Here at Old Mill Feed & Garden,
our baby chicks drink water that contains a vitamin and electrolyte supplement. We feed our pullets (immature
hens) a chick starter with 18% protein that is medicated to reduce coccidiosis, a stress-caused condition. Broiler
chicks are fed a non-medicated feed with 20% protein. Grit is not required unless chicks are fed whole,
rolled, or cracked grains.
Baby
chicks are tender and extremely sensitive to stress. Keep them at about 95oF for the first week.
Watch your chicks; if they huddle together they’re too cold. Too hot, and they’ll
spread out to avoid the area directly under the brood lamp. If they space themselves evenly, the temperature
is right. Using a red brood lamp bulb tends to minimize pecking. Avoid sudden changes
and limit their stress. Decrease the air temperature by about 5oF per week by gradually increasing
the height of the brood lamp. At about 5 to 6 weeks of age, the chicks should be feathered out sufficiently
to withstand our typical spring climate.
Never start baby chicks on a slippery surface such as newspaper. They’ll have difficulty getting
their footing. We use bedding made from recycled newspaper because it is absorbent, controls odor, and
provides good footing. Avoid overcrowding, as the stronger chicks will accidentally smother the weaker
ones.
If you are raising laying hens, we recommend using medicated chick starter for the first few weeks, then switching
to non-medicated grower feed until the chicks reach maturity. Never give baby chicks calcium supplements
such as oyster shell or laying formula, as this can cause bone development problems. Once they start laying
eggs, usually after about 20 weeks, you should switch to a laying formula. Adding some cracked corn (and
grit) to their diet at this time will brighten the yolks of their eggs.
Handle baby chicks gently and avoid sudden changes in their environment. Stress is the most common
reason for losing baby chicks. If you plan to introduce your new chicks into an existing flock, be prepared
for some pecking while they establish themselves. Small chicks can seek shelter under a box or behind a
fence if you provide an opening that is big enough for them to pass through but too small for the bigger chickens.
We offer only the healthiest chicks
we can find to ensure you end up with a vital, productive flock for your efforts. Remember that sexing
baby chicks is an art and only about 90% accurate. It is common to buy some pullets that turn out to be
roosters. That’s life.
Always wash your hands after handling your chicks (or any animals) to prevent spreading disease.
