Everything you need to know about raising baby chickens, simple, easy and fun

[@stephaniewilson3955]

That is the simplest and least stressful for the chicks that I have ever seen. I like your way of handling chicks.

[@TMesser74]

We used coffee grinds made for animal bedding with our last batch. The chicks were dusted black til they went outside but the difference in smell, mess and dust was like night and day difference. I’ll never use shavings again. Under our feeders and waterers we use a 2x4 platform with a 1/2 “ hardware cloth mounted on top to prevent bedding from being kicked in their feeders. I like your light hanging idea!

[@VanLoweLawnCare]

I've had 3 sets of laying hens since 2017. All three batches as chicks. All they get is clean strait water and chick starter and have had 100% success rate.

[@wildpuffalumps]

I use the ceramic bulbs 💡 for reptiles, they don’t produce light just heat and the chicks have been loving it. Also they don’t explode due to dust.

[@ShortbusMooner]

Awesome! My girls were a year hatched yesterday- made me think of how cute they were! 🥰🐔

[@glennvengroff7235]

I only use apple cider vinegar on my adult chickens a couple to 4 times a year it helps keep their poop shoot clean No more impacted eggs or the cleaning of chicken bumbs. Also I noticed the take dirt baths less often for some reason.

[@maryjamieson7076]

Chicks are so sweet

[@kevinmathis1278]

The best egg layers I ever had were Buff Orphington. Layed huge eggs every single day like clockwork. 6 hens layed more eggs than I knew what to do with. I think their longevity isn't what modern breeds is though.

[@lovelylisawarriorqueen7923]

You have such a good way of teaching. I've been watching for years, but I look forward to upcoming videos on the chickens.

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

Great video! Love watching your channel and all you do on the homestead! So down to earth and I trust your lofe experiences with chickens more than anyone out there. Thank you. I just hatched my third batch of lavender Orpington chicks and it's so much fun!

[@StaceyHerewegrowagain]

I LOVE Zipties!

[@terresiagregg9326]

Good evening Josh glad you got your chicks hope they all grow good for you

[@evabetlyon2693]

Well thanks..I learned something new today..i didn't know you could order chicks from out of state..i don't use tractor supply so this is great news..as always prayers and blessings

[@lisac.4811]

I've also had no losses from Murray McMurray Hatchery. Very pleased with them. Just got my meat birds yesterday.

[@deanfisher3872]

I always put apple cider vinegar in my birds water, it help their digestive system and helps keep their water from growing algae, also mixed diatomaceous earth with their food and dusted their coop after cleaning. Only use plastic waters with apple cider vinegar.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

you don't need to do all of that....diatomaceous earth is most certainly not necessary and could do more harm than good with day old chicks. Our water doesn't have the chance to grow algae they drink it up and we refill it 3 times per day. To each his own....but be careful with diatomaceous earth...it can cause severe respiratory issues

[@kristinnelson3248]

thanks this video helped A lot! I am geting chicks tomarrow and I am just starting thanks for the video!

[@rtmdlawncare5774]

Rainy day here Josh …. Went to my local farm/hatchery ( canter hill farm - Malvern pa ) and bought some barred rock pullets. Fat girls too. Good folks and I’m gonna tell ya - prepare for self sustenance Americans. Good looking youngsters and your doing a wonderful job Farmer Josh.

[@MATT-nc7ms]

So glad I found your channel, I knew to chicken life and your channel is a blessing. Thank you!

[@Michigan_Girl]

I saw my neighbors house burn down because of using a heat lamps. I never use a heat lamp. I just use 2 litter bottles, with hot water, wrapped in old dish towels. It works. I've never lost a chick yet.

[@roybrochu5409]

Very interesting and informative. Appreciate the in depth explanation. I never knew. Keep bringing your great videos.

