Raising chicks 101 - Avoid these fatal beginner mistakes!

Raising chicks for the first time has a steep learning curve, but by the time you finish this video, you'll know how to set up your chick brooder, how to protect your chicks from the most common health problems, and how to understand bird anatomy and behavior. And you'll know how to avoid the most common ways well-meaning beginners accidentally kill their chicks.
CHECK OUT MY COURSE ON RAISING CHICKS HERE - www.thefeatherbrain.com/mama-...
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Gail Damerow's chicken books - www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/...
00:00 Raising chicks 101: A learning curve
03:20 Vaccinate for Marek's Disease.
07:06 Don't make your entire brooder hot.
10:53 Start your chicks in a small brooder space.
14:28 Expand your brooder space at ~10 days old.
17:36 Prevent drowning in chick waterers.
20:21 Prevent smothering in your brooder.
22:30 Train your new chicks to eat and drink.
29:06 Don't use loose bedding too early.
34:46 Check frequently for pasty butt.
38:15 Disembowlment: Do not mistake the naval area for the vent.
39:46 Keep grass and string away from chicks.
42:27 Give your chicks grit!!!
45:31 Don't hold your chicks tightly.
48:24 Bonus tip: Don't put chicks on their backs.
50:16 How to raise your chicks like a mama hen (video course!)

[@MsMeI]

This was by far the most comprehensive and knowledgeable chick video I've seen despite binge-watching chicken youtube for weeks. Thank you!!

[@maps3321]

Good job ..be fearless.. study to succeed …love poultry..💞

[@Louise-xr5ok]

I am in the uk , my vet says they do not vaccianate backyard chicks here only large flocks.

[@helendennis7662]

Correct, I hatched a ton of my own chicks, never vaccinated, never had a problem, only the ex battery hens we rescued came vaccinated, and possibly the day old meat chicks I got. But it’s absolutely NOT the number one killer, poor management is. Disease comes from overly intensive methods, vaccines and viruses are just big pharma fear mongering. Take these birds out of 10,000 unit production sheds and they won’t get sick.

[@jilldalier5396]

I have to agree....no vaccine for the backyard birds. Especially since it sheds, can infect other birds, can still infect vaccinated chicks, etc. No ma'am!

[@pippenlapue9643]

Im in California. No shots needed out here.

[@the60s87]

I’ve never had to vaccinate mine

[@ConsciousWealthGenerators]

Glad you said that, Im UK also

[@blueraven2345]

Thank you so much for putting out this information. I am planning on getting chicks but I’m the kind of person who researches everything in depth before bringing an animal home so I greatly appreciate the content you shared. I also appreciate are you keeping it simple for the first timer.

[@texartisanstudios]

Great advice! As a first time chicken owner, you covered some things that I did not know about. Specifically about the umbilical cord and not to turn them upside down. I have 10 chicks that are about 5 days old and you probably saved some of their lives! Appreciate your time and energy! Thanks again!

[@BelindaTN]

Yes. Same for me. In all the chick videos that I have watched, none mentioned about how they breath and how NOT to handle them.

[@8milelandandcattle]

I am here to say that I spent close to 300 dollars on polish, cochins, and silkies... just for that hatchery to unkownly send me some Mareks to my flock. I didn't know much about the virus at the time so as I am fighting to keep them alive I spent another almost 200 to get a deceased chicken sent to the lab and it was indeed positive for Mareks out of all those chicks I only came out with 10 to survive!!! It was the worst experience I've ever been through. Now I am hatching my own and vaccinating at home it at least gives me peace of mind. Thank you for the info I am glad I found your page!

[@solovable1ify]

I guess I've been lucky. I've never given any shots or medications for anything to my chickens. They were very healthy and ran free on the farm. No problems with them. They're super easy to keep. They basically took care of themselves. Rarely lost any chicks.

[@UkuleleWineTime]

This was so incredibly helpful, thank you for taking the time to make this video! We have 5 full grown hens, and are getting 5 more baby chicks this week and I'm so glad I came across your channel. Now I feel way more confident- thank you!

[@rachelanne927]

My family and I raised show chickens growing up and I wasn't aware of 90% of this information 😨! Now in my 30's starting over with a new flock, I'll do it the responsible way. Thank you!

