Raising chicks: Week 1
If you purchased chicks at our Chick Days event, your chicks should be one week old.
Temp: 85 degrees - to make it cooler in your brooder, raise the lights. If you find that your chicks are all gathered under the light, they are too cold. If they avoid the light, they are too hot. Adjust based on their behavior.
Feed: Start & Grow Medicated or Non-Medicated
Concerns this week: Pasty butt
It sounds ridiculous, right? Chicks are prone to a condition called "pasty butt." Basically, their rear end gets messy and then waste hardens making it difficult for them to relieve themselves. If they can't deficate, they won't live long. Make sure to check your chicks a few times a day for a messy bottom. If you find that they are suffering from this condition, all you have to do is clean them up. Soak their butts in warm water and wipe clean.
Backyard chickens recommends putting Organic apple cider vinegar in their drinking water - about 3 to 4 tablespoons to a gallon of water.
Featured product: Probiotics
Don't worry, we aren't going to try to sell you something you don't need! These probiotics are optional, but if your chicks are suffering from pasty butt, this could help. Mix in 1/4 tsp per pet per day to their food. It costs $14.99.