This past Sunday families gathered for church, Easter egg hunts and some even exchanged presents.
Some children received truckloads of chocolate, while others received baby chicks. As of Monday, those places that had these for sale as Easter gifts now offer them even cheaper.
Therefore, if you have been afraid to raise them, take the following tips in and give it a shot.
Like most young animals, these little guys are defenseless against predators so protection will be critical.
Once a chick is hatched they will need to maintain a body temperature of about 95 degrees the first week to survive.
As they get older the temperature can decrease weekly down to 55 degrees. The easiest way to build a brooder is to use a cardboard box or crate with a heat lamp.
If the young chicks continue to stay huddled up it may be too cold for them.
The correct temperature will allow them to roam around freely inside the brooder. Supplying them with fresh feed and water is the next important step.
If the chicks have just been delivered be sure to give them water first and slowly introduce feed. Most feed stores will send you home with a starter feed, which should be around 20% protein. This will be fed for the first 8 weeks. These are just a few steps to ensure that your newest additions will start laying eggs in a few months.
If you plan to purchase from a hatchery remember to have a brooder set up with a heat lamp securely fastened, so no fires start.
Change the bedding daily and provide protection, food and water and you will be just as happy as the chicks are. Once you get the chickens settled be sure to visit with your local vet or extension agent to develop a vaccination plan.
Always remind visitors to wash their hands before and after holding chickens to keep both from getting sick and always handle these birds with care especially as chicks.
Lastly, keep in mind that chickens are social creatures so prepare to purchase more than one. And to the children's delight, the more the merrier.
