They are hard to resist.You can give a baby chick as an Easter gift or as a pet.In order to grow into chickens, baby chicks need proper care.By promoting the health of your chick and creating a proper habitat, you can take care of it and watch it grow.
Step 1: A dwelling is what you should get.
It's easy to find the right habitat for your chick.You can use a variety of different types of housing.If you have more than one chick, make sure the habitat can accommodate them all.A cardboard box is one of the options for your chick's home.
Step 2: The habitat can be placed in a protected space.
The small size of your chick makes it vulnerable to falling from its habitat or becoming prey for other animals.You should keep the habitat in a place where your chick cannot fall or escape and where pets can't gain access to her.If you can't watch your chick when you're not home, consider putting a ventilated lid on the habitat.While protecting your chick from falling out of the cage, this can keep other animals out.Don't put the habitat in places that are very high off the ground.It can be fatal if your chick falls too far.
Step 3: Place the habitat.
Chickens are very sensitive to temperature.It is important to line your chick's habitat with materials that will keep it warm.For the chick's first few weeks of life, line the housing with old towels or blankets.Make sure the lining is free of loose strings.After a few weeks, use a lining of straw and newspaper.The slippery surface of the newspaper can cause your chick's legs to grow a different color.
Step 4: Allow the temperature to be controlled.
A habitat that has a range of temperatures is important for keeping chick warm.While keeping the other side cooler, use a lamp to heat one side of the habitat.Your chick can decide which temperature she feels more comfortable at throughout the day.A heat source can be created with a 100 watt light bulb in a lamp or reptile heat bulb.On the other side of the habitat, install either option.Most pet and home stores have both lamps.The temperature needs to be constant for the first few weeks of the chick's life.If your chick hides on the opposite side of the habitat from the lamp, it will be too hot.You need to increase the heat if she is smothering herself in the blankets.Keeping your chick's habitat away from heating devices will help maintain a warm temperature.You might want to keep it away from drafty areas.
Step 5: Introduce the chick to her surroundings.
It is time to introduce your chick to her new home.You can hold her and let her go into the habitat.Talk to her and assure her that she can enter and be comfortable.Staying with your chick for an hour or so will help her get used to her surroundings.
Step 6: It's time to commit to your chick.
It is tempting to pick up a cute colored chick at Easter or have one in a classroom, but remember that baby chick are animals and not toys.Many people think it is acceptable to release a chick into a backyard or animal shelter when it becomes too big.If you want to care for your chick over the course of its life, make sure you are fully committed.
Step 7: Keep habitat clean.
Your chick's health is dependent on a clean habitat.A thorough cleaning once a week is needed to keep it clean.Remove the lining and replace it.The lining should be replaced at least once a week.At least once a week, wash your chick's water and food dish with a mild soap and hot water.It is important to thoroughly dry the dishes to prevent the development ofbacteria that can harm your chick.It's a good idea to wipe down the bases and walls.If your cardboard box is dirty or smells bad, give your chick a new one.
Step 8: You should feed your chick.
For the first few months of her life, your chick will eat special food.She should have plenty of food and be allowed to eat throughout the day.Provide your chick food for the first two months of her life.Depending on the needs of your chick, you can get either a medicated or non-medicated food.You can get chick food in your vet's office or pet store.When your chick is two months old, switch to grower feed.After another two months, you will switch the feed to a slightly lower choice.Your chick will grow quickly if she has a constant supply of food and water.Make sure you clean her food dish at least once a week.Throw away any feed that is old.
Step 9: Provide your chick fresh water.
A constant supply of food and fresh water is what your chick needs.Fresh water should be placed in your chick's cage every day.Make sure your chick has enough water and that the dish is clean by checking it a couple of times a day.
Step 10: In the habitat, place a dirt bath.
Birds clean their feathers by flapping around in dirt or sand.Put a small dish of either material in the habitat for your chick to keep her clean.Not every chick will take a bath.It is normal for your chick to wait until she is older.
Step 11: Play with your girl.
It is important for the health of your chick that she gets a lot of attention from you.The curious chick can form a bond with you.It can be fun to watch your chick interact with other people.Give your chick a name and talk to her using it.Hold and stroke her for a while.Allow her time to roam outside during the day.Make sure you watch her during this time so she doesn't hurt herself or fall prey to another animal.
Step 12: A babysitter is recommended.
It is important for your chick's health to have someone check in on her every day while you are gone if you have to leave or go on vacation.If you need a friend or family member to stay at your home to look after your chick, ask.
Step 13: You should watch for illness.
Maintaining the habitat and feeding your chick properly will keep her healthy.Every day is a good time to check your chick and her waste to make sure she is healthy and not showing signs of illness.If you see signs of wheezing or limping, it could be a problem with your chick's lungs or leg development.Look at your chick's poop as well.There are openings in the bicyle and urinary tract that can be caused by matted feathers or cloaca.Birds from different flocks can introduce disease to your chick.If you see signs of illness or worry about your chick, schedule an appointment with your vet.
Step 14: It's a good idea to watch for feathers.
Your chick's feathers are the first sign of her becoming an adult chicken.Most of the time, you will see feathers develop a few days after your chick has hatched.Continue to keep an eye on your chick over the next few weeks.The rate of feather development should increase over the next few weeks and your chick will look like a grown chicken.It is common for your chick to go through a phase of looking awkward while she is transitioning.She might have long, gangly legs and scraggly feathers.This phase is very short.
Step 15: Growth can be promoted with diet.
Your chick's appetite increases once she starts growing feathers.Provide your chick with a source of water and make sure to give her the proper food.Feed your chick starter ration until she is about 18 weeks old.A layer feed with extra calcium will help her grow.A balanced layer feed can be found at your local pet store or vet office.These feeds can help your chick grow into a chicken.If you can afford it, don't feed your chick scratch.Your chick might like the taste, but it doesn't have all of the vitamins needed for growth.Give her a scratch as a treat.Make sure your chick has a consistent source of food and water.Keep a dish of water readily available by spreading it in her habitat.As your chick grows, you may want to check the habitat a few times a day to make sure it has enough food and water.
Step 16: Your chick needs to be in a coop.
Your chick will eventually outgrew her cozy habitat.Even if you allow your chick to range freely on your property, she will still need a structure to protect her from the elements.You can either build one yourself or purchase a commercially constructed one.2 to 3 square feet of space is needed for your chick to live comfortably.You can either get a secondhand one or buy one at a pet store.Four walls, roosting bar, a nest box, windows for ventilation, and a door with a secure latch are some of the elements you'll need to build your own chicken house.It's a good idea to take safety precautions when setting up a chicken house.It should be raised 6–8 inches (15.2–20.3 cm) off of the ground to prevent rodents and cover or replace any holes with cloth wire.The raccoons are good at opening doors.When it is 55 degrees at night, it's time to move your chick.As your chick grows, she may need to stay inside longer to promote healthy development.Although there is usually no problem introducing your chick to other chickens, she may be hesitant at first.Introduce her gradually and gently to the flock through playtime outdoors or put her in the coop for a few minutes a day until she is ready to move more permanently.
Step 17: It's a good idea to keep the couthing clean.
A clean habitat is important for your chick's health and well-being.The food and water dishes should be checked daily to make sure there isn't any old food growing on the water.