Collection: FAQ
Frequently asked questions:
I can't have roosters. Do you take them back?
I do not take unwanted males back for biosecurity reasons. I work with many dual-purpose breeds, because i feel their male's life is equally as important in feeding your family. I have resource videos on the main page of my website, and I also offer a 'Basics of Butchering' class.
If you're not ready to take that next step in self-sufficiency fear not! I have a few contacts who will take males you can't keep:
Balsam Lake Bachelor Flock and Poultry Rehab: Facebook
Another good option is to post them on a local Facebook group.
Are your chicks sexed females?
Many of my baby chicks are offered as straight run, meaning you will get male and female chicks. My suggestion would be to order twice the number you intend to have be females. For example: you want 4 females for eggs, please order 8 baby chicks. This will ensure you the best chance of getting what your end goal is. As typically you will end up with 50/50 male/female.
How do I schedule a pickup?
Simply complete your order through my website. Once I receive your order, I will reach out to coordinate a pickup date and time that works best for you and me.
Do you have Silkies?
I no longer work with bantam breed chickens. My main focus are Large Fowl (LF) dual purpose, heritage, and conservation breeds, plus my fun egg color project lines.
Are your breeds good around kids?
Yes! My chickens are friendly and more friendly. You cannot go wrong with any of the breeds you pick. Good temperament is something I selectively breed for.
Do you chickens do well in our winters?
Yes! I only work with breeds that can survive our climate, hot humid summers and bitter cold winters. I do not provide any supplemental heat in the winter for adults, only my juveniles.
What heat source do you use?
The only heat source I recommend are Sweeter Heaters. They are a fire safe radiant heat source that can be used for day old chicks all the way through adulthood during winter months to help prevent frostbite on combs.
**See my home page for a promo code and link to Holly's Website. Proudly made in Wisconsin.
Do I have to have a rooster for my hen to lay eggs?
No, a female chicken will lay egg without a male present.
When can I start incubating my hatching eggs from you?
Hatching eggs from me can go in your incubator immediately, or if you need to wait a day or two you can elevate on end and tilt twice a day, so the yolk doesn't get stick to the shell membrane.
Shipped eggs can also go in the incubator right away, just be sure to have the turner off for the first two days. This allows the air cell to reposition itself if it does become detached do to ruff shipping.
Do you use medicated or non-medicated chick feed?
I use a non-medicated grower feed. You can jump start their immune system with LEMONAIDE Probiotics. Click HERE to add a bag of grower feed to your chick order.
General questions about baby chick care:
Go to my homepage, scroll to the bottom and check under 'Quick Links'. You will find a Chick Care Guide available in PDF form (also included with every chick purchase).
General questions about hatching eggs:
Go to my homepage, scroll to the bottom and check under 'Quick Links'. You will find an Incubation Tips and Tricks available in PDF form (also included with every hatching egg order).
How many eggs do chickens lay?
Click each breed to read more information about egg numbers and more.
I like to give a realistic eggpectation, unlike most chicken pages online. Those state a WIDE range of expectations. For example, you will see some breeds with a range of 200-300 eggs a year. Ok, that's just silly.
The numbers you find on my website are very accurate to the girls first year in lay. No padded numbers, just facts.
To help put that big number in perspective, 200 eggs a year is 4 eggs a week. This will better help you determine an appropriate number of layers to meet your family's needs.
What is a pecking order?
Pecking order is a natural process where the most dominate chick with be at the top. Likewise, the passive/submissive more timid chickens will be at the bottom. Someone is always at the bottom. That is nature.
It's IMPORTANT to buy breeds that are similar in temperament to minimize bullying within your flock. All of my breeds do fine in a mixed flock as they all have a similar temperament.
Have any other questions? Please contact me for further assistance.