Getting Started Raising Pet Chickens 

The hardest part after you’ve decided raising chickens may be right for you, but also the most fun, is deciding which breed to choose.  An excellent source for learning about the many breeds is the The American Standard of Perfection put out by the American Poultry Association (www.amerpoultryassn.com). It features photographs of each breed of chickens and its proper characteristics, such as size, weight, colors, comb shape, feather type, and many more details. Periodically, a new version comes out, reflecting additions or changes.

You can start your hobby as I did and visit a farm near your home to pick out birds you like, or you can order from any one of the many hatcheries who’ll send you baby chicks through the mail.  Many advertise online and are happy to send you a free color catalog . . . if you become as captivated by chickens as I am, you'll love poring over each of those catalogs for days!   You’ll  find a list of hatcheries on my links to hatcheries page. With the current popularity of having just a few chickens as pets, some hatcheries are beginning to allow you to order as few as three baby chicks at a time!

They guarantee pure breeds, are seldom more than a day off telling you when to expect them to arrive in the mail, and give you excellent instructions to follow. One of the Bantam breeds would be a good choice if you don't have a lot of room. Most bantams are the miniature of the full size breeds, but there are other bantams that don't have a full-size counterpart. They include Silkies, Nankins, Sebrights, and the Serama . . . they all make wonderful pets, though their eggs are smaller than the standard breeds. Not a big problem, just use three bantam eggs in a recipe that calls for two regular size eggs.

I’ve talked to many people, though, who are scared to death of being responsible for 2-3 day old chicks. There isn't really much reason to be that nervous, though. Baby chicks are very hardy. They don't require food or water for up to 72 hours after hatching. Then, since chick feed is medicated with a low dose of antibiotic, they're able to develop immunity to infections. Just make sure the brooder is out of a draft and maintains a stable temperature, and you'll do great!

It’s a new experience and you can’t help being concerned about them living through this stage, but my experience has been very positive.  Over the years, I don’t think I’ve lost more than a total of 5 chicks and I order 10 to 35 birds at least once (and often twice) a year. 

Actually, I’d recommend using this method at least once.  It’s an awesome experience.  It’s like Christmas morning all over again!  I love it. . . and you will, too. You’ll get an early morning call from the post office telling you there’s a package for you.

Then, when you get there, usually the workers are standing around peering through the breathing holes in the box.  Getting a glimpse of those chirping little balls of fluff sure seems to make their day!  As you leave with your package they’ll wish you luck and reluctantly return to their tasks.  Then the fun begins.

Of course, you’ll need to have prepared for the arrival of the chicks by having the brooder, feeders, and water containers all set up.  Read the instructions carefully. They'll probably tell you to place marbles in your water dispensers. The chicks are attracted to shiny objects, so they'll find the water easily (it's always a good idea to dip each of their beaks in water just to make sure they'll drink what they need, too). For tiny chicks the marbles will prevent drowning,too.  You should fill the feeders with chick mash, and have the heat source preheated to the temperature recommended (usually 95 degrees F). They'll tell you to lower the temperature periodically, too.

I've always added some cut up prepared jello on top of mash in an egg carton the first 24 hours. Since it's shiny, it attracts their attention to the food, it's high in protein, and since it turns to liquid right away it helps them get re-hydrated after their long trip to your house. Nowadays, they sell a similar product, called Gro Gel. It contains added nutrients, and I think you can find it at Jeffers or some of the hatcheries.

After the baby chicks are all settled, you’ll love watching them for hours on end if you can spare the time.  I recommend getting them during spring vacation or a scheduled day off, if you have children. I can almost guarantee they’ll choose watching the those entertaining little chicks instead of playing video games or watching TV.

You can also get fertile eggs (from a local farmer, breeder, or online source - some hatcheries sell fertile eggs), keep them at the recommended temperature under a heat lamp, turn them over frequently (or buy an automatic egg turner), then be privileged to witness the miracle of hatching. You can shop online at Jeffers for all the necessary supplies related to raising chickens. I've always been very satisfied with the products I've ordered from them, and the prices are better than the local feed store (almost like the difference between wholesale and MSRP).

Choose the breed of chicken you find most attractive, or get a variety. Some people feel the breed of chicken you raise is kind of like the car you drive . . . that it defines you. Feel free to make up your own mind about that.