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Raising baby chickens is a new experience for some. However, thousands of people have taken the patience to raise baby chicks successfully. Raising baby chicks for personal use is quite rewarding. Those considering this option can buy chicks in the early stages of development from feed and seed stores, and watch them develop into full-grown chickens. A popular strategy is to purchase day-old chicks and raise them to maturity. Start this process by visiting a store that orders chicks for purchase. Call the outlets, and they will let you know exactly when they will have chicks in stock. Most baby chicks cost around three dollars. Some consumers prefer to get to the egg raising state a little faster and purchase pullets. These are 20-week-old chicks on the brink of egg laying. They cost more but think of the money you will save on eggs. In addition, you will reach your goal faster. It is possible, with a little research to buy full-grown laying hens, if someone is willing to part with a good hen. However, do not depend on this option. Most buy the pullets and let them develop into full-grown chickens. Raising Chicks from the Beginning: The equipment for raising your own chicks is relatively simple. Build or purchase a brooder pen, feeding tray, and a red heat lamp, and you are ready to start growing baby chicks. The old idea of a chicken coop works, but for baby chicks, the device is smaller. Place them in the brooder pen with the floor covered in old newspaper. This is for the food they will eat early before they learn to use the feeder. Place the lamp 8 to 12 inches above the floor. It will warm the coop to 92 degrees Fahrenheit giving off just the right amount of warmth for development. Do not use lamps with white bulbs. Chicks will peck at red spots and aggressively destroy themselves causing you to waste your time and financial investment. As your chicks feather, change the setting of the lamp by five degrees, successively for six weeks. In early development, chicks need a feed called chick starter. After the six-week growing period is complete, feed them growing mash. Place lots paper down for cleanliness and feeding. Remove a layer of paper each day during the six-week growing period. This ends the chicks and trains them to use the chicken feeder. Growing chicks need plenty of water. But, not so much they drown. If you want to use an incubator and grow chicks from eggs, you need a male chicken. Chicks will develop in 21 days. However, pay close attention they dehydrate if left unattended. However, different municipalities have rules concerning chickens and other animals.
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