As we wind down another successful Chick Days, we're going to wrap up Chicks 101 with advice on coopitecture. It's something to start thinking about and building early because your new chicks will grow fast! You'll need the coop in about 6 - 8 weeks. Here are a few important considerations: Location check local building codes for size, materials, and setbacks choose a flat spot that has good drainage build close to utilities - food, water, and power source choose a spot that

Chick Days, part duex! Some of our chick families are new flock raisers, but many folks were in the store yesterday to add to their flock. The chicks are babies now, so it will be a while before they all live in the same coop. But it's always good to be prepared with what to expect and take some action now to aid the integration. Our professional partners at Purina offer several tips to aid in the introduction of new birds to the flock. - Integrate slowly - Blend only when t

Today is the big day! We hope you've learned a lot about preparing to bring your birds home, and what you can expect in the coming months. Your brooder should be warmed up and ready to welcome its new residents! The Chick Days special runs through Saturday, or while supplies last. The chicks are first come, first served. No reservations. The special package price does not apply to the Ameraucana or ducks. The Birds: Welsummer Rhode Island Red Buff Orpington Barred Rock Hatche

Preparing for tiny chicks arrival is fun, but you also need to think ahead to the coop. You don't have 18 years to prepare for them to fly the coop. It's more like 18 weeks! As you build out your coop, it's interesting to think about the idea that it's not a pen to keep the chickens IN, but a shelter to keep the predators OUT! Depending on where you live in town, the desert predators will vary. Coyotes are an obvious concern, as well as snakes or rats that may come for the eg

Thanks for joining us for Chicks 101 online. We've been sharing a wealth of tips and information from our professional partners at Purina. It's been noted that chicks are messy. They kick their food, splash their water, and soil their shavings. Well, they're babies. All babies are messy. But the older they get, chickens can be clean birds when cared for diligently. Today, we'll address biosecurity and bird health. Sanitation is the best way to reduce or avoid bacteria, parasi

Chick Days begin Thursday, and did you know most of the 2500 birds that will be flocking to our store are not even hatched yet! The hatchery process is quick, and most birds are shipped overnight mail when they are just a day old. We love receiving the morning phone call from the post office when they have a batch of birds for us to pick up! We're glad they hold them rather than having them ride around with the mail carrier all day. But imagine the post office this week as ca

It's Sunday, and you're new chicks are coming home in less than a week. You've got lots to do today to prepare the brooder. Plus, you may have some of the past week's videos to catch up on. Today, we'll offer a fun craft project for the kids to do. Plus, we'll re-post the homework. If you missed it, you still have a chance to download, print, and color. Bring your finished roosters to Chick Days and turn them in to enter the coloring contest for adults and kids. We look forwa

Fresh eggs are certainly the biggest benefit to raising backyard chickens. Everyday you can step out your back door and pick up wholesome eggs to stock your counter. Yes, fresh eggs can stay on the counter for a while as long as they're unwashed. Washing removes the natural protective coating, and that's why grocery store eggs (i.e. eggs out of factory farms that are power washed & processed to prevent salmonella) have to be refrigerated. Just-laid eggs from your own birds wh

Yesterday we talked about what to feed your chicks. All that pecking at Purina Start N Grow makes for thirsty birds. Water is an obvious need, so today we have some tricks that can help you keep the water fresh at all times. Chicks are messy so you don't want them walking in or soiling the water. Hanging the waterer is a good option, but did you think about the need to raise the height as the birds grow? The waterers and feeders should be at the height of the chicks backs as

One week until Chick Days! And there will be a little homework at the end of today's lesson. Well, the fun kind of homework! With the birds coming home in a week, it's time to start thinking about feeding more beaks in the family. Our professional partners at Purina have done all the research to provide your birds with premium nutrition in Purina Start N Grow. Watch today's video to learn about what to feed, recommendations on the temptation to feed treats and scraps, and the