood coops and plastic coops. Coops with built-on runs and custom-built coops. It was a lot to take in, especially where our budget was concerned. The plastic coops caught my eye because it seemed as if they would be easier to keep clean. The idea of being able to hose it out intrigued me.

So I typed in “plastic chicken coop” and got a host of options. All of the options seemed amazing, but there was one filter I didn’t add. I also had to have a matching run with my coop, so that eliminated a lot of the competition. Then one day while scrolling on Instagram, an ad popped up for a chicken coop company that I had not seen before.

The company was called Nestera. I devoured their website, blog, and social media. I was reading everything they had out there and what I found was a great company that believes in sustainability. A company that believes in their product so much that they offer a 25-year warranty on their coops. I haven’t seen any company through my research offer this kind of perk. What’s even neater is that their chicken coops are made from 100% recycled plastic equivalent to 2,000 shampoo bottles!

Nestera Chicken Coop
Nestera Chicken Coop
chicken coop with run
Nestera Chicken Coop with run

Another perk is that this coop and other plastic coops are red mite resistant! I also love the idea of being able to easily clean and sanitize the coop. This is very important to me. I live in a residential neighborhood, so keeping a clean hen house is a must. The last thing I need are my neighbors complaining about a smell.

chicken coop
5 week old chicks sitting on brooder
Chicken Coop
Me and 5 week old Margie

So I had made my choice. The Nestera plastic chicken coop and run arrived in several days and I didn’t waste any time getting it put together! My girls were nearing six weeks old and ready to leave their brooder behind so I was anxious and excited I wouldn’t have to start them in the prefab coop I purchased second hand. We received the Large Raised Chicken Coop with the run, Dropping trays and the Coop camera.

Chicken Coop Door
Chicken Coop Door open
Chicken coop door
Chicken Coop Door Closed

It took two people to put this coop and run together. We weren’t able to put it together all in one sitting because we had other things to do, but overall It was easy to build. The instructions were clear and easy to follow and all the pieces fit together so well. Once it’s all together, it is solid! Very few screws were needed and the rest was put together with lynch pins. I’m not sure about the smaller coops, but the large raised coop is heavy and without wheels you’ll need two people to lift it.

chicken coop
Lynch pins
chicken coop
Back of Coop

Attaching the run was so very simple. It all came together with zip and hooks onto the run perfectly with no gaps. It also has a predator resistant flap that zip ties on as well.

The large raised run fits 6-8 chickens and comes with two nice sized nest boxes. The nest box roof comes off for easy access and if you need, you can take the whole box off for cleaning.

Nesting boxes. Chicken coop
Nestera Chicken Nest boxes
Nest boxes with herbs. Chicken coop
Nest boxes with Herbs

The back of the coop is where you will have access to to clean. The whole back panel lifts off and you can change out your bedding and give it a good clean out if necessary. The coop has two locations with vents across from each other to give maximum air flow without it being drafty.

Back of the chicken coop
Back of the Chicken Coop
Inside the Nestera Chicken Coop
Inside of the Chicken Coop
Chicken Coop Air Vent
Nestera Chicken Coop Air Vents
Chicken Coop Air Vent
Nestera Chicken Coop Air vent

Underneath the coop you have an access point into the run. This is where I put their food and water. In the front of the run you have the run door which locks. This makes the chickens easy to access if needed. Giving them treats also helps to get them out if needed.

Thoughts

I really love this coop and run so far. My only issue is that they don’t offer a ton in accessories and by that I mean roosting bars for the run, treat holders a tarp for inclement weather would be nice. I have had to make my own roosting bars for inside the run and use plastic I had laying around to put over the run during the rain and hail. I even took an old suet holder I had in the garage and used it to hold treats for my girls. There’s opportunity here for Nestera to create more fun products for their customers. I would love to buy items specially made for their coops and runs because I know they will be made from sustainable sources and because they’ll fit my coop and run perfectly. The accessories that are currently offered are good I just would love to see Nestera offer more.

chicken coop
Aggie wondering why I have no snack for her
chicken coop
The girls enjoying a snack

We have yet to have a winter in this coop and run but I will update this post as needed.

