It's that wonderful time of the year when chicks arrive at your local farm supply stores. While it can be tempting to buy them on a whim, you must know that they are a commitment and need to be cared for properly. Just because they are cute and small now does not mean they will stay that way!

Before you go out and buy chicks, make sure you have your chick brooder set up. What are chick brooders? A brooder is a type of heated enclosure used for raising baby birds, such as baby chicks, turkey poults, or goslings. Generally, these types of animals rely on their mother for warmth, so in the mother's absence a heat lamp will keep them warm enough to reduce stress on their internal systems.

Have your brooder area and heat source prepared before chick arrival. Ideally, preparing things 24 hours ahead of time will help to assure you are ready for chick arrival. Your chick brooder can be made from many different things, from a metal livestock water trough to a wooden box. Try to provide half a square foot per chick at the start. Once the birds are fully mature, you will need between 2 and a half to 3 square feet per bird if they are confined. Large pine shavings make a good litter. However, do not use small shavings or sawdust because baby chicks learning to eat will eat it, possibly causing an increase in mortality. Rice hulls, straw or hay also make good bedding. Do not use sand or cedar shavings, as it is not safe for the chicks. Cover the entire brooder area with bedding of your choice at approximately 1 to 3 inches deep. On concrete floors, use 3 to 5 inches of bedding; turning the litter once a week will help it last longer.

Once you get your chicks home, it is important that you check on them frequently. Water should be at room temperature to prevent chicks from getting chilled while drinking. Once the chicks are placed in the brooding area, it is necessary to dip their beaks in the water. At the floor level, the temperature needs to be approximately 95 degrees. Lower the temperature five degrees each week until a temperature of 70 to 75 degrees is met. A heat lamp and bulb (250 degrees) centered in the brooder space is ideal. This allows for the chicks to come near the heat source or to walk away if too hot. The bottom of the bulb should be about 24 to 30 inches above the floor.

So, what do I need to feed my chicks? A feed trough low enough so the chicks can see and reach the feed is best. Chicks that are being raised for competitive purposes must have food ad libitum. Starting your birds on a chick starter, turkey starter or game bird starter feed will get them off to a good start. The high protein or "hot diet" will be best suited for those wanting to develop a bird at its utmost potential. Don't add grit because the chick starter/grower feed is formulated for what the chicks need to digest the food. Avoid feeding a scratch diet until the birds are fully developed. Chicks should stay on a full feed ration of a starter or grower diet until they are four and a half to five months of age.

The most important nutrient for any animal is water. Always have clean water available to chicks. Upon the arrival of your chicks, be sure the water is at room temperature. Dip the beak of the chick in the water as explained above before you turn it loose. Your chicks will be thirsty when you get them. A taste of water right away helps them to find more water soon. Often baby chick mortality is caused because the chick doesn't start to eat or drink. Never let your chicks run out of water. Occasionally, chicks will get into the water, get wet and chilled. This can be prevented by using shallow water dispensers or placing marbles or tank rocks into the water fountain base to prevent chicks from submerging in the water.

Chicks need heat to stay warm. Using a drop light with reflector shield is a good source of heat. Use a heat lamp bulb (250 degrees) to keep the birds comfortable. Red or white bulbs are available, and both are fine to use. Hang the reflector light from something secure so it does not come loose and drop down burning something or hurting a bird. The wattage of the bulb you are using will determine how high you will hang the light over the middle of the birds. A thermometer at floor level will help to ensure that you have the proper temperature for the birds. Reduce the temperature 5 degrees per week until you reach 70 degrees. They shouldn't need much heat after that.

There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland County youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension Office, 501-623-6841, or email her at [email protected]

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. Meetings are open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information, call Luke Duffle at the Extension Office, 501-623-6841, or email him at [email protected]

Interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For more information on EHC, call Alison Crane, family and consumer sciences agent, at 501-623-6841 or email her at [email protected]

Print Headline: You bought chicks from a farm supply store — now what?

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