WHEN TO PULL CHICKS
The age recommended to pull chicks from the nest to handfeed varies from breeder to breeder. Most will recommend to pull at 2 to 3 weeks old. If you are breeding to sell them, then this is a good age to begin. However, if you are breeding for yourself and intend to keep the chicks and you want a very strong bond, then I recommend pulling them younger, keep in mind though that the younger you pull them the more work it will be. I pull my chicks at 5 days old. At this age the chicks must be fed every 3 hours around the clock.
SETTING UP A BROODER/INCUBATOR
Step 1: Start with a 10 gal aquarium.
Step 2: Add a towel to the bottom of the tank.
Step 3: Add a under tank reptile heater.
Step 4: Add a towel over the under tank heater.
Step 5: Place a critter keeper with the chicks or eggs inside of the tank, on top of the towel.
Step 6: Place a thermometer and humidity gage to the tank, make sure the thermometer is at the same level as the chicks.
Step 7: Place lid on tank.
Step 8: Moniter the tempature's and humidity within the tank. If incubating eggs, turn the eggs every 3 hours and keep at about 100F degrees .
If needed add a brooder light with a red or black bulb. Keep a towel over half the tank so the chicks aren't under it completely.
Humidity should be around 50-75%.
Step 2: Add a towel to the bottom of the tank.
Step 3: Add a under tank reptile heater.
Step 4: Add a towel over the under tank heater.
Step 5: Place a critter keeper with the chicks or eggs inside of the tank, on top of the towel.
Step 6: Place a thermometer and humidity gage to the tank, make sure the thermometer is at the same level as the chicks.
Step 7: Place lid on tank.
Step 8: Moniter the tempature's and humidity within the tank. If incubating eggs, turn the eggs every 3 hours and keep at about 100F degrees .
If needed add a brooder light with a red or black bulb. Keep a towel over half the tank so the chicks aren't under it completely.
Humidity should be around 50-75%.
Some digital thermometers aren't quite as accurate as I would like, therefore I recommend using one like this and placing it on the bottom of your critter keeper at the same level as your chicks.
Brooder Temp's
This is a recommended brooder temperature chart. However I keep my chicks around 95 to 100 degrees while in the brooder. Then when they are moved to a weaning cage they stay under a brooder lamp until weaned.
HANDFEEDING
I recomend Kaytee High Fat Formula or Zupreem handfeeding formula's. Mix formula according to manufactures recommendations. I prefer to use pipettes to feed my chicks, I find I have greater control and it's much eaiser to feed them. They come in several different sizes. However you can also use syringes or bent spoons for older chicks. The formula should be around 100 to 105 degrees fahrenheit when fed. Feed the chick from the left side of it's beak. Never feed formula ove 110 degrees.
Feeding Schedule
I'm adding two feeding Schedules the first is a general schedule (above), the second is a feeding schedule I created myself based on my chicks needs (below). you can use either schedule, just remember to adjust it to your chicks needs, some chicks or clutch's may require more or less feedings.
Handfeeding Video's
Coming Soon!!!
Supplements
Some useful supplements to have are:
AviBios: I add a bit to one formula feeding each day.
AviPow: Antifungal and Antibacterial. I add a bit to my forumla anytime I feel my chicks may be having a problem such as slow crop or anytime I think they may not be feeling well.
Electrovites: Electrolytes, give to chicks that may be ill or unwell. Add a pinch to the
formula.
AviBios: I add a bit to one formula feeding each day.
AviPow: Antifungal and Antibacterial. I add a bit to my forumla anytime I feel my chicks may be having a problem such as slow crop or anytime I think they may not be feeling well.
Electrovites: Electrolytes, give to chicks that may be ill or unwell. Add a pinch to the
formula.