What do you think about the new Nestera coop design? Do you think this would be good for your flock or potential flock?

Ciearra

Chick Brooder Checklist for Beginners

     1 Comment

chicks-chicken-small-poultry-162164.jpeg
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

So you’ve decided to add backyard chickens to your homestead! That’s so exciting! Before you bring home your new chicks you will need a few items to keep them alive and healthy. So here’s what your going to need for your chick brooder.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my houseplant habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra, and you’ll keep me in the garden. It’s a win for everyone, really.

You need a safe place to keep them

Your new chicks will need a safe place to stay. Either in a barn, garage, living room or some other place where you can plug in a heat source. I kept mine in my living room until they were old enough to be out in their coop full time which is about 6 weeks. A large tub or bin with tall sides will work as a good temporary home while your chicks grow. You can find one of these at any big box store or online. I prefer to use a plastic bin because it’s easy to clean. You can use a box but that’ll get yucky really quick.

Feeds stores sell stock tanks that could be a great place to raise chicks. Use a piece of chicken wire or some other strong mesh to cover the top of your bin to keep your chicks inside. Once they get bigger they’ll start jumping and trust me you don’t want them walking around your living room leaving messes everywhere.

The chicken coop we use for our girls is from Nestera. You can check them out here!

You have to keep them warm

Baby chicks require specific temperatures in those first few weeks of life. What you have to do is mimic the warmth that they would get if they had a mama hen looking after them. You can provide warmth several ways by keeping them in a warm room and providing supplemental heating. You can supplement heat by buying a heat lamp or a brooder plate. Be careful with using heat lamps as they can be dangerous, causing fires or over heating the chicks. The first week you will want to keep the brooder at 95 degrees then decrease the temp by five degrees each week until they are fully feathered around six weeks of age.

close up of chickens
Photo by Guntis Veilands on Pexels.com

Food and Water

Chicks should be provided fresh food and water daily. Because chicks are so small, they can’t typically eat the same food that you would feed adult chickens and they also have different nutrient requirements so you will want to buy them food specific for chics. Be sure that the food is labeled for chicks specifically and is in a crumbled form.

You also have the option of medicated and non-medicated food for your flock. This is entirely up to you if you want to feed medicated or non-medicated food. It’s recommended that if your chicks are not vaccinated, then you should buy medicated food; if your chicks are vaccinated, you can use non-medicated food.

The point of medicated food is to protect chicks from coccidiosis, which is a deadly disease that affects chicks that haven’t quite built up an immunity to it. This food reduces the risk, but doesn’t completely eliminate it.

Please be aware that some breeds are not recommended to have medicated food so please do research to see if your breed of chicks are safe having medicated feed.

The biggest concern will be keeping the water fresh as they like to kick their bedding and sometimes poop into the food and water.

white and yellow chicks on pebble covered ground
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Bedding

There are many different options for bedding but we chose Aspen bedding for our chicks. We chose this because it was safe, cost friendly and easy to find. Some of the other types of beddings include shredded newspaper, Pine shavings, compressed wood pellets (not the fuel pellets) puppy pee pads, clean sand, used coffee grounds and many more.

Along with the Aspen bedding we used the puppy pads. We laid the pads down in the storage bin then put an inch of bedding on top. This made clean up so easy because we would roll up the pads with the bedding and put it straight into the trash. The only drawback from using this bedding was the dust. Chickens kick up their bedding so our living room was covered in dust for weeks no matter how much we cleaned.

It can feel scary at first making the decision to raise chickens but once you get than hang of it you’ll find that they are really easy to take care of. Then you’ll be like me wondering how many more chickens you can add to your flock! I think that’s what they call “chicken math” but no matter how you configure your chick brooder just know that there’s so much information out there to help you along the way. I have learned so much from chicken facebook groups and reaching out to people directly on social media that are seasoned chicken owners. If you still have chick brooder questions after reading this feel free to leave a comment!

Ciearra

%d bloggers like this: