Raising Bantam chicks

    My little brother Matie has always wanted bantam chicks. Now that we have a farm we have gotten him five bantam chicks. We have raised Orpington and Wyandotte chicks in the past and have had lots of success and really enjoyed it. So we already had our "chick set-up." If you want to raise chicks here are the supplies you need.

• Heat Lamp

You need a heat lamp and a red colored bulb. We prefer the clamping heat lamp because you can take it on and off the tub.

• Thermometer 

You must have a thermometer to make sure the chicks are the right temperature. Chicks start out at 95° to 100°. Then, lower their temp 5 degrees every week

• Galvanized Tub

Make sure your galvanized tub is big enough for your chicks. They grow very fast, and might outgrow a small tub in a few weeks. Our tub is 35 gallons. Some people use plastic tubs, but if you use a heat lamp be careful, the heat will melt the plastic. We wish we had bought an oval tub instead of a circular one. You could put the lamp on one side and the chicks could move in and out of the heat easier than in a circular one.

• Wood Shavings

Chicks need some type of bedding. We use a bag of wood shavings, just a small layer at the bottom, for our chicks. Then, when they need to be cleaned, the wood shavings are easy to clean. Wood shavings are also easily compostable and good for the garden.

• Food and Water Dispenser

One of the most important things is their food and water. Make sure they have lots of it, and that it's clean. Chicks will scratch wood chips into their food and water dispensers, so check them often and empty and refill their food and water when necessary.

• Chick Food

You need a special chick food for the chicks. We prefer organic feed.

• Chick Grit

Chicks also need special chick grit. Normal chicken grit is too big for chicks.

     And that is what you will need to raise chicks. We hope you have fun starting your flock.