Here are some tips on raising healthy chickens from day olds.

Clean and dry. For young chicks, a clean and dry bedding is of paramount importance. Fresh, clean water and frequent changes of their bedding can go a long way in preventing diseases such as coccidiosis.

Heat. Chicks require heat for the first 4-6 weeks depending on the time of the year. But too much heat can have as much of a negative effect as too little heat. So, providing the right amount of heat to them is important. Heat sources vary from heat lamps to heat plates. Heat lamps are often quite strong, so they need to be positioned at the right height above the chicks. Heat plates are not as strong and it’s important that a chick has to bend under a heat plate to acquire enough heat. Standing under it will not be enough to keep it warm. When chicks are well feathered, which usually occurs around week 5-6, they can go without heat, and as they grow from day old to week olds, they spend more and more time away from the heat source. What a joy it is to watch them grow!

Access to food and water. Easy access to food and water, especially early on, can play a major role in the success of growing chicks. Also, look for any pasty bums in the first weeks, as some chicks may find it harder to poop – those bums need cleaning.

Feed. Sensitive subject because there are far too many options out there. Many chick feeds are medicated, and we personally have not had great results with such feeds. Often, this has to do with the fact that the medication is not homogeneously distributed within the feed and some chicks may inevitably eat more of it, which can be detrimental to their health. Everyone’s experiences can vary; in our environment and with our strict practices we find that unmedicated chick feed works really well. The most important ingredient is protein, to help them grow and thrive. In addition, a well balanced composition of nutrients and vitamins helps them grow optimally. So, research the feed you give to your chicks because that can play a very important role in how well they grow. A good start has lasting effects!

Number of chicks. Brooders that are overcrowded are not optimal. At the same time, a brooder with two chicks is not optimal either. Chicks do better when in numbers of 5 or more, but at the same time too many in a small space will not do well either.

Contact with soil. Soil contains numerous microorganisms a chick has never come in contact with. So, it’s important to give chicks some time to develop a healthy gut microbiome before they go on soil. We often give our chicks a preventative dose of Cocciprol before they go on soil as we find that can help prevent Cocci infection. And don’t forget, chicks eat A LOT!! Easy access to unlimited food will give you the best results in raising strong, healthy chickens!

With love, 
Agia Skepi Team