Chick Days have arrived

About 150 chicks and 50 ducklings arrived Monday morning at Tractor Supply Co. on Whiskey Road, signaling the start of Chick Days.

From now until April 11, those looking to start their own backyard chicken coop, restock one or introduce ducks to their pond can find everything they need at the retail farm and ranch store. Customers can follow the distinctive sound of chirping to the right department once inside the front door.

"This seems to be the easiest time of year to set up your small farm or large farm because of the weather," said store manager Jeremy Wright. "We have sold a couple already. People know it's here."

The chicks and ducklings are meant to be used only for agriculture pursuits, so a minimum purchase is required - six for chicks and two for ducklings. The average cost is $1.99 per chick and $4.29 per mallard duck. The chicks are Rhode Island and New Hampshire Reds.

Not only will chickens provide fresh eggs but also fresh fertilizer, material for composting and insect control, according to Tractor Supply Co.'s website.

According to the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, the average number of eggs laid by a hen in a year is 259. A hen starts laying eggs at 19 weeks of age. As a hen grows older, she produces larger eggs.

A hen does not need a rooster to produce eggs. The eggs a hen produces on its own are unfertilized, which is the kind shoppers see in most grocery stores.

Wright said Tractor Supply Co. has everything a person needs to establish a chicken coop, including feed, fencing and heat lamps.

Chicks and ducks should have access to a heat lamp at 98 degrees, food and water. Coops should also be protected from other animals.

Wright said noise control should not be too much of a problem considering roosters aren't needed for egg production. He also said odor is not a big concern either because it's not the chickens that smell, it's their waste.

"It's just like having a dog or cat. If you keep the coop clean, it won't smell," he said.

Customers are encouraged to pre-plan - such as checking on zoning regulations - before visiting Tractor Supply Co. for supplies.

Not all zoning districts within Aiken County limits permit poultry and egg ventures. Only agricultural preservation (AP), rural district (RUD) and rural community (RUC) classifications permit those uses. City of Aiken ordinance 8-12 permits the keeping of fowl if the secure enclosure is 40 feet from any residence other than the owner's.

For more information, visit www.tractorsupply.com or call the Whiskey Road store at 648-4449.