[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Be Prepared<\/h2>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Before you bring your\u00a0chicks home, you will need to gather some supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A brooder is a chick’s transitional home – a warm, safe, contained space where they can be closely watched and cared for before they are big enough to enter a regular coop.\u00a0<\/p>\n You can buy or make your own brooder. It should be at least 12 inches tall, draft-free, and provide at least 2 square feet of space per chick. Make sure you wash, disinfect, and dry your brooder before the chicks arrive.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chicks need a soft, comfy place to live. In the first week, their feet can sometimes have a hard time gripping. Because of this, it is\u00a0not a good idea to use slippery materials, like newspapers.\u00a0<\/p>\n After that, switch to a 4-6 inch deep layer of shavings. As their name implies, hardwood shavings are too tough for chicks. We recommend pinewood shavings or a hay\/straw mix.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The <\/span>Chicken Waterer<\/a><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>holds 12 gallons of water and allows 3 chickens to drink at one time.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chickens need to be kept warm as they grow and develop their feathers. You will need a light to hang over the brooder to provide the warmth they need. As the chicks grow and need less heat, you can adjust the height of the lamp.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chicks have different nutritional needs than adult chickens, so make sure to have a feed that is made specifically for them. Look for chick grower rations with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Generally, crumbles are easier for chicks to eat.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” type=”4_4″][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/YQWR38fNRmE” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Chicks regulate their own heat to a certain point. They stand under the light if they are cold and move away if they are warm. They also huddle together to provide warmth for the group.\u00a0<\/p>\n When chicks huddle together, they can cause accidental smothering or suffocation, so it is important to check on them regularly to make sure they are all safe.\u00a0<\/p>\n As chicks grow, their need for heat diminishes, so you can raise the height of the light.\u00a0<\/p>\n Here are some general temperature requirements:<\/p>\n Each time you raise the height of the light, observe the birds closely to make sure they are comfortable and safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Water is essential for healthy chicks. When you first introduce the chicks to the brooder, be sure to give them fresh water before you give them access to feed.\u00a0<\/p>\n Check their water levels every day to make sure they are consuming enough. You may want to consider adding a water protector to their water supply to keep it fresh and free of residue and contaminants.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Adolescent chickens are feisty and can behave badly. Keep a close eye on their interactions to protect against bullying and injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n Make sure the birds have enough space to reduce mischief. If they are too close together, toe picking or feather plucking might break out, and those are hard habits to break.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n For the first few days, give your chicks easy access to their feed by sprinkling it directly on the brooder floor. After that, you can place a chick feeder into the brooder.\u00a0<\/p>\n Just like the water, check the feed levels to make sure they are eating enough. To help their digestion, be sure to also offer grit in a separate feeder – they will need special chick grit until they are around 8 weeks old.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the springtime, it is hard to miss the sounds of peeping in local ranch stores. Oftentimes, these stores will have “chick days” during the spring where they have special pricing on chicks and supplies.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n You can also find chicks through your local poultry association. These associations are full of great resources as you begin raising chickens. Additionally, you can join these associations, and take part in the competitions and shows when your chicks have grown.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Or, skip the middleman and order chicks directly from breeders. The breeders will generally have two shipments of chicks during the spring and will mail a box of chicks directly to you. Be aware that these shipments will go directly to the post office for you to pick up, instead of being delivered to your home. Just like with human babies, the delivery date is approximate, so make sure you are ready a few days before the expected date.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” header_2_font=”|700|||||||” header_2_font_size=”32px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Be sure to turn on the heat lamp before you bring your chicks home. Temperature is vital for chicks’ health, so if you wait to turn on the lamp until chicks arrive, the time it takes for the lamp to reach the right temperature could prove dangerous, if not fatal to the chicks.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The general rule for day one is to look, but don’t touch. Chicks are prone to stress, especially during travel, so give them some touch-free time after you place the chicks in their brooder. Do keep an eye on them though to make sure they are finding water and food, and that they do not seem dazed, lethargic, or cold.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1″ custom_margin=”||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_css_main_element=”align-items: center;” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-13cbcfbc-af33-4e5a-95cb-342a3357a0b1%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Montserrat||||||||” text_font_size=”16px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBrooder<\/h3>\n
Bedding\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Waterer<\/h3>\n
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One of the most important things chicks need is a constant source of clean, fresh water. We recommend our OverEZ high-capacity waterer. The completely enclosed waterer keeps water clean and fresh, and the nipple drinking system keeps the brooder dry.<\/p>\nLight<\/h3>\n
Feed<\/h3>\n
Grow Time\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Heat Regulation<\/h3>\n
\n
Clean Water<\/h3>\n
Bad Habits<\/h3>\n
Feed<\/h3>\n
Where to Get Chicks?<\/h2>\n
Feed Stores<\/h3>\n
Poultry Association\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Directly From Breeders\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Day 1 Of Raising Chicks<\/h2>\n
Preheat<\/h3>\n
Reduce Stress<\/h3>\n
Hydrate<\/h3>\n
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It is natural for chicks to pick or groom themselves. Their new features are full of blood though, so they may bleed after grooming. The red blood spots can attract other chicks to come pick the same spot, endangering the chick. Use a red light in the brooder so that the chicks cannot see blood on each other.<\/p>\n