[@sheliadean9548]

Thank you for sharing this information with us

[@Da2ron]

Ah yes another year of baby chicks video! Love it

[@Barosunflower]

Getting my chicks, soon can’t wait ❤🤍💙

[@FerrarGordinier]

The chicks are so adorable

[@philwhite5815]

When I had chicks I tried Apple cider vinegar in my water and it just made the waterer slimmy. I quit doing that and they were with me and healthy for 3 years until I moved and has to sell them

[@maryjamieson7076]

Last time I ever saw a lot where at the PNE fair vancouver and omg they where soooooo cute I was in love

[@Rivera_Homestead]

I needed a down to earth video to help me destress. I have baby chicks coming for the first time ever next week. Thanks for the practical explanation

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

You got this! Get yourself set up like this, clean water, correct feed, shavings, warm, dry and you're good. Don't go cheap on the brooder, the walls need to be tall so they can't jump out...a stock tank is the way to go

[@rocketman6973]

Love your videos man! I live near you in King, we got our 10 Rhode Island Reds two weeks ago!

[@scottsmith6846]

Hey Josh thank you for the video and good luck with your new baby chicks woo

[@Thisisweirdfourty]

They are 101% cute

[@andrewseamans1419]

We've had good luck with room temp water. "Magic Water" Honey,vinegar, and garlic really seems to help the birds. That's been our experience. Especially with Turkey Poults! Room temp water is huge! Dont chill your birds.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

i'm not sure why anyone would put anything other than room temp water my brotha....but we don't use anything other than fresh pure water like they would get if the were with mother hen

[@suzanneswan2638]

Thanx for the great info. There are fortunately very few oversensitive real farmers. 😂😂😂 you handle the heckling well.

[@Truex561]

I am looking for some help with my chickens roosting. They seemed to love the roost in the brooder. Once I moved them to the coop at 8 weeks they haven’t used the roost to sleep. They huddle together in the corner to sleep. During the day I’ll find a couple on the roost but that’s the only time. I’ve even tried putting them on it a few times at night but they jump down and go back to the corner

[@Token_Civilian]

Pete up at Just a Few Acres Farm says he's had really good success with his hatchery chicks (meat and layers) by NOT feeding them for the first 2 hours after receipt - only water initially. Only then, feeding. Not sure the exact how's or why's....Looking forward to seeing your experience and your vids on your birds - loved the one you did a while back on the "just the facts" of chicken slaughter....no punches pulled, and was prob one of the most factual on what it'll be when it comes time to harvest the birds (FYI - I've done a deer with the 30-06 and a fair share of grouse with the 12 gauge over the years, chicken of the forest here in the PNW, but chickens with a blade will be a new experience). Once I retire, the plan is to do a batch of meat birds for 12 weeks before they go to freezer camp, to steal a line from Our Wyoming Life.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yep...Pete and I differ on alot of topics...I guess that's why they make red paint and blue paint right lol

[@nanettejenkins3846]

We love this video! 😊 We love chickens 🐥🐣 Thank you! From Andy and Nanette 🐓

[@Roadfarms]

i got my chicks at november all 42 chicks i grew at 13 years old already laying eggs

[@InaStanley83]

I actually do add a homemade electrolyte mixture (I don't use electrolyte packets from the store) to my waterers for the first 2 or 3 days. I have found sometimes that shipped chicks tend to be very dehydrated or a little weak when they first arrive. When I was using plain fresh water I would always lose a few, no matter how clean and dry I kept things. Adding my mixture, I rarely lose chicks now. Even the ones that are a little weak on arrival perk right up and grow very well. I also rarely have issues with pasty butt. I can't remember the last time I had a chick with it. I don't think we have to call them "magical hippy concoctions." It's just one of many ways folks choose to raise their chicks. To each their own, ya know? If someone doesn't feel the need to add ACV or electrolytes to their chicks' water and that works for them, that's fine. If someone else does add it and it seems to help in their situation, that's fine too. As long as it works for the individual or farm and the chicks are well-cared for and grow well, that's what matters.

[@suzanneswan2638]

What do you use for elecrolytes?

