Hygiene: Many animals, including chickens, are prone to bacteria and parasites that can be passed onto humans. Most chickens will not show any symptoms which makes it doubly important to wash your hands thoroughly before and after you handle ANY poultry. Warmth: Is incredibly important to new chicks and they will not survive without it. They will cheep loudly if they are not warm enough. If they are all huddled together under the light they are too cold. If they are as far as they can get from the light they are too hot. Light: Is very very important for two reasons. First so they can find their feed and water. Second is warmth. A simple clip-on light is often enough to keep a small box warm. Please make sure you don’t buy an energy saving globe as they do not emit warmth. | Water: Always make sure that your chicks have access to plenty of fresh water, however you will have to make sure that the water container is shallow enough for your chicks not to drown and is easy for all to access. One idea is an old ice cube tray. If they are panting, direct them to the water or even drop some on the tip of their beaks. Feed It is very important to feed your chicks with a medicated chick starter crumble. This is available at stock feed places. It is easily digestible and helps to protect against Coccidiosis which can kill your chicks over-night. If your chicks don’t seem to be eating try making a tapping sound on the feed container and spreading out a small amount of feed for them as this imitates what their mother would normally do. It is important that your feed stays dry. An egg carton often works. Spread food out for the chicks to scratch. This overcomes the problem of them forgetting to eat. If you are caring for a chicken that has just hatched they will not need much for the first 24-48 hours as they are absorbing the rest of their egg. However always offer it. | Remember They are babies and are fairly delicate. They love warmth and cuddles but you will need to supervise young children making sure they don’t get smothered in the excitement. This can happen VERY quickly. In The Box Simple newspaper is fine as long as you put some paper towel over it so that the chicks feet can grip. Or an old towel is ideal. Whatever you put in the box, it needs to be kept clean and most importantly dry.  |
Bringing Home Your Day OldsEveryone knows that bringing a new baby into the house can be exciting and somewhat stressful, especially if this is your first! So here is a check list to try to make the transition a little easier for the entire household: |