It's Chick Season

Have you thought about raising chickens? Chickens make great pets and give you a source of food Each chicken has it’s own personality, just like a dog or cat and are fairly easy to raise. January or February are the best times to “book” your order. Most hatcheries sell out before March ever arrives so getting your order in earlier is best. You can book in January for delivery in April or even May. You will need a small cozy place to keep them, preferably in an insulated garage or on a porch or shed. (In a pinch, your house will do, but the dust is abundant from the bedding). We have always used a 2 x 2 x 4 stock tank or Rubbermaid tubs will do in a pinch.. You will also need a heat lamp, 250 watt bulb, waterer, feeder, bedding such as shavings for straw and feed. Your chickens are incubated at 99 degrees so it makes sense that they need to be about 100 degree area when you first get your chickens. As they grow you can decrease temp by 5 degrees each week. Chickens are very easy to read. If they are huddled as far away from the heat lamp, they are cold. If they are directly under the lamp, they are probably cold. Once our temperature outside is even with your chicken inside temperature you can tentatively move them outside. You want to watch the weather for storms or inclement weather. Young birds sometimes don’t know when to come in out of the rain (or snow) and could get chilled and succumb to the cold. Being diligent about the temperature will insure your flock will flourish. Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling or feeding your chickens. Salmonella is a common intentional disease found in chicken poop. Washing your hands is very important to maintaining a healthy flock and household. Some people even have designated clothing and shoes that they only wear to the chicken coop. There are may books out there about raising chickens, I prefer the Storey line. They have a chicken health handbook that has been very beneficial for me to have in the past. Good luck with your flock and call with questions.