Embarking on your chicken-keeping journey is exciting, but it's easy to stumble along the way, especially when you're picking out your first batch of chicks. To help you start off on the right foot, let's talk about the five most common mistakes people make when buying chicks and how to steer clear of them.
The Mistake: Picking breeds solely based on looks or egg color without considering their needs and temperament.
How to Avoid: Research is key. Consider your climate, space, and whether you're looking for pets, egg layers, or meat chickens. Some breeds do better in cold weather, while others thrive in heat. Also, think about temperament, especially if you have kids. Consider your location and ant requirements, such as confinement - not all chickens do well when confined.
The Mistake: Buying chicks without checking for signs of illness, such as lethargy, puffiness, or unclean vent areas.
How to Avoid: When mail-ordering, shop from a reputable hatchery that displays its NPIP credentials and has a "live arrival" guarantee, then check reviews to make sure their shoppers are generally happy with their purchases. When shopping in person, take a close look at the chicks before purchasing. Healthy chicks are active, alert, and have clean, fluffy feathers. Avoid any that are sitting alone, look fluffed up, or have runny noses.
The Mistake: Underestimating how much space your chickens will need as they grow, leading to overcrowded conditions.
How to Avoid: Plan ahead. Remember, chicks grow quickly! Each chicken will need at least 2-3 square feet of coop space and 8-10 square feet of outdoor run space. Overcrowding can lead to health issues and aggression.
The Mistake: Not considering the long-term commitment, including the fact that hens' egg production decreases with age.
How to Avoid: Understand that chickens can live for several years, and their egg-laying peak lasts for a few years. Plan what you'll do once egg production slows. Will you keep them as pets, or do you have another plan?
The Mistake: Starting with too many chicks for your space or too few, leading to social issues among your flock.
How to Avoid: Chickens are social creatures, so starting with at least three is good for their wellbeing. However, be mindful of your space and capacity to care for them. It's better to start small and scale up if you can. Again, research the requirements for your area - yes, some states/counties have minimum purchase requirements designed to ensure a happy flock, so you can't walk out of the local feed store with just one chick.
Buying chicks is the first exciting step in your chicken-keeping adventure. By doing your homework and avoiding these common pitfalls, you're setting yourself up for a rewarding experience with your feathered friends. Here's to the beginning of a cluck-filled journey! 🌟🐤