Brooding chickens is not hard. It is messy. It’s not overly pleasant, the mess and the cleaning that is. But the chicks, are so adorable. They grow really fast too, and in no time at all, they’ll be moving out to the coop.
What you need for raising chicks for the first six weeks: – a brooder – heat lamp or heating plate – thermometer – waterer – feeder – chick feed – we use medicated – bedding – we use pine shavings – vitamins and electrolytes – optional
It is very important to use bedding that will prevent your chicks from slipping and getting a slayed leg. We use a couple of inches of pine shavings.
Pick your heating source. A heat lamp or a heating plate. Heating plates I have been told by friends can be hard to clean and get gross but you have more control over the temperature as the heat is in one place.
You’ll be able to tell when your chicks are completely content because they’ll be active and spread out.
Don’t be afraid to handle and cuddle with your chicks. You want them to be used to you, to come to you when you need them to once they are outside.