The Chicks are Coming
Right off the bat, we need to say a couple things…
In my opinion, spring is NOT the best time to get chickens, but it’s like tradition so we just go with it… Right when they start laying it gets cold and then they stop for another 3-4 months…. NOT COOL. Think January or February. Then 20 weeks hits about May & you have all fall to enjoy in the pleasures of your spoils.
I am a CRAZY. CHICKEN. LADY! We just need to establish that.
By the time CHICK DAYS happens at our store I am so OVER chickens because I have to start the Chick process in January.
T-Minus 4 weeks at we will have 1,500 baby chicks at Country Feed yet again. It’s become a highlight for our year. I remember the first year, I spent the night out on the couch with all the birds because I was so scared they were going to die… but if the did die, I’m not sure what I was going to do, because I refused to touch a dead chick. (um…I’m over that now.)
Can I help you get ready for your chicks? We have SO many resources that can help you get ready for chicks. Check our the Purina Mills website for our feed recommendations. We start with 1 bag of medicated chick starter then between 18-20 weeks old, we switch to Layena Pellets with “Oyster Strong.” I created this Setting Up Your Flock document last year that gives you list of equipment & some pointers on how to get started! ALSO, HERE is a video where I set up some brooders for turkeys coming it. I have plans to do more videos for our chickens. Don’t you worry… CHICK DAY this year will be FULLY documented!
The Wineinger’s preferred breeds of choice:
Nathan’s favorite are Cinnamon Queens. GREAT production birds & because they are a cross between two different breeds, they are a little more chill than say a Rhode Island Red or a White Leghorn.
Lindsay’s favorite are Easter Eggers & Olive Eggers. I like pretty eggs… so sue me.
Tessa’s favorite are Barred Rocks or “Zebra Chickens.” Barred Rocks are really friendly. We used to have one named Toby that Tessa would carry around the yard.
Ruthie’s favorite was anyone that didn’t steal her food when she ate outside.
Joanna’s favorite are NONE. She will only be near chickens in CHICK form.
Some Chicken FAQs that we get at the store:
Before I answer too many of the questions, please remember that I have experience with chickens, and these are my opinions. I am not a vet.
What all do I need to get baby chicks? To start, a large rubbermaid container will do while you work on a larger enclosure. Then, you need a chick feeder, a waterer, a brooder lamp & bulb, pine shavings & I recommend some electrolyte. Then, pick up a bag a feed when you pick up your chicks.
Can I have ducks/turkeys in with my chicks? They are fine when as chicks to grow up in the same run, but once they reach maturity/breeding age, male ducks can do harm to your hens. Turkey chicks are NOT SMART, so baby chicks actually help teach then turkeys where to go & what to do. In a nutshell, do not recommend, but it’s possible.
What breeds should I get for my family flock? Kid-friendly breeds- Buff Orpingtons, Barred Rocks, Cinnamon Queens (great productions also), Easter Eggers for their colorful eggs; Production Breeds- Rhode Island Red, White Leghorn, Cinnamon Queens. Just like you raise different kinds of cows for different qualities, chickens are similar… Pretty chicken- Wyandottes, Polish Breeds, Colorful Egg Layers- Welsumers, Legbars, Olive Eggers, True Blues, Marans. Chicken to Eat- Jumbo Cornish Cross, Freedom Rangers, Cornish Hens, Etc. Silkies… they have “Little Man Syndrome.” They are the cat of the chicken world. They are cute, but they are needy & NOT winter hardy.
How much space do I need for my birds? A good rule of thumb is 2-3 sq ft per chicken in a coop & 8-10 sq ft per bird in a run.
It’s cold outside! Should I use a heat lamp in my coop? My opinion… NO! Now, a light on a timer is GREAT! It can help keep up your egg production, but recreating a FALSE environment can shock your birds, send them into an early molt, or heaven forbid, start a fire.
Is there a difference between the different color eggs? Nope. None. The only thing that will impact/make a difference in your egg is what you feed your chickens. Colored shells mean nothing.
What is the difference between cage free/free range/pasture raised & organic/Certified Organic?
Cage free- they don’t live in a cage but they they live in an open area where they can walk around freely & get to their food and water.
Free Range- They are cage free and have some access to the outside
Pasture Raised- Think chicken tractors & lots of open space… think predators FAVORITE type of chickens. :).
Organic- must be on an organic feed from DAY 1! You cannot turn a chick into an organic chick if you have not started it that way.
Certified Organic- a certificate from the USDA after soil samples, and proof that all ingredients in the feed are certified organic as well.
I want ducks but I don’t live by a pond. Should I still get ducks? Ducks LOVE water. All the water… but they don’t need a pond. A Kiddy pool will do, but make sure to clean it often. They need to be able to submerge their bill. Consider that with your water source.
Do I have to have a rooster to have eggs? Nope. If you would like to hatch baby chick eggs, then you need a rooster to “hippity dippity” with your hens to get fertilized eggs. Otherwise, no rooster necessary.
When is a good time to introduce my baby chicks in with my current flock? I recommend housing your mini flock in with your big girls, but separated… so they can smell each other. I would not let them mingle with each other until your new birds about half to 3/4 of the size of your older flock. (I have also introduced babies into my flock & not had a problem, but I would take precautions.)
Happy Chicken season friends! May your chicks be fuzzy adorable
& your egg baskets be full in the fall.