Six Chicks: Starting Our Backyard Chicken Adventure

Bringing Home Our First Backyard Chicks

After talking about raising backyard chickens for months, we finally took the plunge and brought home six tiny day-old chicks. I don't know who was more excited—me, my daughter, or the chicks!

As luck would have it, our neighbor had recently put out a pile of lumber for the trash. To me, it looked like the perfect opportunity to build a chicken coop. Suddenly I had no more excuses. Our backyard chicken adventure had officially begun.

We selected a variety of breeds, including Longhorn, Buff Orpington, and Feather-Footed Bantams. Before we even made it home, each chick had already been given a name: Chelsea, Cleopatra, Charlotte, Luna, Jessie, and Penelope. It didn't take long before each one started developing its own unique personality.

Caring for Day-Old Chicks

Because newly hatched chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, they need a warm, draft-free brooder during their first several weeks of life. Until their permanent coop was finished, we converted a large dog crate into a temporary brooder inside the house.

Our little setup included:

• A heat lamp to keep the chicks warm.
• Fresh chick starter feed.
• Clean water available at all times.
• Soft bedding that was changed regularly.
• Plenty of space for them to move around safely.

Keeping the chicks indoors also allowed us to handle them every day, helping them become comfortable around people. That daily interaction paid off, as our flock quickly became friendly and easy to care for.

The Joy of Raising Backyard Chickens

One thing I didn't expect was just how entertaining baby chicks could be. They seemed to have endless curiosity, racing around the brooder one moment and then piling together for naps the next. Watching them grow, feather out, and discover the world around them quickly became part of our daily routine.

Of course, not everyone in the house shared our enthusiasm.

Barbarilla, our cat, spent plenty of time studying the newcomers. We had to make it very clear that these fluffy little chicks were family—not dinner!

Looking back, bringing home those six tiny chicks marked the beginning of one of our favorite homesteading adventures. We had no idea then how many lessons, laughs, and unforgettable memories they would bring over the months ahead.

Well, I've been say'n I was going to do this for months. I FINALLY broke down and picked up some chicks!

Last weekend my neighbor was throwing out lumber! No more excuses. I can now build a coop.

We selected a variety of Longhorn, Buff Orpington, Feather Footed Bantam, etc. The girls named them ---- Chelsea, Cleopatra, Charlotte, Luna, Jessie, and Penelope.

For the time being, they'll hole up in the dog crate.

Only 1 day old...

No Barbarilla, this is NOT your dinner.

Before Bringing Home Baby Chicks

• Have a brooder ready before you leave the feed store.
• Keep chicks warm with a heat source.
• Use chick starter feed formulated for young birds.
• Change bedding frequently to keep the brooder dry.
• Handle chicks gently every day to help them become tame.