Important Health Notes

One of the important inspections you have to perform on your baby chicks when you get home from the supplier is to check each one for pasting up, a circumstance wherein their droppings cake up and block their vent opening which prevents them from passing any droppings. The dried poo is stuck to their outside, totally or partially covering or blocking their vent. This must be resolved immediately by means of applying a warm, wet paper towel to the area and clearing the blockage with a toothpick or plastic spatula. 

If the situation warrants, it may be necessary to dunk the chick's rear in warm water to loosen and soften up the gunk to remove it easily. You have to do this otherwise there is a possibility your baby chick will die. After treating the baby chick, dry her off with a hair dryer and return her to the box with the other members of the flock. In the first week, you have to inspect birds that presented this situation as it often recurs but eventually goes away.

When the baby chicks reach 2 to 3 weeks old, it’s time to allow them some time outside if it is sunny and the weather is warm (at least between 65 to 70 degrees).

When you put them out for their time in the sun, make sure they are secure and have access to water and shade. Never leave them unattended because they are very good at flying by this age. Your baby chicks would definitely enjoy their time outside as they love digging around in the grass. If they encounter any problems are unhappy about their situations, they’d surely let you know with their incessant chirping!

When your baby chicks are between 4 to 5 weeks of age, they should be about ready to outside to their chicken coop. This is the time frame you should allow yourself to build their chicken coop from the time you get your baby chicks otherwise you would have some pretty smelly boarders if you let them stay in their temporary housing beyond 5 weeks!