Before Getting Baby Chicks For Your Kids For Easter, Read This!

Press Release from MSU Extension Service:

There’s a lot of cute little chicks in farm supply stores right now! The sight of the fluffy baby birds, combined with future dreams of fresh eggs, prompts many people to impulsively start a backyard flock.

Here are some things to consider *before* buying chicks:

–An early step when living in a city is to check if local ordinances allow backyard flocks. As a courtesy, it is wise to notify nearby neighbors of the plan to keep a backyard flock.

-Decide how many chickens you will have and then consider housing and pen space. A small bantam chicken needs a minimum of 1 square foot of indoor space and 4 square feet of outdoor space, while a large chicken needs a minimum of 2 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space.

-Keeping the flock penned rather than letting the chickens run free is usually a better option. Among the animals that enjoy chicken dinners are raccoons, opossums, skunks, snakes, hawks, owls, dogs and cats.

-Chicken feed is readily available at farm supply stores, and flocks with good pasture areas can supplement their own diet. Have plenty of feeder space, and be sure all birds can eat at the same time. Chickens develop a pecking order, so watch for timid birds being kept away from the feeder by more dominant birds.

-Keep water supplies clean and fresh and positioned so that all birds can reach them.

-Maintain good biosecurity measures. The three key components are isolation or keeping your flock away from other birds; traffic control, which is limiting human and animal movement through the flock’s area; and sanitary living conditions. At a bare minimum, you should consider having a dedicated pair of boots or shoes that are only worn in or around the chicken house.

Keep in mind that just as with any pet or livestock you purchase, chickens need constant care and attention.