[@InaStanley83]

@@suzanneswan2638 I add about 1/3 of a cup of plain, organic coconut water (no flavoring, no sugar added, no pulp) to a gallon of warm water along with 2 tbsp of raw organic ACV, 1/3 cup of raw, organic honey, and a couple of cloves of crushed fresh garlic. A gallon fills all 4 of my waterers, and it usually takes 50 to 60 quail chicks 2 to 3 days to go through all 4. Takes chicken chicks a little longer because I usually don't brood as many at a time. This go round I had a few late hatchers that seemed pretty weak coming out of their eggs. Out of the 4 of those, one died within a half hour of being fully out of its egg. Looked like its yolk wasn't fully absorbed. The other 3 I dried off and moved to the brooder much sooner than I normally would as I prefer to let them fully dry in the incubator. Those 3 are doing fine nearly 3 weeks later. Can't even tell them apart from the rest. Haven't lost any others that hatched.

[@ClickinChicken]

That's always served me well, 'fresh food and water'. I bought the electrolyte packs didn't use them. Before you get into it; make sure you really want to do it, into it for the long haul.

[@robinbabcock3282]

Thank you SO much for the cardboard idea! Our 10 chicks keep scratching shavings into their water and it drives me crazy! 😅

[@raidel8815]

Hello! Can you post the food you buy? I know u say chick feeder 20% but is it medicated?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

typically non medicated, I get my feed from a local mill

[@aleshamcervin3107]

I am in the beginning stages of researching in raising chickens. As a beginner what do you suggest for laying hens

[@genieking6191]

Spoon full of apple cider vinegar a 1/2 pinch of Redmond salt. I prefer the metal quart waterer over the plastic bases. I only have 27 tho.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

yep...these birds are going through 2-3 gallons per day so we need more water for sure

[@allisonhinnegan6521]

We had a lame chick we knew wasn't young to make it, and she became snake food. My heart broke, but the snake had his meal. I loved this video! Amazing! Kudos!

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

How come I knew you'd have a video on this when I'm needing the info. 👍

[@kellysawden814]

Great video you had a 19 month old girl interested thanks

[@k3ll3r_ninja27]

Cute chickens

[@420KidKronik]

Awesome brother just got our first ever 3 so far very cool to have the kids watch em Come out the shell . I'll be watching sir 🙏

[@memyselfandifarmer]

I had a fisher. Trapped the bastard and sent it to h3ll. Road island reds are my go to. Also I put small wire sheets on top of the tub and use clamps to hold the wire down so nothing gets into the tub.

[@maryandrews2265]

Love the reference “hippie recipe “. Gave me a chuckle. Love the video Josh. You’re a great teacher. I’ll be following the chicken videos as I am really considering getting a few laying hens. Thank you!!

[@mommamoore]

We did start adding apple cider vinegar with mother in the beginning because we were having a lot of pasty butt problems and that helped. Like a tables spoon to a falling is what we did for the first month or so.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

pasty butt comes from stress in most cases...not a dietary issue, but if it helped ya...that's great

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi..... Josh Stoney Ridge Farmer nice to see you love watching your videos homestead Beautiful baby chick 🐥👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 👕🐔🐓🐣🐥🐕🐈🐄🐝🐠🐟🎣 🌱🏡🎥👍👍👍

[@taurota1554]

awesome as always.thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@IsaiahEbele-qh9cs]

❤, thanks for ur teaching, God bless.

[@cityhomestead40]

THOSE CHICKS LOOK GOOD LOL🙂😉😉

[@CarterKey6]

I have 13 absolutely the best chickens ever laying so many eggs I’m having to give them away for free but my husband decided we needed more eggs(we absolutely do not) but we got a couple of ducks and some chickens but the ducks like to get funky with the water so we had to separate. Lesson don’t mix baby chickens and ducks.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

ducks are very nasty to keep ...better suited for the pond for sure

[@EastTNChickenRun]

My first chicks are now 4 weeks ago and I never used any Hippy Recipes......lol I bought 10 and I still have 10.

[@MrCarlosdelgado]

Love your video content! I just got 10 Rhode Island Red chicks. Quick question: I'm feeding them Nutrena NatureWise Chick Starter Grower Medicated, but they seem to be eating nonstop. I understand thats normal bc they are growing, but is there a limit on how much I should feed them? I'm just a bit concerned they might get sick from overeating. Thank you in advance.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

for the first couple weeks just keep food in the brooder, once they are "hardened off" meaning more able to manage their body temps...then feed in daytime and turn off the lights at night so they don't eat. It's normal for them to eat, drink, wonder around curious and sleep at first. They will eat alot!!!

