Chook Me!

Baby Chicks?

I need to know proper care of baby chicks. The fact that I'm even asking seems silly since I grew up with chickens that each year had babies, but I just want to make sure I don't "mess up"... What do you need for chicks you buy from a feed store? When our hens had babies they just lived outside, we didn't intervene or do anything. They ate the normal adult feed and just lived with mom and did fine... can babies start out outside on normal mash? Or since they wouldn't have a mother should I start off with them inside with a heat lamp? Also... and this is probably my most important question. We have stray neighborhood cats that come around our house... do cats ever dig to get into things? Any input/info is appreciated.

Public Comments

1. no cats do not dig. You should keep them with a heat lamp till they get their feathers and feed them a chick starter feed. you can get it at the feed store where you got the chicks I am sure. they can help you with that.
2. I am also raising baby chicks and the best resource that I have found is backyardchickens.com They have message boards, lists of breeds and their temperments, and a raising chickens 101 section. I chose to get two Buff Orpingtons, and two Rhode Island Reds, for their personable dispositions, egg laying proficiency, and beautiful coloring. In addition to a heat lamp you want to make sure that they don't get wet, you keep them away from drafts, and that you get a poultry feeder and waterer. You can buy these at the feed store as well. Medicated chick starter is really the best thing to go with or they are almost guaranteed to have a 90% mortality rate. It's really easy, and a lot of fun to watch them grow. And Cats do dig. I have had cats all of my life and I have seen them dig under fences. It depends on how bad they want the chicks on the other side, that determines how hard they will work for it. If you build a sturdy coop, it shouldnt be a problem at all. And once the chicks are grown they tend to chase cats and dogs, and may give them a run for their money! Good luck! Enjoy your chickens!!