[@n_maldo7567]

Thank you! Getting my first chicks tomorrow and this video actually answered some questions I had that I couldnt find on other channels. Great video and thank you for the info regarding the room temperature when using the brooder plate.

[@kellygonzalez9439]

Just want to say thank you. I have tried raising chicks a few times now and always loose some within a day or 2. I’m happy to report all 6 are happy and healthy !

[@nannabou9437]

Vaccines. Nope.

[@rho1360]

Absolutely essential information for newbies. I have eggs in the incubator right now and I've done a tonne of research but nothing as good as this! Honestly I can't thank you enough 🙏❤️

[@mrhood3977]

Thank you very much for all your info I was at the feed store today and very close to buying 4 chick and bringing them home because I've heard how easy it is but now I feel a little more competent and prepared on what to expect...thank you

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@calleyfreedom5513]

Best most informative video on chick raising I have seen! Thank you so much. My son is getting two chicks from a school project and we will be getting 3 from hatchery the same week. My son is beyond excited and I sure don't want to kill these lil fluffers!

[@calideeholmes6822]

@Calley Freedom AMEN?! WORD!❤

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@user-mp5bz6kd5d]

Thank you for this knowledge-packed material. I've been raising chickens for years and I do (or avoid doing) most of the things you talk about. This is an excellent summary, well-explained and put together. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@jcapre003]

Thank you for sharing all of this knowledgeable information. I’ll be a first time chick mom by tomorrow and by far, this video has been the most informative I’ve seen.

[@kathrynmagoon5204]

Wonderful! Thank you! I have a chicken named Poppy too! She's the one I am closest to. Your chicks are very cute and I appreciate the info. Using a heat plat with just hatched quail babies tonight for the first time (with the heat plate- not the quail babies) and it's going well.

[@spoonnwithsunshinehomestead]

Thank you so much for this very detailed, informative video for beginners! This information is so vital and makes me feel so much better equipped for when I receive my first batch of new chicks later this week.👍🏽😊

[@angelanelajuly2961]

I decided to start. I care deeply for bird's. I don't eat meat do this is for pets and eggs. Thank you so much. You helped my chicks. I ordered eggs but Im hoping our of 12 I get some birds. I'll be home with them. Much Love Thanks you

[@AdelardRen]

I just got my first ever chicks yesterday, and a second batch today. This video was very helpful to me, and I will be implementing a couple of changes in how I'm keeping them. Some of this I already knew, as I've been researching for over a month now, but there truly is always more to learn. And actually I just checked over my chicks for pasty butt. One of the ones I got today had some from the store. It was very dry, and I decided the warm water from the tap would be less painful, and a little warmer. Poor thing was peeping for her life. I hope I didn't traumatize, or damage her. I made sure she was mostly dry and warm before sending her back into the brooder, but my goodness do I feel bad. I hate causing that kind of distress in an animal. Four months later edit: She turned out to actually be a he. His name went from Poopybottom to Loudmouth real fast.

[@heatherwilliams1394]

It's deadly if you DON'T wash them off.

[@AdelardRen]

​@@heatherwilliams1394 I realize, which is why I did so despite all her alarm cheeps. However, if you do so too roughly, or pull as you do so you can do great harm. You don't want to solve one deadly problem by causing another. There's definitely a learning curve here, as chicks are so very delicate. At any rate mine is fine. She had to go back to the sink maybe three more times after that, but she's free of trouble now.

[@susanmckey2257]

My favorite: your pullets crawling all over you while you give us very important info. Love it.

[@77lases]

Excellent video! I just love how thorough you are - just so incredibly helpful! Thank you!!

[@calideeholmes6822]

Your chicken sitting on your head is too adorable... it says a lot about you and how much they love and trust you... new subscriber! SPOT ON! JOLLY WELL DONE!

[@thefeatherbrain]

They are so fun!

[@calideeholmes6822]

@@thefeatherbrain AMEN?! WORD!

[@bevdixon9615]

Thank you, Thank you ❤❤ This was so informative. I put the notes into my phone and plan to share with anyone who will be in contact with our chicks. I has been at least 50 years since my childhood family had chicks and I was too young 10-11ish to really understand much of this. Again I thank you.