[@MrCarlosdelgado]

Awesome! Thank you so much for the feedback:)

[@QuestifyRBXtaken]

Stoney ridge farmer can you give me a link to that company you use to get the chicks

[@internationalharvesterpower]

Nice videos! I was watching one of your videos and saw an ABI manure spreader. What do you think about it? Can you make a video on it or reply?

[@rickster9993]

If you're going to free range you need one gosling to raise with the chickens. He'll grow up thinking he's a chicken and will sound off anytime any airborne predator is in the area. Think of the single goose as the donkey for chickens.

[@adefisandesire1624]

can i use a normal yellow bulb to heat up the chickens

[@Jay_dee915]

WOOW most videos make it so complicated 😂🐔.. Thank you for this simple video

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

You're welcome 😊

[@dmark6699]

Good informative video Josh.

[@carloisawesome]

does the feeder have to be hanging after sometime?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I hang the feeders after a few days, feeders and waterers need to be up off the ground if you can. just use "farm sense" and you got this...super simple

[@Atexasequestrian]

Great video, informative.

[@MrCrazycook8]

Iowa state produces a huge number of chickens, just over 60 million chickens in 2021, according to USDA. The average rate of laying eggs is one egg per hen per day, though this applies to special breeds of chickens that are bred to lay eggs.

[@Kamakazedatraveller]

Do u keep changing saw dust?

[@nexusfairy3038]

You said "hippy recipies" then I subscribed! HAHA. Great channel! :)

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

lol....it's true...so many folks "munchausen" their pets and poultry to the point of doing more harm than good. Just let the darn chickens be chickens...there's no Apple cider vinegar in the barnyard in nature....so why on earth would anyone thing of putting it in the darn chickens waterer! If ya don't know google Munchausen syndrome...it's a good read!

[@thomasyerbey337]

Great video Josh Woooooo 🇺🇸

[@TracyXie-s1k]

Is it ok to have two chicks? And where do you buy the shavings?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

First....I would never just have 2 chicks....probably 4-5 minimum. Next: I'm not trying to insult you or anything of the sort, but if you don't have the self sufficient nature within you to know where to buy shavings for pets....you're probably not quite ready for chickens. Raising animals like this requires a level of self sufficiency that most certainly is far beyond where to buy shavings/saw dust. That's a 2 second google search my friend....much less feeders, feed, waterers and a coop. Study up is all I'm saying, they don't stay little and cute forever..just remember

[@1purehavoc]

How do you distinguish flocking together vs huddling from the cold. I get some that wonder the whole pin but they tend to stay by the light( thermometer says 95 degrees under the light). They seem like they are doing well. I'm new at this but I don't sense distress in them

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

if they're all huddled up under the light...they're cold....if a few lounge under the light...then they should be fine.....try moving the light up a bit higher....95 is a bit warm and could potentially cause a fire issue.....just be careful for sure. You'll know when they are cold...try not to overthink it

[@1purehavoc]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer yea? I'll try that zip tie trick I saw on your video for more range in adjustability. Thanks brother.

[@reddog9884]

Question please... What is you only had Cedar Shavings instead of Sawdust or Pine Shavings? Would that harm the chicks? This is our first hatch from incubating, but we've raised chickens and others (ducks, turkeys, guineas), and had one unexpected little flock hatch, but first to try and hatch. I've got to go get the Chick Starter anyway, so I'll get Pine Shavings, but was curious about the Cedar shavings.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

go buy pine shavings my friend....cedar is a little harsh on them....however you can use it if you like

[@reddog9884]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer yeah, thinking about it more, the cedar oils might be too harsh. I bought pine shavings.

[@Self.reliant]

I had an issue with a respitory cough from my chickens and apple cider vinager helped them get over it in a coule days. But i do usexit always for my goats as it helps,keep worms down in thwre bodies

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

or did the cough run it's course? I'm still not convinced ACV is the cure all for everything...ACV is great...we make it here on the farm....but it's not been used in our livestock or poultry yet

[@Self.reliant]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer it could be that Itcrun it's course but who knows. I do however know that since we started adding it to the goats water we no longer need to deworm them so that was a plus for us.

