Chicks
Wanting to raise some chickens but don't have an incubator? Chicks are an excellent way to do this!
What your chicks will need
Brooder Box/Broody Hen
Chicks can not go straight in with your flock. They will need to be kept seperate for 14-20 weeks depending on the breed, your current breeds and your set up. You can use a brooder box or a broody hen for the first 6-8 weeks. if using a broody she will need to have been sitting for at least a week and not have other chicks.
Heat Source
Chicks require a heat source for at least 6 weeks in the colder months and 4 weeks or more in the warmer months. You can use a broody hen, a heat lamp or a heat pad. a cheap and simple heat lamp can be a light cord with a 100w halogen bulb. Heat pads are available to purchase from poultry supply retailers. Chicks will huddle under the source constantly if cold or avoid it if it is too hot.
Chick Crumble and Clean Water
Chicks need constant access to food and water. It is best to use a specially designed feeder and waterer for them. They must have chick crumble for the first 8 weeks and ideally this should contain coccidiostat in it. After the 8 weeks they should move onto a grower feed till POL (16 weeks).
Clean Enviroment
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Chicks should always have clean environment to live in. Equipment should be disinfected and washed regularly and their bedding replaced. We use and recommend pine pallets that expand into sawdust once wet as it is very absorbent and doesnt get stuck in their feed and water. Shavings are also a good option. Do not use hay/straw or newspaper. Chicks in their first week can not have a smooth surface as this will cause issues with their legs.
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Chicks are prone to coccidiosis even when using a medicated feed. If their enviroment is dirty or damp, overcrowded or in a stressful enviroment then they are likely to become ill with coccidiosis. Keep an eye out for lethargic chicks or bloody droppings (specks or strings of red is normal and is usually intestinal shedding). Have Coxiprol or Baycox on hand in case of an outbreak. We stock Coxiprol here.
Larger Run
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Coxiprol/Baycox on Hand
Once your chicks outgrow their brooder box they will need to move to a larger area. Ideally this will be at 6 weeks in summer, 8 weeks in spring/autumn and 10 weeks in winter. They can move outside at this age as they will be fully feathered. This run should be fully enclosed and give them access to grass.