[@KR-hc1mr]

Im revisiting raising chicks after a 5 year hiatus, and I am just so thankful for this...and you. I look forward to watching more of your content!

[@nancykindergartenteacher8637]

Wow, amazing vid! I have wanted chickens forever, and now, as a retired lady, I can have them! Thanks for all the info.

[@thefeatherbrain]

How exciting! Best of luck with your chicks when you get them. :) Bri

[@Bioluvskatz]

Thanks for this… lots of info and some things I hadn’t learned yet even though I’ve watched hundreds of videos over the last 2 yrs in prep of getting chicken. My first ones will arrive in June. I feel more prepared. ❤

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@user-ti2rn4wi7y]

I've been raising chickens for years and thought I knew a lot, but your video really impressed me. I learned a lot more. I wish feed stores that sell chicks would recommend it, or at least give a handout with the chicks they sell. I feel so bad looking at all those chicks in theirs brooders at the store, knowing only a small percentage will survive, especially around Easter. Thanks so much for the video.

[@thefeatherbrain]

Totally agree.

[@danakick1901]

I love the honesty here! Thank you!

[@creepyqueer]

Thank you for making and sharing this video! You're so informative and sweet, this and all the other videos I've watched of yours have helped me so much with caring for my four and befriending them 😇

[@marieweaver6894]

Wow! I am blown away by all this information. We always had chickens when I was a child and I thought I knew a little and almost enough about chickens from my childhood. However, doing research I thought I had learned so much and felt prepared to Not Kill My Chicks! But I didn’t know Jack squat apparently. 😂 I ran into so many conflicting advice from people and could not get straight answers. I just want to say THANK YOU for this wealth of information just in this video alone. I feel much better prepared for my chicks who will be arriving in about 2 weeks. I have time to check out your guide to raising chicks now and feel confident I can raise instead of kill, my little flock of 15 chicks. Again, thank you!

[@thefeatherbrain]

Sounds like you will be well prepared, Marie. Best of luck. :)

[@GraphicallySpeakingMimi]

@@thefeatherbrain Thanks again.

[@SS-kg3tx]

YOu already saved my newborn's life. What looked like pasty butt was actually the umbilical cord wound into a knot. i remember when the chicken was hatching, the yellowish cord was all wrapped up. The color was more white, yellow so it looked like pasty butt, but I checked that it was not where the "vent" is and thanks to your video, did not "clean" it. Phew!!!!

[@thefeatherbrain]

So glad to hear it!

[@SS-kg3tx]

And you saved another baby's life when, two days later, this chick DID have pasty butt. She was shaking her head a lot, scary for a two day old chick. I could see her rectum was very full and when I removed the pasty stuff, she pooped and pooped, then stopped shaking. So thank you again!!!@@thefeatherbrain

[@solsticedoodles1086]

Thank you so much for this video. I've had chickens for a while but I've always started with older birds so I've never experienced chicks before. I had to sell my bonded pair (I'm about to graduate so I can't keep them at the school barn anymore but I can't have the rooster at my house) but I have an egg from them that finally hatched today so i want to make sure she's strong and healthy

[@rcar9115]

Thank you so much for this video. It's true, there is so much conflicting information. It's very frustrating. There are several things that I was doing wrong and I'm so grateful to have reliable information. Checking out your courses now. ❤

[@KathyLambert-nq7zd]

The best video I've heard yet! I don't have my chicks yet. This will be the first time for me so I'm watching alot of videos to learn to take the best care of them. This video is the best!! 😀

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@gailsylva7945]

I got a Rent-a-coop heat plate like you said you didn't like because it got too hot. I have a thermostat for my plant heat pads. I put it on my heat plate. Works well.

[@paullanducci440]

Thank you. We just started. Good information.

[@katemiller6567]

Wow, you are a very good teacher, thank you! God bless.

