Springtime brings longer days, budding gardens, and for many… the irresistible urge to bring home a few fluffy chicks. After all, what’s more picture-perfect than baby chicks alongside pastel eggs and daffodils?
Before you crack that chick-filled egg in, it’s time to crack open some wisdom: Easter may be a season of renewal, but it’s also prime time for poultry planning—not poultry problems.
Whether you're hatching your first backyard flock or adding a few new beaks to your coop, doing your homework before the chicken (or the egg) arrives is a must.
As we point out in our article ‘Research First Before the Chick, or the Egg’, all poultry providers are different. A little research goes a long way when choosing where to buy your baby chicks.
A quick Google search, a chat with an experienced farmer, or joining a local poultry group can help you avoid a whole lot of clucking trouble; and don’t be shy—ask hatcheries about their vaccination routines and biosecurity measures to make sure your new flock is off to a healthy start.
It’s also worth remembering that spring flocks can come with hidden risks.
As cute as baby birds are, they can also carry not-so-cute pathogens. Diseases like Salmonella and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) are no yolk—especially around Easter when chick sales spike.
That's why we've hatched up a list of simple biosecurity tips to protect your flock and your health. Think: handwashing, designated coop shoes, and keeping curious visitors from cozying up to your hens.
Looking to raise your birds the natural way? You’re not alone. Many small farmers are embracing holistic poultry care.
Our article ‘Raising Happy and Productive Chickens’ dives into using herbal remedies, promoting natural pest control, and creating a healthy, enriching environment for your hens. Turns out, chickens are a lot like us—they thrive with good food, fresh air, and room to stretch their wings.
Of course, a strong start begins in the brooder. That critical first eight weeks can make or break your birds’ future health and productivity.
In our article on successful brooding, we cover everything from overheating and hydration to lighting schedules and stress reduction. Even a few hours of poor brooding can lead to long-term problems—so consider it your first, and most important, Easter egg hunt.
Still feeling a little scrambled? Don’t worry—we’ve got just the guide for you.
Poultry specialist Dr. Scott Gillingham wrote Raising Amazing Chicks specifically for small farmers, and we reviewed it here. With practical tips, health assessments, and his "Laws of FLAWS"—Food, Lighting, Air, Water, and Space—it’s like having a poultry pro in your pocket. (No feed required.)
So, this Easter, go ahead—decorate those eggs, snack on chocolate bunnies, and dream about your blooming backyard flock. Just make sure you follow the right steps and check out all the resources mentioned above. Your future hens—and your springtime sanity—will thank you.