Raising Chicks

Not surprising, having chickens will be popular this year. If you're just now starting out on your homesteading journey, chickens are one of the animals I recommend to start with.

I suggest chickens for a few reasons:

1) they're easy to take care of and are relatively hands off (other than the initial care for chicks which we'll go over). They tend not to need a whole lot of feed or maintenance.

2) Great food source. Eggs are high in nutrients.

3)Raise them for your friends and family! There are people who can't raise their own food, be that source because someone has to and NEEDS to.

So what breeds are best?

There are many different breeds, some are egg layers, some are meat, some are dual purpose, and some are simply ornamental. My suggestion is to look into heritage breeds. Heritage breeds tend to be hardier, better free-rangers, and many of these breeds have been around for hundreds of years. There are a few hardy breeds that I suggest to begin with. The ones in bold are heritage breeds: Barred Rocks, Leghorns, and/or Orpingtons. The three breeds listed are great egg producers and extremely hardy. Just a heads up, heritage breeds tend to be slow growers and slow to maturity BUT being patient will pay off in the long run!

Starting with Chicks

If you're wanting to try your hand at raising chicks or you can't find a local person who raising them there are a few things you will need to know when it comes to raising them:

1) They need a heat lamp! Normally the hen will protect and keep her chicks warm. They need be at a toasty 95 degrees F for the first week or two. Additionally they will need to be placed in a draft free location. During cold, winter months mine are inside.

2)They will need special food called chick starter.

3) You may lose a few. There are times all of my chicks make it and then there are times when I lose half of what I began with. There is such a thing called sudden chick death syndrome. But don't give up! Be mindful of your chick feed. I've had trouble with the feed being too large for them to swallow and have lost a few chicks due to choking. Grind it further if need be!

My Chick Brooder

List of items I use for my brooder:

• Large galvanized tub (some use plastic tubs, I don't prefer to use those)

• chick waterer

• chick feeder

• heat lamp

• heat bulbs ( buy some extras to have on hand)

• Pine shavings ( do NOT get cedar shavings)

The Heat Lamp

The heat lamp is a big concern for many. I have had a couple of accidents because a heat lamp wasn't secured. Tie, tie, tie, tie and then check, check, check. Don't just use the heat lamp clamp that comes with your heat lamp. It's not enough to keep it secure.

Check on your heat lamp multiple times a day.

When buying chicks remember....

Local people and farm stores will give you the best prices. In the past two years I've watched prices skyrocket on many hatchery online stores. Some charging as much as $8-$10 per unsexed chick. Search locally, then at your local farm store, and if they don't have what you're looking for see if they'll order them for you. Stores get them much cheaper from the hatchery than an individual can. There are a couple of local stores I prefer to support and I know they're chick set up is decent and they are well taken care of. Other stores I choose to steer clear of. If you can, choose to support local individuals first!

The big question: Will you save money raising and having chickens?

The simple answer is no. After figuring in chick cost, feed, and maintenance costs you will soon find that they come with a hefty extended price tag. There are a few things that you can do to offset prices but if you're looking to do it to save on egg costs, you won't. My suggestion, if you're wanting eggs, source them from someone local instead of a grocery store.

Chicks are relatively easy and simple to raise! They are fun to do with the kids! They are a great way to start your homestead or to have as a food source!