How to Raise Healthy and Happy Bresse Chicks in Your Backyard
Posted on June 29th, 2023
Raising chickens in your backyard can be an immensely rewarding experience, offering a great opportunity to enjoy fresh eggs, high-quality meat, and the unique pleasure of caring for these intriguing creatures. One breed that stands out among the rest is the Bresse, particularly the White American Bresse, known for its superior meat quality and excellent egg-laying capabilities. Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, your dedicated mail-order chick provider, is excited to share a comprehensive guide on raising healthy and happy Bresse chicks in your backyard.
Getting Started: Housing Your Bresse Chicks
When you're planning to raise Bresse chicks, one of the first things you need to consider is their housing. Bresse chickens are active birds and enjoy free-ranging. However, they still need a safe and comfortable coop for protection from predators and weather and a quiet place to lay their eggs.
The chicken coop should be large enough to provide at least 2–4 square feet of space per bird. Depending on if they are free range or at least have an outside run. Ventilation is essential for maintaining good health; however, make sure drafts are minimized, particularly in the colder months. Nesting boxes should also be provided, with at least one box for every 3–4 hens.
Nutrition for Bresse Chicks
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in raising healthy Bresse chicks. While they are great foragers and will supplement their diet with insects, seeds, and greens, a balanced commercial chick starter feed is critical in their early stages.
As they grow, you can gradually shift to a grower feed and, finally, to a layer feed once they start laying eggs. Providing clean, fresh water at all times is essential for their well-being. We have found that the American Bresse Chicken does even better with a Vitamin and Mineral Supplement if you want to get the best out of your American Bresse. B12, E and Manganese are essential elements your supplement should contain.
Healthcare for Bresse Chicks
Regular health checks are crucial to keeping your Bresse chicks healthy. Monitor your flock for any signs of illness, such as changes in behavior, eating habits, or egg production. Some common health issues include parasites like mites and lice, respiratory problems, and various bacterial and viral diseases. If you notice anything unusual, it's recommended to consult with a vet experienced in poultry health however a lot of questions can be answered by asking questions on any Poultry Facebook pages. If you do decide to ask on Facebook please remember that some of the suggestions might not be the right ones. I can not say I am an expert by any means but would be glad to give some help if I can, just email us anytime.
Since the writing of this blog Bresse Star Chick Hatchery has been Authorized as a Fertrell Dealership here in Utah and some of the surrounding States. We have one of the Leading Poultry Nutrionist that is also the President of Fertrell. We would be glad to anaylize your current feed you are feeding for free. Just shoot us a picture of the tag on your bag please.
Allowing for Natural Behaviors
Bresse chickens are known for their active nature and enjoy spending their time exploring and foraging. Allowing your Bresse chickens to exhibit these natural behaviors is key to their happiness and well-being. Provide them with a safe, fenced area where they can free-range under supervision.
Socialization and Handling
Bresse chickens are generally docile and friendly, making them a great choice for families. They can be quite social, and with gentle handling from a young age, they'll become comfortable with their human caregivers. Spend time with your chicks every day to help them get used to your presence.
Managing Your Flock
It's important to maintain a peaceful, stress-free environment for your Bresse chickens. Avoid overcrowding, maintain a balanced flock composition (usually around 10 hens per rooster), and regularly check for any signs of bullying or aggressive behavior.
Enjoying the Rewards of Raising Bresse Chicks
Raising Bresse chicks goes beyond just the practical benefits of fresh eggs and meat. It’s also about the joy of nurturing these birds from hatchlings into mature, magnificent poultry. There is a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from caring for these creatures and watching them grow and thrive under your care.
Moreover, raising Bresse chickens can also be a great way to involve the whole family. The day-to-day responsibilities of caring for chickens can teach children important values like responsibility, empathy, and the cycle of life. Plus, it can be a great way to spend quality time together as a family.
Expanding Your Flock
As you become more experienced in raising Bresse chickens, you might find yourself wanting to expand your flock. At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, we also offer Champion Blood Line Rhode Island Red Chicks which can be great addition to your backyard coop. If wanting to expand your Bresse flock, each year we plan on having better hens and Roosters than the prior year so feel good in reordering more of these beautiful American Bresse Chicks.
Rhode Island Reds are known for their hardiness and excellent egg-laying abilities. Our line of Rhode Island Red Chickens were purchased from a well known breeder ( as eggs) who lives in Rhode Island where this breed originated from and he has raised them and showed them for 30 years and he got his 1st Rhode Island Reds from a friend who had bred them for 30+ years. This line of Rhode Islands Reds have been Champions at some big shows on the east coast. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and can bring a different dynamic to your existing flock.
Setting Sail on a Remarkable Journey: The Final Word
As we come to the conclusion of this guide, it becomes evident that raising Bresse chicks in your backyard constitutes far more than merely producing fresh eggs or sourcing high-quality meat. The essence of the journey lies in the heartfelt joy that stems from witnessing these chicks thrive under your tender care, the captivating learning curve associated with deciphering their behaviors, and the profound sense of fulfillment that emerges from fostering a sustainable lifestyle.
At Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, our fundamental passion resides in facilitating a one-of-a-kind experience for our customers as they navigate the ins and outs of raising Bresse chicks. We are far more than your average hatchery; we envision ourselves as an active ally throughout this remarkable journey, offering steadfast support and valuable guidance at every stage of the process.
Join us in the noble pursuit of breeding superior chickens as we strive to embody the ethos of 'Breeding Towards a Better Chicken' at Bresse Star Chick Hatchery. Together, we can set sail on a remarkable journey towards a progressive poultry future, championing an age-old tradition while fostering modern-day sustainability.
Whether you are a seasoned chicken breeder looking to diversify your flock or a novice embarking on your first poultry project, we are here to help you every step of the way. We are committed to offering not just top-quality chicks but also a wealth of information, tips, and resources that will help you become more successful in your poultry raising journey.
In this light, we strive to cultivate a vibrant community of chicken enthusiasts where experiences are shared, questions are answered, and the joy of raising Bresse chicks is celebrated. When you choose Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, you are not just buying chicks; you are joining a thriving community of like-minded individuals and a dedicated team eager to assist you.
So, let's set sail on this remarkable journey together. Let's breed for a better chicken. With Bresse Star Chick Hatchery, you can rest assured that you have a reliable partner in your poultry-raising journey.