[@amandasargent2114]

I just delt with a chick with pasty butt got her little bum clean, I didn’t know what I was doing but I did it right 😊 I was scared I was going to hurt her by pulling out feathers. Glad I did this right

[@zionmountainfarmky8210]

Great video, I saw some mistakes I made and adjusted immediately, literally while watching this! I stopped this video, and removed my bedding lol !!! I got my chicks from tractor/ feed store and they were assumably 1 day old when I bought them. ( I was waiting for the day they came in) so it if they arrived the 3rd they were hatched the 2dn I believe. Today is the 10th, so 8 days old if this is correct, and no older than 9 days. I put pine shavings in at about 5 days to give them something to peck at. They seemed to know to eat and drink immediately when put in the brooder. I also do not have grit, I will be buying it tomorrow and know I should have already prepared. I am admitting my mistakes and appreciate your video and love the tent! if I do babies again I will follow your style and copy this idea!

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@missmissy5170]

Pauses the video....runs and gets all the bedding out of the brooder....unpauses the video 🤣🤣🤣

[@thefeatherbrain]

You're not the first to comment that. :)

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@whitetrim1]

Thank you for sharing.

[@montykieffer3362]

I am not saying don't vaccinate. But I have been raising gamefowl for 46 years and have never vaccinated one bird

[@thefeatherbrain]

I'm so glad that's worked out for you. Could be the Marek's virus in your area isn't very virulent, your birds are resistant (some gamefowl do tend to be more disease resistant in general), or you're lucky. For anybody out there on the fence, I recommend calling avian vets in your region and asking them if they're putting down a lot of birds with Mareks.

[@hempress4217]

Thank you. By witnessing outcome and other reputable sources, I am a firm believer that vaxes both human and animal actually cause and spread disease and complications. I haven't had mine vaccinated either and having NO issues whatsoever!

[@417plasma6]

very educational video , here in Missouri the weather in April are the best time for raising chicks...Thank you for taking the time for the video

[@417plasma6]

I have 50 buff orpingtons comin and 6 road island red roosters comin in april..can't wait to get them and started ..talk to ya soon...

[@beckye9413]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@alexandraderry7086]

Thank you for such a great guide here, I am considering taking your course. I am wanting to learn all you have to share. Some day we will get chickens and I’m preparing years in advance.

[@thefeatherbrain]

That's smart of you, Alexandra. Wish more people would prepare in advance. :) The course is pay-what-you-want - you can take it for free if you wish, so don't hesitate if you think it might be helpful.

[@Lizzypoohxo]

If you don't put straw down for your chicks there's a chance they'll get bored and peck at each other. They need the bedding so they can scratch at it which keeps them busy and prepares them to find bugs when they free range outside.

[@benbo7042]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@angelaforsyth1092]

Thank you. I hope to be a first time chicken owner along with my grandson who is 7. i have watched a lot of videos but none so full of good information.

[@H2Shadow]

This was very informative stuff I would have not known I bought the tent but I didn't know about sectioning it off for the first seven days along with a host of other things thank you so much for this video

[@thefeatherbrain]

Thanks, Richard. It's the video I wish I would have had when I was first getting started. Though I didn't lose any of my first chicks, they would have had a better quality of life.

[@Itramot]

Awesome video! Thank you! I learned so much!

[@jeanc.65]

This is such a great video for those of us who haven’t had chickens before or only have limited experience with them.

[@Teaganderry]

I have raised chicks for about 5 years and haven't lost any, but you gave me even more ways to "not kill" my chicks. Thank you for sharing not just the 'what' but the 'why.' Great video!.

[@yerneedsry]

none from a hatchery huh?

[@Teaganderry]

@@yerneedsry from hatchery and from tractor supply and a few hatching eggs.

[@FluffyButtFarms]

Thank you so much for the great education. I have raised several from pullets and I had a mama Hen rase 4 by herself but for the first time I'm getting ready to hatch some on my own and I have been watching several videos trying to learn how to do it but yours is the most educational I have seen yet🐣🐤🐥😊

[@thefeatherbrain]

Thank you! Love the name "Fluffy Butt Farms!"

[@michoost]

Some really helpful info in here. Thanks!

[@michaelajohnson7000]

Use molasses. In water. Or hydro - hen. And use a q-tip dip in and tap there beak it might take a time or two but once they drink your good. That’s also how you give meds.

[@patriciadunaway3894]

Thank you this has been very informative

[@pratherkm]

I’m getting my first baby chicks next week. I have been non-stop watching KZbin videos about how to prepare and care for them and NO ONE I’ve come across has been this helpful and informative! I really thought I was prepared but you gave me more to think about. I’m so glad I came across your channel. Thank you!

