Chicken Raising Tips for Beginners

Picking out chicks is one of my favorite memories with my kids. Every spring, we go to one of the local farm supply stores and buy a few chicks.

Each child gets to pick out a baby or two. Then, they get to name them. It’s one of our ways of bringing in spring.

For the why and how to choose a chick:

In our culture, we are increasingly removed from nature, our food sources, and the life cycles that sustain us.

Please consider why chickens are a great idea.

Information on raising backyard chickens

Chickens bring this home—life, death, and the messiness that comes with it. 

These little ones depend on us for everything: Heat, water, food, and even cleaning their tiny fluffy rears.

I’ve learned that these tiny chicks teach us a great deal.

Lessons like being responsible, gentle, and touching these chicks in a way that will not hurt or scare them.

We do this as a family to connect with others. We are connecting and engaging with each other. Connecting with an animal involves naming them and holding them. 

Something is healing and wholesome about holding these little fluff balls. And for kids who have been through hard things, this can be incredibly healing.

We choose specific chickens for our situation.

They are egg-laying birds and can withstand the cold in the Mountain West.

The local farm stores will know which chickens do well in your area. But here is more information.

Backyard Chicken Basics | Almanac.comBe Brave

Taking your kids to pick out chicks is a lot like taking your kids to get Halloween costumes. 

There are great expectations and frazzled nerves. Mind-boggling conversations occur. “You can’t choose that chick. It’s just like mine.”

A disapproving look from the store staff as they placed the chicks in a box. Hushed, angry whisper, “Just choose a chick!”

Then, you get to stand in line with the box of chicks. Naturally, there is a line of ten people behind you. “Mom, who gets to hold the box in the car?”

(An ensuing conversation that is typically loud and heated. A glance behind you. The ten people are frowning.) Growling and a dirty look can convince them to wait until you leave the store to continue this conversation.

After leaving the store, you will need to apply problem-solving skills.

You know, the math skills you swore you would never need in junior high.

If you are traveling 20 miles at 45 miles an hour, how many minutes will it take you to get from point A to point B? Then divide that by however many kids you have, and that is how long each child will get to hold the box of chicks on the way home.

However, if an accident occurs and it is dropped, and the chicks get out, there could be trouble.

And at that point, you should be glad you weren’t transporting pigs or goats. Good luck explaining this mess to the police officer who pulled you over for distracted driving.

Sometimes, the best thing about a family outing is when it’s over.

In Preparation

Raising Chickens for Beginners’ tips:

Getting chicks is a big decision. It’s a lot of fun and one way to provide for yourself and your family.

But it is a big decision.

It should be done after careful consideration of time constraints, financial constraints, living conditions, and the availability of chicken coops.

Before bringing the chicks home, you must set up a brooder area.

This can be done in something as simple as an unused bathtub, a large plastic bin, or a small plastic wading pool.

In this area, you will need a heating device, such as a heat lamp (which can be dangerous), or a radiant type of heat, which is generally considered safer.

A type of bedding of large pine shavings, straw, or hay.

Additionally, vitamins or sugar can be added to the water, and baby chick food is also suitable.

Setting up the area should be done with significant consideration.

It should be draft-free, predator-free (this includes the family cat), and warm. I usually put a plastic storage bin in the bathtub.

The store where you purchase your chickens will be able to provide you with the heater, vitamins to add to the water, and specific chick starter food.

When you are at the store, get a thermometer. It helps to have one to place in the chick brooder to ensure that the temperature is right.

Heat is vital to tiny chicks.

Check the temperature often. The young chicks typically start at 95 F-90 F degrees, and the temperature decreases slightly each week as they age.

They will need droppings cleaned off their vents, as this can create a blockage.

I have used Murray McMurray Hatchery, which has an excellent information page.

Murray McMurray Hatchery – Frequently Asked Questions

Positive experiences.

We can’t always protect our kids from difficult things, but we can provide them with a healthy lifestyle and positive experiences. Chickens are one of many ways to do this!