Chick Care

Congratulations on your new babies. 

We  are  excited  you  decided  to  add  new  chicks  to  your  family.  Baby  chicks  are  fragile  and  being  prepared  will  give  you  and  your  chicks  a  solid  start. We  work  hard  to  give  you  healthy  chicks.  Before  you  come  please  make  sure  you  have  the  following  Items  for  your  chicks. We  can  recommend  a  local  establishment in  Uxbridge who  has  these  items  available  if  you are  having  trouble  locating  them  in  your  area.  

• Heat  source:  { heat  lamp  or  electric  hen}  Every  heating  element  is  different,  please  follow  manufacturer  instructions 
• We recommend Medicated  chick  starter  for  chicken  breeds  &  non  medicated turkey  starter,  game  bird  starter  or  duck  starter for  quail  breeds.  
• Draft  free  safe  brooder  -  a  plastic tote  works  great 
• Water &  feed  dishes  appropriate  for  the  breed 
• Paper  to  line  the  brooder  for  the  first  week  or  two  then  pine  shavings Or horse bedding pellets. Strong  scented  woods  carry  oils  that  are  harmful  to  chickens.

• A note to Parents 

 Having  chicks  is  a  wonderful learning and memorable  experience for  children.  

There  are  a  few things  to  consider.  

Unexpected losses :

 Chicks  are  fragile  and  you  may  see  some  losses.  Medicated  chick  starter and  proper  handling helps  your  babies  get  a  strong  start.  Please  be  prepared  to talk  to  your  children  about  the  possibility  of  a  loss  and  consider  that  in  the  number  of  chicks  you  order. 

Handling and Safety: 

Chicks  can  be  pet  gently  and  held  a  few  minutes  at  a  time.  I  suggest  having  a  child  sit  while  handling  a  baby.  Long  cuddle  sessions  may  seem  innocent  and  natural  but  they  put  your  chicks  in  jeopardy.  Short supervised  handling  periods  allow  your  baby  to  get  the  rest,  food,  water,  and  heat  it  needs. Birds  are  sensitive  and  may  hide  symptoms  of  being  stressed .  Be  sure  to  wash  your  hands  before  and  after handling the birds. Encourage your children to keep the fluff balls away from faces. Kissing and cheek snuggles can pass bacteria and open opportunities for possible pecks to the eyes. Birds are naturally interested in shiny things. Glossy eyes and painted fingernails are especially interesting.

Have a rooster plan:

It is very easy to get attached to chickens. Roosters especially! I have the number of breeds I do because I love roosters so much. If you can’t keep the chickens or rooster, it may help your children to know ahead of time. If they are emotionally prepared ahead of time to say goodbye to their feather friend, it may be easier on your family. There are farms  who want extra boys to protect their flocks and some people want a well cared for table bird. 

Enjoy: 

Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy the fun chick and children antics. Chicks grow up quickly and your children will love to see the fun personalities emerge and photos later. Your children will love to revisit this experience.