{"id":33285,"date":"2024-01-29T03:00:51","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T08:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/?p=33285"},"modified":"2024-07-31T10:17:14","modified_gmt":"2024-07-31T14:17:14","slug":"8-tips-to-prepare-for-spring-chicks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hobbyfarms.com\/8-tips-to-prepare-for-spring-chicks\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Tips to Prepare for Baby Chickens"},"content":{"rendered":"

Baby chickens are a rite of passage in spring, but the preparation starts long before that. Here are some tips to help you start planning and keep your growing flock healthy and happy.<\/p>\n

1. Order Early From Hatcheries Near You<\/h2>\n

Most of us want specific breeds for particular reasons, whether it\u2019s for ornamental reasons, egg-laying capabilities or meat of a certain flavor. To ensure you get the chicken breeds you want, order as early as possible. As chicken keeping continues to grow in popularity, breed favorites disappear from availability quickly.<\/p>\n

For the sake of the little birds that will be shipped to your post office, seek out a hatchery in your region of the country. U.S. Postal Service shipping of live animals is always an expedited service, as is reflected by the shipping price<\/a> that\u2019s higher than the cost of the spring chicks. However, the longer the day-old chicks remain in transport, the more stress they will endure. Weak chicks that might struggle to survive under the best of conditions aren\u2019t likely to survive a stressful trip. The shorter the trip, the more likely your chicks are to be thriving upon arrival. Sourcing chicks locally<\/a> is also an option.<\/p>\n

2. Construct the Brooder Before Hatch Day<\/h2>\n

Whether you build your own brooder<\/a> or purchase a brooder kit, a brooder is essentially a nursery for baby chickens, and it must be ready the moment chicks arrive.<\/p>\n