[@susanmckey2257]

You are helping me so much. Thank you!

[@susanmckey2257]

Marbles in the waterer! yaas! thank you

[@petfunwitheliza]

thank you so much! I subscribed, and I'm watching with my day-old chicks every chick video on your channel!! Thank you once again.

[@Christina-dw8we]

THANK YOU!

[@freddieivory625]

Great info. Thanks for sharing

[@skimark8275]

Thank You for the best of best information I have found so far Is that a Fibro Easter Egger ? my girls are coming in May getting 2 of them , I plan brooding them in my coop , good idea ?

[@jpexoticpets146]

Just signed up for your course! I really want a systematic course. Can't wait to get started.

[@thefeatherbrain]

Awesome! I hope you love it! :)

[@richardloucks2936]

I've been reading and watching videos for months and I've learned so much more from this one. Thank you so much!

[@andylupa6273]

Perfect timing seeing your video Ordered chicks along with 9 mature layers I also heard (mistakenly) how easy they are. Now your video may prevent some big errors as we orders a lot of chicks Last week for May I’m finding so many items unavailable now, so thank you for the links and suggestions of when & what I hope to be thoughtful and prepared enough to have at least a few of them try climbing up like they did in your video 😅

[@michaelajohnson7000]

First three days there still absorbing still the yoke. But they need to eat. Put marbles in your water. Stops them from falling in and makes them want to drink.

[@financialsavant6195]

You are so smart and generous with the loving touch. I’m done with the others on you tube. I believe your teaching is coming from a higher level. God bless and keep you.🙏🏼from grandma in FL😎 ✌️✌️🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@thefeatherbrain]

Thank you, grandma in FL. :)

[@angelacriner7942]

Ok new chicken mom...where do I get the Marek vaccine for my chicks? I hatched most of mine at home and 16 are from tractor supply.

[@Scoutdogs]

As far as the heating plate, I had one (brand new) malfunction and it wasn't getting hot enough and my chicks were all huddling under it. I put it at an angle for the night thinking they could get closer, but I think with the pushing and shoving to get closer, 3 developed splay leg in spite of being on shop towels for traction. I was able to get a heat lamp the next day and fixed the splay leg issue on those 3 chicks, and I ordered a new hot plate, but wanted to give folks a heads up. Even NEW stuff doesn't always work! And I have since learned about the "wool hen" and using hot hands wrapped in a towel as potential back ups for heat issues or power outages. I plan to have both on hand just in case (but not use them together). And be careful with a heat lamp and a cardboard box- fire hazard! When do the chicks start to fly? If I have a puppy pen with 4' tall panels and I will put hardware cloth on the outside so they can't fit through, but when do I need to worry about putting them in something with a top? I know the quail fly really early so a pen like that wouldn't work for them, but not sure about Serama chickens, which are about the same size :-) TSC sells quail waterers that should be great for bantams. There is only about a 1/2 inch gap for the water. The tapping thing is so funny and cool! I don't think quail do that, but I didn't try. Looking forward to doing it with my chicken chicks! Have you tried tapping on the waterer too? I assume it is easier to just stick their beak in. If hatching my own, do I need to do that when I take them out of the incubator? With my quail, I put a jar lid with glass pebbles in it in the incubator and they all found it and got drinks. Thank you for the info on the umbilical cord! I didn't know that and especially thank you for the photo because that is not where I would have expected it to be. But I did have one quail chick (out of 18 total) born with a yolk still attached (I thought it was a tumor!) and that is where it was attached, but I wouldn't have made that connection. Thankfully it dried up in less than 24 hrs and fell off. Quail (& I assume the Seramas) are SO tiny, there is very little space between the two areas. Any tips for super small chicks like Seramas that might be different from quail?

[@karen-hillshomestead]

They're pads for humans are called underpads. Sometimes also referred to as chucks.

[@tamararoberts9307]

Omgosh I am so glad I found this video! Tysvm ♡ I've learned so much ! You are awesome!

