How much Space do I Need?

Before you buy chicks, plan and prepare your housing. Make sure you have adequate housing based on the size breed you select to accommodate their growth. The minimum space required depends on the breed you select and will range from ¾-1 square feet for smaller breeds such as the bantams and 3 square feet for some of the larger breeds such as Cochins and Langshan’s. A good rule of thumb is to provide 3 square feet of floor space for each bird you intend to keep for egg production.

Breed Options

There are breeds available that are destined as egg layer, breeds for meat production, and breeds that are dual purpose. If you purchase straight run chickens, you will have a mix of male and females. You may consider using some of the males for meat use. It is an option to order all females and have the hatchery sex them before shipping. This cost is significantly higher than straight run. If you’re looking at meat production, you can also order all males at a lower price than straight run or all females.

Livestock Shows

Some of our 4-H/FFA poultry exhibitors generally are looking at specific breeds to show and a mix of male and females can be considered to show. Youth can show Cocks, Cockerels, Hens, and Pullets in the Louisiana Shows. Sometimes good quality show birds are difficult to locate. Some commercial hatcheries do have a good selection of quality birds. It is common for poultry breeders to specialize in a few breeds, however, purchasing from these sources can be more expensive.

Bird Care

When your baby chicks get home give them access to warm (room temperature) drinking water as soon as possible. Gently dip each baby chick’s beaks in the water so they know what it is and where it is before you release them into the brooder. Also, would suggest adding supplements to the water that contain prebiotics, calcium, vitamins, electrolytes, and essential oils. For the first few days consider adding three tablespoons of sugar to each quart of water for extra energy if needed. Never allow chicks to run out of water.

Plan on having a 1-gallon waterer per 50 birds. Most baby bird’s losses occur because of failure to start to eat or drink. If you see some birds not eating or drinking or just appear to be unhealthy or not moving around, remove them and give them a little special care.

Cover the brooder floor with either larger wood shavings, rice hulls or ground cobs.

Do not use sawdust or cedar chips. These are too fine, and chicks will tend to eat these and cause problems in their bodies. Sand, straw, or dirt will work but not as desirable. Have at least one inch of bedding in the brooder. Consider covering the bedding with paper towels or some non-slip paper for the first day in order to prevent the chicks from eating litter instead of the feed. Remove after the first day.

Use a commercial chick starter for the first eight weeks. Chickens and other poultry do not have teeth, so Grit is necessary to help break down food. Add GRIT to the feed around the third day. Apply like you would salt to human food.

Baby chicks can’t regulate their own body temperate so maintaining the proper brooder temperature is critical. For the first week monitor the temperature so it remains at 90-95 degrees F. Monitor the area directly under the heat source for the proper temperature. Preference is to use red heat bulbs. Chicks will seek out the area of temperature they need. Gradually reduce this temperature as chicks get older until you reach 70 degrees. Also, provide draft shields at least 12 inches high on the brooder sides. This will cut down on drafts. Cardboard will work for this. Watch the chick’s behavior to see if you need to adjust temperatures. Too-Cold-crowding under heat lamp, Too Warm-most chicks spread out away from lamp. Just Right-Generally moving around freely in different areas of the brooder.

As birds mature the poultry houses temperature should be kept at a minimum of 70 degrees F. The enclosure will vary with the climate. For backyard projects simply provide a source of fresh air by opening curtains or windows and possibly a fan during hot periods. Allowing birds to go outside is another option that contributes to a rural atmosphere and can provide enjoyment. Time outdoors also allows birds to supplement diets with green plant material and insects. They will generally devour the green material quickly in the enclosed pen. Consider offering pesticide-free grass cuttings. Other food items including table scraps, stale bread, leafy vegetables, and peelings can be offered, however, they should be limited to what the birds can consume in 10-20 minutes. Keep birds in a fenced enclosure for their own safety. Use a mesh that extends to the ground and that is small enough to keep birds safely enclosed. Cover the top of the enclosure to prevent flying and climbing predators from entering. Check with your local farm supply to see what supplies they have if you’re considering an outside pen. Consider putting birds in their coop at night for safety from predators. If you live in an urban situation, check to see if there are any local ordinances on backyard poultry flocks before purchasing. Some areas do restrict entirely while others will allow up to a certain number of birds. Also be considerate of your neighbors with this project.

Visit our website: www.LSUAgCenter.com
Matt Lee, Interim LSU Vice President for Agriculture
Louisiana State University Agricultural Center
Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service

LSU College of Agriculture
The LSU AgCenter and LSU provide equal opportunities in programs and employment.

If you need an ADA accommodation for your participation, please contact the West Carroll LSU AgCenter at 318-428-3571 at least two weeks prior to the event. The LSU AgCenter provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.