When it comes to raising chickens, there are a number of different materials and accessories that you’ll need to provide them. While this may seem like a lot of overhead, having the proper materials will drastically increase the likelihood of your chicks reaching their egg-laying potential. Knowing what you need allows you to plan ahead and take proper actions to get things done. Let’s take a closer look at each item:
1. Heat lamps: chicks can’t regulate their own body temperature until 2 months old, so they will require a high degree of heat to develop properly, so providing them with a heat lamp is essential. This will help to increase their body temperature, which will in turn help them to grow faster and bigger.
You can skip the heat lamp if you are raising your chicks with a Broody Hen. The chicks will follow the Hen around during the day to get food and water. At night the broody hen will create enough heat for the chicks to get warm from her own body heat.
2. Water bowls: chicks need plenty of clean water to keep them hydrated, and a water bowl ensures that they have easy access to it. If you use a bowl it needs to be cleaned constantly. However if you use an auto filling bowl you have more time between cleaning it out
3. Starter feed: chicks require a diet rich in proteins and other essential nutrients in order to grow and develop properly. This can be provided in the form of a starter feed, which will help to set them on the right track. A chick grower feed will have more nutrients and higher protein than normal chicken feed
4. Brooder: chicks need to be kept warm in order to increase their body temperature, and a brooder will do just that. A brooder will keep chicks together, but should also keep predators, and other chickens out.
5. Chicken coop: once your chicks have grown a bit larger, they need a place to live on their own. A chicken coop is perfect for this, as it provides them with plenty of space and protection. Provide a roost and a nesting box for your hens to lay eggs in.
6. Chicken run: chickens need a place to exercise, and a chicken run gives them just that. It also allows them to get some fresh air and sunshine.
All of these items provide chickens with important nutrients and facilities that will help them grow into egg-laying chickens. By investing in the right items, you can ensure that your chicks have everything they need to reach their full potential.
With all the basics covered you’ll be able to turn your chicks into chickens with very little hassle. You’ll even be able to be innovative and add all words of other luxuries for your chickens. Hanging fruit feeders, automatic chicken doors, tire swings. The possibilities are endless !