Small chicks ought to be cared for regardless what else is done, for the reason that lack of smart care in early life may possibly be reflected in chicken problems and inadequate performance once the chicks reach maturity. One can infrequently, fever, make up for the mistakes of rearing chickens by means of the best of attention after that.
Protect your chicks against the climate, against their several enemies, against sickness, against fleas and bugs. Keep them comfortable and contented. Start them right, keep them growing progressively until they reach their full size.
Security against unfavorable conditionsheavy rain, cold winds, burning sunis secured by supplying well-built chicken coops and natural or artificial shade. Chicken coops should be weather-proof, but perfectly ventilated, and so situated that surface water from abrupt rainwater cannot flood their floors. They must also be sufficiently large to keep the flock happy all through long hours of confinement in periods of rainy climate.
Chick enemies comprise those that do their work in the chicken coops, frequently at nighttime, as rats, weasels and skunks, and those that quarry upon the flock as soon as it is at liberty, such as cats, dogs, crows and hawks.
Shelter against the former is found in correct chicken coop plans, which ought to have tight floors and fine wire mesh over openings left wide open at nighttime. A good dog would deter these night prowlers and steel traps positioned at strategic points might usually put a quick end to their activities.
Protection against ordinary diseases lies in keeping the tiny birds strong and energetic through proper feeding, exercise, and so forth., and by close attention to cleanliness. Keep the quarters and foodstuff and water plates unpolluted.
The deadly blood-sucking bugs do not live on the bodies of the birds, but make their homes in cracks and gaps of walls and floors of the coops. Attack them there.
Fleas and mites work nearly unseen, but they are the cause of heavy loss, both directly and indirectly. Actually, they are the main reasons why several chicks die.
