The 42nd Annual Chick Day will be held at Conway Farm & Garden on Friday, April 3, 2015. Come to this special event and bring the kids — there will be food, beverages and a petting zoo. We will also have bunnies in the store the week of March 23 through Easter.
Chick Day is your opportunity to select your chicks and save money on discounted supplies. We have all the supplies you’ll need for raising your flock and keeping them healthy. If this is your first time raising chicks following are some tips to keep in mind.
Things You Should Know About Raising Chicks
Raising your own chickens can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re doing it for the constant stream of eggs or for increasing the size of your livestock, here are some things you should know about raising those chicks.
The “brooder”, which will be your chicks’ home initially, should be kept in a safe place preferably indoors. This will ensure protection from predators and drafts.
The brooder needs to be kept warm. Chicks require a constant temperature of 90 – 95 degrees during the first week. We recommend using a thermometer in the brooder to keep track of the temperature. Watch how your chicks act. If they clump together under the heat lamp, you may need an additional heat lamp, or if they avoid that area completely, you may need to raise the lamp to lower the temperature.
When the chicks are between 8 to 12 weeks of age you can introduce them to their outdoor coop home and begin getting them acclimated to it.
Use feeders and waterers made just for baby chicks. These are designed to keep the food and water at a level the chicks can reach, but without allowing the chicks to spill or get droppings in their food or water.
Be sure to use the proper feed for your chicks. Feeding them the same food as your hens may cause digestive or kidney issues due to the high levels of calcium in the feed.
At Conway Feed and Garden we’re happy to answer any questions you may have about raising your chicks and can make recommendations on the right type of feed.
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