New Chicks Buyer's Guide
By Jeannette Beranger, The Livestock Conservancy
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By Jeannette Beranger, The Livestock Conservancy
Whether you’re looking to add chickens to an existing group or you’re brand new to raising poultry, selecting the right chicks is key to having a healthy, manageable coop. Tractor Supply has everything you need to start and maintain a flock – the chicks, the brooder, the feed, feeders and waterers, even coops and bedding. If you order online, you can have chicks shipped to you year-round, or, during Chick Days in the spring, you can visit a Tractor Supply Store and select chicks yourself. What should you look for when selecting new chicks?
Great question. Small birds are incredibly cute, and while raising your own flock is doable for beginners, you will increase your chances of success when you start with the right questions. You’ll want to understand what types of birds you are getting, how many you can manage, and ensure you’re prepared to handle the flock. We have a wealth of content and articles to help you get started – but here are some main things to consider when starting.
1. How many chicks can I get? How many chickens can I raise?
Start by checking local laws and regulations for your area and type of property. Many towns and counties have caps or other restrictions on how large a flock can be, or how much area can be dedicated to poultry. Next think about what you can feasibly accomplish. Raising chickens takes time, energy, resources, and space. How much of these do you have? Chicks are small, but chickens are bigger. You’ll want to make sure you can adequately care for them at all stages of their life.
2. What type of chicken should I get? What should I consider when selecting the breed of chick or chicken?
You’ll need to consider what you want the bird for, and how the bird will live.
You’ll need brooding supplies and patience for your new flock members. You’re taking over for their mother and will need to help them grow in an environment created and curated specifically for them for about 5 weeks before introducing them to a larger flock. Use the larger brooding guide here for more information, but your basic needs are below.
Live poultry of any kind will come with the risk of spreading salmonella germs, even if they look healthy and clean. You can minimize this risk by following basic safety steps.