[@brianmyers3205]

Thanks for the info. Appreciate you

[@Damselfly54315]

I had no issues with pasty butt, at 2 weeks I woke up to a dying chick,it had pasty butt and I dont know HOW I missed it...but I lost it...that was somehow something I missed the day before...I'd lost 5 the first 48 hrs so that was hard...but to miss a pasty butt I truly beat myself up over...I used paper towels in the brooder for the first 10 days...they missed the paper towels after I stopped it, lol...otherwise ALL thus info is very accurate, so thank you! About grit, the chick crumbles say the dont need grit, but I agree some to food, and now that they are older I use a separate bowl...

[@thefeatherbrain]

So sorry to hear about your pasty butt girl. It's the worst when one of our chickens dies and we feel like we could have prevented it. There are a lot of things I still beat myself up over too. Sounds like you're doing a great job with your chicks though! :)

[@Damselfly54315]

@@thefeatherbrain I knew I'd lose couple, they shipped in Jan and it was SO cold, but 5 was a lot, then to SOMEHOW miss a pasty butt, I STILL don't know how I did...but it was definitely that...and I spent the first 2 weeks almost entirely by them down in my basement, I started off with a 6' round 15" high kiddie pool, taped that to a cardboard box with 18" sides and I have very happy chickens so far...but praying weather breaks cuz the brooder getting small for them but too cold out yet...they are fully fathered in but with no heat in coop I wont risk it...plus the coop/yard not done yet...weather just not cooperating..

[@bronwynmeehan8303]

This is a great video, I took lots of notes!

[@SS-kg3tx]

I just watched this as my first incubator baby hatched, which , considering all the things that went wrong, is more than a miracle. I loved the teaching them to eat part and it worked! They are already eating on their own, less than an hour old! I did not realizer they should be vaccinated so young. I will contact the local vet tomorrow. Does anyone know when I can take them out of the incubator if I warm the room to say 80 degrees first and put them on blanket? There are 3 now so far (2 more starting to hatch) and they seem desperate to be with me. Thank you!!

[@christine9615]

Such a great video. I was under the impression that chick's didn't need much from me so now that I know so much more I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and wondering if I can actually do this without killing my babies when the arrive. But I'm learning and preparing long b4 they start arriving in June. I ordered mine from McMurray Hatchery but I'm thinking I need to stagger the order instead of getting them all at once. If I stagger my chick's, will I have a lot of trouble introducing the youngest arrivals into the flock with the older ones?

[@thefeatherbrain]

You can do it, Christine. The fact that you're preparing ahead of time already makes you way more knowledgeable than 99% of people who get chicks. I didn't prepare enough ahead of time when I first got started but I didn't realize how much I didn't know until we got them. I tried to learn on the fly, but it was so hard to find good info. But my chicks still all survived. So much could have gone wrong, but luckily none of it did. There's usually an unpleasant transition period when you introduce new birds to a flock and it's very stressful on the chickens. But it can be done if that's what's best for your circumstances. Check out the Chicken Chick's article on it - I like her method here - the-chicken-chick.com/integrating-new-flock-members-playpen/ How many chicks are you getting? It will likely overall be easier to raise them together, but it depends on your goals. Do you have space for a camping tent or puppy pen brooder? It doesn't have to be as big as mine, but if you do have some space, then I'd recommend raising them together.

[@w.knudsen5570]

I already have one of Gail's books "Guide To Raising Chickens." It seems very informative. Thank you for your content.

[@alylebold6526]

You Are Great Thank You

[@CCteamBlue]

I have owned chickens for decades but new to hatching my own chicks. Im struggling with one that did not fully absorb the yolk. She had soft bones and feet and wouldn’t walk upright. I splinted her legs and gave rooster booster. Now she ALWAYS stands?? Then her little umbilical cord got red. We treated with Neosporin and it appears to have resolved. Problem is, She never learned to eat and had to be fed every couple hours. She is 5 days old and is 30 grams. Her siblings are 60 grams. I was ready to end her suffering and then i watched your videos. Thank you! I think she imprinted on me and panics when i put her in with the flock. She just screams. I used to go rescue her and take her out. But now im covering her with my hand and tapping the food plate. Her siblings are showing her how to peck. Any other advice in how to get her to start thriving?

[@PETERNAKAYAMSEDERHANA]

Wow... very helpful 😀👍

[@kizzme2]

Great video by the way!!! It was so much of help. What is the heat mat for?

