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It was delightful to chat with Danielle, Sutherland's feed and livestock buyer, and gather valuable insights about raising chickens. If you're unfamiliar with the idea and contemplating starting a homestead as a hobby or embracing a new lifestyle, there are a few things to consider before diving in. |
Starting a flock is not as easy as it seems. While those chicks may be adorable, providing proper care demands both dedication and knowledge. Consider it like welcoming a newborn; what will it take to nurture a strong and healthy one?
Spring is the ideal season to get started. You can order a variety of chicks from your local Sutherlands, and they'll be hatched, mailed, and ready for pickup within 24 hours.
We asked, “You can only order them in the spring then?”
Danielle, “Oh no, fall is also an ideal time to get butchered chicks like Cornich Cross. You raise them for meat. They are hybrid, and fast growing. Many chicken owners also order in the fall to replenish lost flocks during the summer season.”
She recommended to keep them separate from the grown population.
“What if you don’t have a huge chicken coop?”
“You can keep young ones in a stock tank layerd with shavings for about 6-8 weeks.”
It’s vital to provide essential needs such as shelter, which can be a chicken coop along with feeders for food and water. If you enjoy DIY projects, check out Sutherlands Pin Board for creative chicken coop ideas. The coop can be as intricate or straightforward as your available space allows. If you need a shed or a different structure, feel free to reach out to one of Sutherlands building expert for guidance!
As the colder months approach, it’s important to ensure warmth and insulation at all times. Key items like hay, a heated water source, and a heat lamp are essential for your chickens' comfort.
Next, let’s discuss the type of feed. With so many options available, when and how should you choose? Our expert, Danielle, provided us with invaluable insights. Here’s what we learned:
- Medicated Starter Feed: This is recommended during the baby stage to promote health and help combat early diseases.
- Layer Crumble Feed: Fortified with calcium, this feed supports growth and strengthens eggshells as your birds mature.
Play? Chickens? OH yes. If you come across a video of a chicken relaxing on a swing, rest assured, it's not AI—these birds are just like kids; they crave entertainment! In addition to play, they also enjoy foraging! Spreading some scratch grain will stimulate both their physical and mental activity. You'll see them flap their wings, use their claws, and scatter the feed around. In the summer months, make a fruit or vegetable ice bowl. It will keep them busy and stay cool at the same time, Happy chickens lead to a happy life!
Want to take on building your own chick jungle gym? Check out this plan from our Kreg Jigg partner! (Right pic).
You don’t need a rooster unless you intend to breed baby chicks. Depending on your location, having one may not even be permitted. If your goal is year-round egg production, you only need hens. Each hen can lay up to 300 eggs annually, but it usually takes them about 5 to 6 months to start laying. Therefore, consider calculating how many chickens you'll need for consistent production throughout the year.
If you're simply looking for a charming and colorful pet, Sutherland’s suggests exploring Hoover our partner’s selection of fancy chicks!
Also, check out: Hoover Hatchery - Colored Egg Layers. Here are some delightful names to consider: Starlight Green Egger, Sapphire Olive Egger, Cream Legbar, or Prairie Bluebell Egger. These breeds will provide you with a vibrant array of eggs. The Americana breed will offer a mix of colors ranging from turquoise to olive, and light brown.
Now is the ideal moment to collect all the knowledge needed to launch your dream farmstead in time for next spring. Explore the various breeds, their unique tricks, and characteristics at our partner, Hoover Hatchery. If you're unsure where to begin, we've compiled a list of Sutherland's most popular and best-selling chicks over the past years!
Visit your nearby Sutherlands, where our team is ready to assist you with the ordering process and provide you with the best recommendations for all the supplies needed to kickstart your very own chick farmstead!
Our buyers at Sutherlands continuously seek out top-quality products to ensure your animals remain happy and healthy. Thank you for supporting local businesses. Proudly family-owned since 1917.
