Raising chickens is a sustainable, fun way to provide your family with fresh eggs. If you’re thinking about picking up baby chicks, gathering the necessary livestock supplies before bringing them home will help you prepare the area. Here is a brief overview of how to set up their home, as well as tips for feeding and caring for the chicks. 

How Do You Set Up the Brooding Area?

Baby chicks need a warm place during their first few weeks, which is known as a brooder. Keep them in a large box with walls that are at least 1 to 2 feet high, and fill the bottom with pine shavings. Ideally, each chick should have at least a 1 square foot of space. As you shop for livestock supplies, purchase a reliable brooder lamp to keep the area around 95 to 100 degrees for their first few weeks. Then, reduce the temperature by 5 degrees each week until the chicks are a month old.

What Are the Feeding Guidelines? 

Provide food and water for your chicks in separate containers. Baby chicks need a feed that’s 20% protein, but by eight to ten weeks, you can switch them to a formula that’s 18 to 19% chick grower. Instead of a dish, which the babies can easily tip over and contaminate, use a chick fountain to provide water. These special bowls have raised edges that allow chicks to drink easily. If they don't seem to be drinking water, encourage them by gently placing their beaks inside. Always wash your hands before and after handling them. 

How Can You Help Them Transition Outside?

Most chicks will grow feathers and become too big for the brooding box after four to six weeks. If you have other full-grown chickens, avoid integrating the younger ones until they're about 10 weeks old to prevent aggressive behavior. Even after six weeks, avoid placing them outside until nighttime temperatures reach the mid 50s. Until then, consider keeping them in a garage or covered porch to help them stay warm at night. The outdoor coop should provide at least 2 square feet per bird and have a fence surrounding it. Other livestock supplies that you will need are feeding and water containers, a roosting area, and one nest box for every three hens.

Find all the items you need to raise your chickens and other farm animals at Bethel Feed & Supply Pet & Garden Center. Serving Clermont and Brown counties, OH, this store offers a wide selection of livestock supplies and provides attentive service and hands-on knowledge to each customer. They will help you find the best products to support your farming and gardening goals. Visit them online for more information about their products, and call (513) 734-2246 to speak to a team member about your needs.