[@thefeatherbrain]

It's a toy. They love eating on it (they love the tapping noise it makes when they peck). It gives them a place to stay warm and socialize (rather than having to go under the brooder plate when they get too cold). And they love it when you put it on your lap for them to sit on. It allows them to be close to you while still being comfortable.

[@kizzme2]

@@thefeatherbrain I have my chicks in a tent also 😊 They are 16 days old. Can i give them treats yet? They sit on my lap when i get in the tent with them.

[@SD_honeybees]

So happy I've found you...I will learn a lot. But I wish you would have said how to get the Merek's vaccine when you hatch out eggs in an incubator. Not all of my chicks will be coming from the hatchery. I think I can just buy the vaccine at the feed store...but I would have liked your take on the info and process.

[@angelgarcia4848]

Really thankful to have come across your channel. So much great information in this video it’s criminal I never heard of this before. Edit: a nice touch was you explained the psychology of the chicks. Not just telling us what to do but why that is. So great!

[@thefeatherbrain]

Thank you so much for your kind words! My goal with all my content is to help people see chicks for the smart, social, and emotional beings they truly are.

[@lauranonamaker2610]

excellent

[@katskills5560]

Yes I’ve heard that!

[@carrieunrein2060]

This is 2nd round of chick's and you have taught me some new things. Can my 2 week old chick's have a little worm to play with?

[@ProtectFamilyRights]

My sense is that at 2 weeks old, baby chicks' not fully developed digestive systems would still be way too delicate to safely handle scratchy wiggly worms, because bit-off sections of the worms would still wiggle even after they are swallowed. My thought is that such live food action inside a 2 week old baby chick's delicate digestive system could be harmful and possibly even life-threatening to it.

[@CaroleMorgan-iw5if]

You are awesome and this video is so informative, I loved this very much. Thank you for the time you put into this Amazing video.

[@thefeatherbrain]

Thank you! :)

[@shellyavila9941]

Getting some chicks soon....got a chicken coop off of amazon.. The coops instructions are so complicated...lol .im excited though!

[@danabee3775]

Wonderful video! I am looking after a little flock of eight baby chicks and I have one question if anyone experienced it. Why do my little 5 days old chicks peep super loud when I turn the lights off for the night? It almost seems like they are scared or something. I have noooo idea what that behavior means or if it indicates some trouble in the brooder?

[@susancampbell2112]

I cant find the link for the heat mat you purchased for scattering the feed over. Can you please give me the link. I like the idea of a hard surface for tapping noise.

[@briwyzard3065]

Hi Susan! You can find the link here - www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/chick-heat-mat Bri

[@sarahbartlett1196]

Thank you so much for sharing. Your chicks are so friendly and love you. You have spent lots of time with them. They have a great human mum. I'm going to call you the Chicken Whisperer!

[@thefeatherbrain]

Best compliment ever. Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@judithwentz6715]

Yes. I heard that

[@amandasargent2114]

For me I put a drop of water on the TIP of the beak with my finger for my second. My first I had to be a bit more “aggressive “ and dip her beak in the water. And they learned withen like 10mins mind you I got these chicks 1 week old at a store so they kinda already knew so I was more showing them the water and food as it was different dishes then what the store used

[@DeedsReadz]

How much space should we widen to per chicken after the first week or so? You mentioned the tent but specifically how much space per chicken will they need until they go out into their coop outdoors?

[@celesteinman56]

Yes I have.

[@KathyLambert-nq7zd]

Do you know if it's ok to use softened water for chickens?

[@MiaMarie420]

So I swim my ducklings twice a day and that seems to keep them going pretty easy. Can we dip chicks rear ends in the water to help stimulate?

[@Garretgaming-sm1bt]

Yes, I’ve heard this

[@independentcontactors339]

Interesting, iam very glad you made this, I was doing thinks that where dangerous and was not aware. The 🐔 on your head was the best.

[@kreathagreene5189]

My chicks started pipping early yesterday morning. I have 8 eggs, 4 have hatched and fluffed out. 2 have pipped very little, and two nothing. How long do I wait for the two that have pipped. It’s been 10 hours and nothing.

[@rmcbride-ok]

Couldn't you give them colloidal silver in their water to kill any viruses or bacteria? I've been reading a lot of stuff lately for that. It will also treat mycoplasma.