John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Plan of Salvation in the foot notes

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Unlock The Secret to Raising Happy Chicks (Part 1 & 2)

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So, you’re ready to embark on the clucking adventure of raising chickens in your urban homestead? Congrats! There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of gathering fresh eggs while your feathered ladies cluck contentedly in the background. But before you can collect eggs, you’ve got to start with chicks. Whether you’re hatching them or buying day-old fluffballs, here’s your go-to guide for the first two stages of raising chickens: Hatching or Purchasing Chicks and Brooding.

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Let’s dive in, friend—feathers first!

Part 1: Hatching or Buying Baby Chicks

Step 1: To Hatch or Not to Hatch?

Hatching chicks is like baking the world’s most delicate soufflé—it’s precise, exciting, and occasionally nerve-wracking.
Here’s what you’ll need:

  • An Incubator: Opt for one with temperature and humidity controls. Brands like Brinsea or Harris Farms are great choices.
  • Thermometer and Hygrometer: Even if your incubator says it’s accurate, trust but verify.
  • Egg Turner: Unless you love rotating eggs by hand three times a day, get a machine to do it for you.

Tips for Success:

  • Keep your incubator at 99.5°F and humidity around 50–55%. Bump humidity to 65% in the last three days (the “lockdown” phase).
  • Patience, my friend! Those fluffy miracles take 21 days to hatch.

If hatching feels too advanced (or you just don’t trust yourself with eggs), buying day-old chicks is a fantastic option. Look for reputable hatcheries or local farms to ensure you’re getting healthy, vaccinated chicks. Pro Tip: Avoid feed store chicks unless the store has a stellar reputation.

Step 2: Choosing Breeds

Want eggs? Go for breeds like Rhode Island Reds or Golden Comets. Want personality? Silkies are sweet and adorable, like the golden retrievers of the chicken world. Remember to check your city’s rules—some urban areas restrict breeds or roosters.

Step 3: Prepare for Arrival

  • Brooder Box: Your brooder is your chicks’ first home. A large plastic tote, kiddie pool, or wooden box works great. Line it with pine shavings (never cedar—it’s toxic to chicks!).
  • Heat Source: A heat lamp with a red bulb is classic, but a safer option is a brooder plate like the Brinsea EcoGlow.
  • Feeders and Waterers: Get a chick-sized feeder and waterer. Brands like Little Giant are affordable and effective.
    • Feed: Start with a medicated chick starter feed. Non-medicated is fine if your chicks are vaccinated for coccidiosis.

Part 2: Brooding (0–8 Weeks)

The brooder stage is where you watch your chicks grow from tiny puffballs to awkward teenagers (seriously, their “ugly phase” is a rite of passage).

Step 1: Setting Up the Brooder

  • Temperature: Keep it toasty! Start at 95°F for the first week, then drop by 5°F each week. Use a thermometer to double-check.
  • Space: You’ll need at least 0.5 square feet per chick for the first few weeks. Upgrade the space as they grow.
  • Safety First: Secure the brooder to prevent curious pets or kids from getting too close.

Step 2: Feeding and Watering

Chicks are eating machines! Keep their feeder full of starter feed. For water:

  • Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning. Add small stones or marbles to the dish for extra safety.
  • Keep the water clean and fresh. Chicks have a knack for pooping in everything.

Step 3: Chick Care Tips

  • Monitor Behavior: Chicks huddled together? Too cold. Scattered and avoiding the heat? Too hot. Aim for a happy medium.
  • Cleanliness: Change bedding every few days to keep the brooder fresh. You don’t want your chicks waddling through a mess—this isn’t an MTV reality show.
  • Handle with Care: Start holding your chicks daily once they’re settled in. This helps them get used to humans (and makes for great Instagram moments).

Step 4: Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Pasty Butt: Gross but common. If poop clogs their vent, gently clean it with a warm, damp cloth.
  • Weak Chicks: A little sugar water or electrolyte solution can help perk them up. Products like Save-A-Chick are lifesavers.

Parting Words of Wisdom

Raising chicks is a rollercoaster of adorable moments and learning curves. By the time they’re ready to move to the coop at 8 weeks, you’ll feel like a pro. In the next stage, we’ll cover transitioning to the great outdoors and how to keep them healthy and happy as they grow.

Until then, give your little peepers some love, keep the brooder clean, and enjoy this magical (and slightly chaotic) phase. Stay tuned for Part 3! 🐣

🌿 The Plan of Salvation 1. God’s Love and Purpose for You God created you to be in relationship with Him and to have eternal life. John 3:16 (KJV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” 2. The Problem: Our Sin Separates Us from God All people have sinned, and sin causes spiritual death—separation from God. Romans 3:23 (KJV) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 6:23 (KJV) “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 3. The Solution: Jesus Paid the Price for Our Sin Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and died in our place. He rose from the dead, defeating sin and death. Romans 5:8 (KJV) “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.” 4. Our Response: Receive Jesus by Faith We are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. We must personally receive Christ into our hearts. Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV) “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Romans 10:9–10 (KJV) “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” 5. The Result: A New Life in Christ When you accept Jesus, you are made new and begin a lifelong relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” John 1:12 (KJV) “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” ✨ Would You Like to Pray? If you’ve never accepted Jesus as your Savior, you can do it right now. A simple prayer from the heart might sound like this: “Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I trust You as my Savior and invite You into my heart and life. Help me to turn from my sin and follow You. Thank You for saving me. Amen.”
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