Miami Vets

Taking Care of Baby Chickens

Many people underestimate the amount of responsibility that is involved in taking care of a livestock. Children often seemed to be fascinated with baby chickens. When they encounter these innocent, featherless little beasts, a friendly game of chase ensues as the chickens run for their lives in an attempt to escape from the claws of the fast-approaching monster. Aside from this friendly, albeit scary, game of chase, keeping the little critters alive is actually quite involved. But if done properly, it can be a worthwhile addition to any farm environment.

There are many choices when it comes to choosing exactly which chickens you want to raise and how you want to raise them. You can either, buy a hen or baby chicks from a local hatchery. Believe it or not you can actually order your chicks through mail-order. But be sure to inspect the crate first to make sure that your new chicks aren’t sick.

There are a few more things that you should consider. You need an adequate brooder in which the new chicks will play, roam around, and learn to take care of themselves. Usually, a hen will keep the chicks warm and teach them how to find food. Once they get older, the hen will force them to learn how to care for themselves.

Be sure to carefully choose the light bulb that you place in the brooder. It must give off enough heat to keep the baby chicks warm in the winter, and not dehydrate them in the summer.

For more information, visit www.miamiveterinarianclinics.com .