Emily Carter
Raising chicks into healthy chickens requires care and attention, especially in the first six weeks of their lives. Newborn chicks need to be kept warm, fed, and hydrated, with their bedding kept clean and dry. As they grow, they will need more space to move around and may be ready to move outside, depending on the temperature. By six weeks, they will be fully feathered and will have started to develop combs and wattles. It is important to keep their environment clean and maintain a routine, as chicks are creatures of habit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age to move outside | 6 weeks |
| Temperature tolerance | 50°F |
| Feeding | Continue starter-grower feed until 18 weeks |
| Feeding | Pre-mixed commercial chick-starter with 20% crude protein |
| Feeding | No treats until 18 weeks |
| Feeding | Medicated feed if started on it |
| Feeding | Feed and water before letting them free-range |
| Feeding | Feed twice the amount as the first 2 weeks |
| Feeding | Feed and water freely available |
| Sanitation | Remove manure, wet litter and old feed daily |
| Sanitation | Disinfect feeders and waterers weekly |
| Sanitation | Clean and sanitise the coop with warm water and cleanser |
| Health | Supervise free-ranging until acclimated |
| Health | Maintain routine when free-ranging |
| Health | Watch for signs of illness |
| Health | Maintain biosecurity |
| Health | Supervise until they learn to take care of themselves |
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What You'll Learn
- Feeding: Provide a pre-mixed commercial chick starter with 20% crude protein
- Temperature: Ensure the temperature doesn't fall below 60°F
- Space: Provide half a square foot of space for each chick
- Health: Watch for lethargy, fluffed feathers, diarrhoea, and unwillingness to eat
- Moving: Prepare the chicken coop and slowly transition chicks to their new home
Feeding: Provide a pre-mixed commercial chick starter with 20% crude protein
When it comes to feeding your 6-week-old chicks, it's important to provide them with the right nutrition to support their growth and development. Here's a detailed guide on feeding your chicks with pre-mixed commercial chick starter feed containing 20% crude protein:
Choosing the Right Feed
Select a pre-mixed commercial chick starter feed that contains 20% crude protein. This feed is designed to provide the essential nutrients that chicks need during their first few weeks of life. You can find this type of feed at most feed stores or online. Look for options such as DuMOR 20% Chick Starter/Grower Crumbled Chicken Feed or Healthy Harvest Non-GMO 20% Protein Chick Starter Grower Crumbles.
Feeding Schedule
Feed your chicks the starter feed continuously as their sole ration from hatch to at least six weeks of age. Some sources recommend continuing this feeding regimen until they reach 8 to 18 weeks old. The feed should be available to them at all times, as chicks should have free access to food and water.
Benefits of 20% Crude Protein Feed
Chicks require more protein, vitamins, and minerals than they would get from grain scratch or ground corn. The 20% crude protein feed is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support the demands of growing chicks, ensuring they get the nutrients they need to thrive.
Transitioning to New Feed
After your chicks have reached six weeks of age, you can gradually transition them to a new feed. Some sources suggest switching to a chicken grower feed from 9 to 20 weeks of age. At 20 weeks, you can introduce treats and transition laying breeds to a complete layer feed.
Feeding Tips
Ensure that your chicks always have access to fresh water, especially when introducing new feed. Before opening the coop, offer them their feed and water. Encourage them to eat their feed before foraging outside. Additionally, maintain a clean feeding area by removing old feed waste daily and disinfecting feeders weekly.
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Temperature: Ensure the temperature doesn't fall below 60°F
6-week-old chicks are fully feathered and can tolerate cooler temperatures. While they can easily tolerate temperatures in the 50s, it is important to ensure that the temperature doesn't fall below 60°F.
Chicks that are exposed to temperatures below 60°F may experience cold stress, which can lead to reduced performance and, in extreme cases, death. To prevent this, there are several measures you can take to maintain a suitable temperature for your chicks.
Firstly, if your chicks have been kept in a warm space, it is important to give them a few days to adjust to the colder temperatures before moving them outdoors. This gradual transition will help them acclimate to their new environment.
Secondly, when preparing their living space, avoid using materials that retain cold temperatures, such as metal or plastic, as these can cause frostbite. Instead, opt for wooden boards to create a comfortable and safe environment for your chicks. Additionally, ensure that their living space is well-insulated and sealed to prevent cold drafts from entering.
