A Blast from the Past Is Hatching Again!
Did you know Early’s once had its own hatchery? For decades, Chick Days were a springtime tradition—one that many longtime customers may remember from our historic catalogs and downtown location.
This spring, we’re proud to re-introduce Early’s Chick Days, bringing back a beloved piece of our history while helping a new generation experience the joy of raising chicks. Chick Days will return starting in March 2026 and we couldn’t be more excited to share this tradition with you. Check out our Facebook page for updates on Chick Day's coming this spring!
About Our Chicks (2026)
Chicks are provided by Future Traditions Farm and are barnyard mixed layer chicks that will lay a variety of colored eggs (excluding white). They are not vaccinated, not beak-trimmed, and are sold as non-sexed (straight-run) chicks. See the Live Animal Sale Policy at the end of this article:
The last Chick Day of 2026 is May 16th 2026 (Early's on Lorne Ave)
Chicks will be available IN STORE ONLY, for pick up in store, and WHILE QUANTITIES LAST.
Please note — quantities are limited and chicks may sell out quickly. If you’re traveling from out of town, we strongly suggest calling ahead to check availability or pre-ordering ahead of time by calling 306-931-1982.
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Here is some important information for beginning 'chicken tenders'
Raising Layer Chicks: A Complete Beginner’s Guide for the Best Start
Bringing home day‑old layer chicks is exciting, but their success depends heavily on preparation before pickup day. Chicks are fragile during their first weeks of life, and having the correct setup, supplies, and knowledge in place ahead of time gives them the strongest possible start. Understanding their needs for heat, light, nutrition, cleanliness, and observation will significantly improve survival rates and long‑term health.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know so you can feel confident and fully prepared when your new chicks arrive.
Be Set Up Before You Bring Chicks Home
One of the most common mistakes new chicken keepers make is waiting until chicks arrive to finish setting up the brooder. Chicks should be placed immediately into a warm, draft‑free, fully prepared environment upon arrival.
Your brooder should be turned on and stabilized at least 12–24 hours in advance. This allows temperatures to regulate and ensures feeders and waterers are positioned correctly. Being prepared reduces stress on chicks and dramatically increases their chances of thriving.
Essential Supplies You’ll Need
Have these items ready before pickup:
- Brooder (draft‑free box, tote, or stock tank)
- Heat source (heat lamp or brooder plate)
- Thermometer (placed at chick level)
- Chick feeder (prevents waste and contamination)
- Chick waterer (shallow to prevent drowning)
- Clean bedding (pine shavings only—never cedar)
- Electrolytes or vitamins (optional, helpful first 1–3 days)
Keep bedding clean and dry at all times to prevent illness.
Heat & Temperature: The Foundation of Chick Health
Newly hatched chicks cannot regulate their body temperature. Proper heat is critical.
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- Week 1: 95°F / 35°C at chick level
- Reduce by 5°F / 3°C each week
- By 6 weeks: Fully feathered and comfortable at ~70°F / 21°C
Let chick behavior guide you:
- Too cold: loud chirping, huddling together
- Too hot: panting, spreading far from heat
- Comfortable: evenly spaced, calm, active
Lighting Needs at Each Stage of Life
Light impacts feeding behavior, growth, and future egg production.
- 0–6 weeks: 18–22 hours of light daily to encourage eating and drinking
- 6–16 weeks: 10–12 hours of light to prevent early laying
- 16+ weeks: Gradually increase to 14–16 hours of light to support egg production
Avoid sudden changes in lighting, as this can cause stress.
Feeding & Nutrition for Strong Growth
Early nutrition lays the groundwork for healthy, productive hens.
Chick Starter Feed
- Feed medicated chick starter (18–20% protein) from day 1 through 6–8 weeks
- Medicated starter contains amprolium, which helps protect chicks from coccidiosis, a common and potentially fatal intestinal disease. Medicated chick starter is highly recommended for chicks that are non-vaccinated.
Grower Feed
- Transition to grower feed (14–16% protein) from 8–16 weeks
Layer Feed
- Begin layer feed (16–18% protein with added calcium) at 16–18 weeks or once the first eggs appear
Always provide fresh, clean water. Never feed layer feed to chicks or young pullets.
Common Causes of Chick Loss & How to Address Them
Even with excellent care, chick loss can occur (Mortality between 2-5% in the first 6-8 weeks) Quick identification and response are key.
Temperature Stress
Signs: piling, lethargy, panting
Correction: immediately adjust heat height or output
Dehydration or Starvation
Signs: weakness, failure to thrive
Correction: dip beaks in water upon arrival; ensure easy access to feed
Coccidiosis
Signs: bloody droppings, drooping wings, lethargy
Correction: use medicated feed and maintain dry bedding
Injury or Smothering
Signs: sudden death, trampling
Correction: provide adequate space and eliminate corners
Pasty Butt: What to Watch For
Pasty butt is common during the first week and must be treated promptly.
Signs: dried feces blocking the vent
Care Steps:
- Hold the chick gently
- Use a warm, damp cloth to soften droppings
- Slowly remove buildup—never pull dry material
- Dry chick thoroughly and return to warmth
Check vents daily during the first 7–10 days.
Final Thoughts
Success with chicks starts long before pickup day. Being informed and fully prepared allows you to respond quickly to issues and provide the stable environment chicks need to grow into healthy, productive laying hens. Your preparation directly impacts their survival and long‑term well‑being.
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Future Traditions Farm Livestock Sale Policy
By choosing to purchase one or more of our animals, you are expressing your acceptance and agreement of our livestock sales policy as outlined below.
Prior to purchase, buyers must educate themselves on the breed(s) of animals they are purchasing and comply with all local laws regarding those animals. As the breeder, we reserve the right to retain any animal regardless of reservation, and the right to refuse the sale of any animal we have hatched to anyone, for any reason, at any point in the transaction. In such cases, any monies paid will be refunded and the buyer agreement terminated.
Full payment is due prior to the animal(s) leaving our property. If paying at pickup, we accept cash, credit, and debit cards in store. Our animals are guaranteed healthy at the time they leave our farm; however, because we cannot control the stress of shipping or transport, nor the animal’s management or environment after leaving our care, we do not offer any further health guarantees or refunds.