Day Zero of Chicks - Setting Up the Living Space

 Once you decide what breed(s) you are getting there are a few things you are going to need to get:

1. A box or someplace to keep the chicks. The size of the box will depend on how many chicks you are going to raise. I usually just get a cardboard moving box. It's easy to set up and I can throw it away after I'm done. If you do use a cardboard box, you may want to get more than one. Sometimes chicks can knock over the water and you'll need to change the box. Depending on how long you'll keep them in the box, you'll want a bigger box after a few weeks. They gain their flight feathers and can sometimes jump out of the box. If you are going to raise chicks every year you can get a more permanent place, but I usually only raise chicks every other year.
2. A heat lamp. This is just a heat lamp that you can find at your local hardware store. Make sure the bulb is a heat bulb and not just a light. When you set it up, you'll want a stable object to attract it to that is not the cardboard box. The more permanent structures you could use depending on how high it is. Judging how close to place is a little hard, as heat lamps vary in temperature. You won't want the chicks to be too hot or they can die. Same thing if it's too cold. The easiest way for me to test is to place your hand at the bottom of the box. Using the back of your hand, you can usually tell if it's warm enough or not. You can adjust it later when the chicks are there.
3. Chick Starter feed and a container to put it in. Where ever you are buying your chick, you can buy a container and Chick Starter. You don't have to get the container at the store, but it does work the best that I have found. They last a long time. I've had the same one for five years so far and it is nowhere near worn out enough to be thrown away. If you are going to use another container just make sure that it is shallow enough that from day one they can eat from it. Now chick feed. You will need to make sure you get the feed labeled Chick Starter. It will make a difference. Again, where ever you are getting chicks will likely sell it too. You'll need to clean out the container when it gets dirty. The chicks will poop in it.
4. Water and a container to put it in. You can also buy a container for water. Again, they work the best, but you can use another container. If you do use another container, make sure it is shallow enough that they won't drown. I would suggest in any water dish, even the store-bought one, to place small stones or rock on the bottom. Then the chicks can stand on it if it does fall in. Again, you will need to clean the dish. They will poop in it and often algae will grow.
5. Wood shavings are nice but are not necessary. If you do choose to get wood shavings, which I highly recommend, you'll want to spread it in the bottom of the box before you put the food and water in. The wood shavings will keep the bottom of the box cleaner.
6. Small wood blocks are also nice but not necessary. You'll notice after a few days that they will start to stand on other objects to sleep or just to be. Wooden blocks will give them a place to perch that is not their water or feed dish.