If the temperature falls below 35°F, supplemental heat may be necessary. You can use a heat lamp with a heat bulb, but it is crucial to prioritize safety. Always read fire risk warnings and follow installation instructions. Secure the heat lamp carefully to prevent it from falling and causing a fire. Additionally, keep wires away from flammable materials and only use extension cords short-term.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your 6-week-old chicks remain comfortable and healthy, even when temperatures fall below 60°F.
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Space: Provide half a square foot of space for each chick
Space is an important consideration when it comes to caring for six-week-old chicks. By this age, they will have entered early adolescence and will need twice the floor space they had when they were younger. A good rule of thumb is to provide half a square foot of space for each chick for the first two weeks, and then increase the space as they grow. For reference, grown chickens need at least 1.5 square feet of floor space in a coop and about 8 square feet in an outside run or chicken yard.
When preparing a chicken coop for your six-week-old chicks, ensure there is sufficient space for them to move about comfortably and access their feed and water without obstruction. If you are using a brooder, consider transitioning it to the coop to help the chicks adjust to their new surroundings. You can place the brooder inside the coop and slowly introduce the chicks to their new environment.
It is important to note that chicks grow rapidly between weeks 6 and 8, so they will need more space as they get older. Prepare the chicken coop in advance, paying close attention to predator-proofing measures. If the outdoor temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicks can be moved from the brooder to the coop. However, this transition should be gradual to allow the chicks to acclimate to their new home.
In addition to space, sanitation and biosecurity are crucial. Regularly remove manure, wet litter, and old feed waste. Disinfect feeders and waterers weekly, and occasionally clean and sanitize the entire coop with warm water and an appropriate cleanser. This will help prevent the spread of illness and maintain a healthy environment for your growing chicks.
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Health: Watch for lethargy, fluffed feathers, diarrhoea, and unwillingness to eat
When it comes to the health of your six-week-old chicks, it's important to watch for certain signs that may indicate illness. Lethargy, fluffed feathers, diarrhoea, and unwillingness to eat are all potential symptoms of underlying health issues.
Lethargy and unwillingness to eat can indicate that your chick is sick. Healthy chicks are active and playful, and they eat and drink frequently. If your chick appears lethargic, you can add ¼ to ½ cup of sugar to one gallon of water to boost its energy level. However, if the chick remains lethargic and uninterested in food, it could be a sign of a more serious issue.
Fluffed feathers can be a sign of illness in chicks. As chicks mature, their fluffy appearance should gradually disappear, replaced by the feathers of a mature bird. If you notice that your six-week-old chick still has fluffed feathers, it may be cause for concern.
Diarrhoea is another symptom to watch for. Chickens with diarrhoea will have loose, watery, or foul-smelling droppings that may resemble coloured water. Diarrhoea can be caused by various factors, including overindulgence in food, Gumboro disease, Salmonella, or Coccidiosis. If your chick has diarrhoea, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent dehydration and the spread of disease.
To prevent and treat diarrhoea, ensure that your chicks have access to clean, fresh water at all times. During warm weather, enhance their water with vitamins and electrolytes. Keep the chicken coop clean and disinfected, and maintain good biosecurity practices to prevent the spread of germs and parasites. Separate chicks from adult birds, except from the mother hen, and avoid keeping different age groups of birds in the same house. Additionally, regularly clean and disinfect feeders and waterers to prevent the spread of illness.
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Moving: Prepare the chicken coop and slowly transition chicks to their new home
Moving your chicks to their new coop is an important step in their development. By week 6, your chicks should be fully feathered and ready to move outside to their coop, provided the outdoor temperature is at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You should prepare the coop ahead of time, ensuring it is clean and ready for the chicks to move in.
Firstly, ensure the coop is predator-proof. Your chicks will still be easy prey for predators, so you must take the necessary steps to protect them. You should also ensure the coop is clean and sanitised. Remove any old feed waste, manure, and wet litter, and disinfect feeders and waterers.
Next, you should place the brooder inside the coop. This will allow the chicks to become accustomed to their new surroundings. You can then open the brooder, allowing the chicks to explore their new home. Ensure they know the location of their feed and water. If you are confining the chicks to one part of the coop, be sure they have access to food and water.
You can then begin to let the chicks free-range in a supervised manner. Start with small periods of time in the garden and work up to longer periods. It is important to maintain a routine with how and when you let the chickens free-range. Before opening the coop, offer them their starter-grower feed and fresh water.
Continue to feed your chicks the same starter-grower feed you started them on until they reach 18 weeks of age. At this point, they can be transitioned to a complete layer feed.
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