[@xzavior21]

Would love regular updates on both chickens!

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

Check out the livestream channel "Cows and Coffee" you'll get updates almost daily on the birds and the rest of the farm

[@dawnbradshaw6375]

Stoney Ridge Farm: your link in the description does not work. Im brand new to chickens, mine are about 5 weeks now and looking for all the info I can get.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

sorry about that....but I think you can take a few mins on Amazon or your local tractor supply and pick up everything you'll need my brother...don't overcomplicate it...just a few waterers, feeders and some shavings and you got it!

[@dallasburgess5329]

Never had a chicken chick drown before, but I find quail chicks can't help but drown themselves...swear those things hatch out suicidal 😢

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

they most certainly can drown.....not saying the smartest one's drown...but they can

[@tropikallightningtunez87]

They probably know they are gonna get slaughtered so they try to take themselves out 😅😂

[@LivingTexas]

Sorry Bud. That blue stuff is not poop. The hatchery puts that in each box.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

the green/blue manure spots are poop my friend

[@akbychoice]

Hydrogel

[@suzanneswan2638]

Why would they put hydrogen in there?

[@jdvasey]

which waterer and feeder is you favorite? Unbiased and not promoted… just honest puleeze.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I showed ya what I use...and I aint selling it to ya....I do like the large brower feeders for the chickens once they get bigger...what you see here is what I like

[@MeshachThomas-s7h]

How long before you have to change the water for chick's??

[@johnrobinson7679]

One thing is I normally put a bit of baytril in the water it just helps the birds not get sick while they’re young and ziptise can fix everything.

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

i just use clean well water and it works great

[@TrueThings-nq9dx]

😊 soooooo cute

[@erockhefleyjr6852]

WoooooooooHeeeeeeeeeeeHeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!Alright!!!!!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@sashaidin]

yummy KFC

[@amandaomeara-zx2sj]

I use organic apple cider vinegar in the water just a splash.. iv had problems with poopy butt till i started with it.. i now never have poopy butt

[@slipdogmayabb6023]

Can I use like one of those little blue swimming pools you get at Walmart?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

too short...your chicks will jump out at about 1-2 weeks of age

[@MuhammadBabou-wz2co]

When I didn't have a hit lap what kind of lap I can use

[@joanedwards1120]

God bless you x

[@ricks2907]

We used red heat lamps so if injures the others would not eat the wounded bird because everything is red Cheers buddy Ricky 🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🐓

[@jaredgreenwald3072]

Love you so much bro. Gonna raise some meat birds because I've been tremendously inspiried by your videos. Thanks so much for everything you do.. I might bother you with some questions if that's ok.. I don't suppose there's a better way to contact you, is there? I apologize if this is a weird question. Thanks again you're the best

[@GhianneLabiste-cd9wv]

If. You. Don't have any saw. Dust wat. Can you use?

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

newspaper....or sand works just use your imagination

[@idk-x2w]

What do u use for the floor

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

floor? It's a tub...it has a bottom in in buddy...use pine shavings in the bottom

[@alexkathmehnewright9519]

@@StoneyRidgeFarmer I think the person above was asking the same question I have. Mentioned in the video was saving the synthetic straw for bedding. When does the material get used, I assume once the chicks leave the brooder? What would you suggest to clean it, if you recommend cleaning it? Was there something special about the first poop? But also, very helpful video and thanks for sharing!

[@donwoodcock7696]

Hey great video BUT you forgot the WOO … lol

[@ElizabethKampamb]

So what medicine can I start with

[@nikkimatte6897]

What are the rocks in the water for

[@StoneyRidgeFarmer]

I put gravel in the waterer for the first 24-48hours prevents accidental drowning

[@ShahidTalpur-ys5fp]

Good

[@Self.reliant]

Tried to order from the hem this year but aparently i should order now for next year

[@niks966]

Hug them....kiss them...love them as family ......lots of eggs share them.. .

[@Kingloogy]

Clean by nature 😂

[@MuhammadBabou-wz2co]

Thank you 👍

[@majeedahabdulhakeem3478]

SEND SOME TO US

[@tucobenedicto109]

Lucky Man 😆