4 replies to this topic

[coucou]

What are the pros & cons of raising chicks from a day old?
The lady from where I bought my 3 hens from is going to supply day old 'sexed' chicks next year.

[starsurfer]

i'm just starting my first hatch... i have a broody so doing it the natural way... but do want to try the "DIY" hatching and rearing...

what do you know about rearing chicks firstly then that way i spose it will be easier to advsie rather then telling you what you already know or think you know... i thought i knew alot about it, but turns out i'm still learning

[coucou]

Thanks starsurfer - it won't be til next year at the earliest & I've started researching the net etc., I would imagine its very rewarding.

[Christine]

You'll need space and somewhere for them to live. Starting out you'll need a brooder for starters and chick crumb feed whilst small. Then even when they are large enough to go outside they will need a separate house and run until they are large/old enough to hold their own with your established hens.
Some breeds/hybrids can be safely sexed at a day old if the person doing this is experienced.

[coucou]

Thanks for all that - lots of learning to do first