Chick Day 🐣🐤 @ Tractor Supply Co.

When I heard it was "Chick Day" at Tractor Supply Co., my heart just fluttered with excitement! As someone passionate about farming and expanding my little flock, it's truly an event to look forward to. For anyone thinking of starting their own backyard chicken journey, Tractor Supply is often the go-to spot, especially during spring. You'll typically find a variety of breeds, often sold as "straight run" (meaning unsexed), and there's usually a minimum purchase to ensure the chicks stay warm and social. I was thrilled to find beautiful Rhode Island Red Straight Run chicks, known for their friendly nature and excellent egg-laying, and managed to snag six little beauties for an incredible $25! Getting everything set up for these new arrivals was surprisingly easy thanks to the "IMPECKABLES STARTER POULTRY KIT" I picked up for $80. This kit was a game-changer, providing almost everything I needed to create a safe and warm environment. Inside, I found a brooder lamp with a red heat bulb – essential for keeping the chicks at the right temperature without disrupting their sleep cycle. It also included a feeder and a waterer, perfectly sized for tiny chicks, and often a ground feeder too. Having these basics on hand meant I could get my brooder ready the moment I brought my new feathered friends home. Setting up their temporary home, the brooder, was my next big task. I used a sturdy cardboard box, which is perfect for containing them while they're small. To make cleanup a breeze, I lined the bottom with a puppy pad, then topped it with a generous layer of wood shavings. This combination provides both absorbency and comfort. The heat lamp was carefully positioned to ensure the temperature in their brooder stayed around 90-95°F for the first week, which is crucial for their survival. I'll gradually lower the temperature by about 5°F each week as they grow and feather out. Keeping these little fluffballs healthy starts with their diet and hydration. I made sure to have Purina Start & Grow Non-Medicated Crumble readily available in their feeder. This type of feed is specially formulated for young chicks, providing all the nutrients they need for healthy growth. I chose non-medicated feed, but medicated options are available for those concerned about coccidiosis. Equally important is fresh, clean water. I also made sure to add Purina Probiotic Digestive Supplement for Poultry to their water. This supplement is fantastic for boosting their gut health and immunity right from the start, helping them thrive in their new environment. They won't stay tiny forever! My plan is to keep them in this cozy brooder until they're about 18 weeks old, or until they clearly outgrow it, whichever comes first. During this time, I'll be diligently working on building their permanent outdoor coop. It's a big project to ensure they have a spacious, predator-proof, and comfortable home for their adult lives, complete with roosts and nesting boxes. Seeing them grow from fragile little chicks into robust hens (hopefully!) is incredibly rewarding, and I'm excited to share more updates on their journey and the coop-building process as they transition to their outdoor life.