Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Chick Rental cost? How long does it last?

$35. For one week.

What breed are the Chicks, how old are they, and where are they from?

The breed is "Freedom Ranger", a more natural breed of meat (called a "broiler") chicken.

At the time of your pick up, they will be five days old. We ensure they have great care as soon as they arrive (as one-day-old-chicks) so they are happy, healthy, and ready for the rental.

They are from Freedom Ranger Hatchery - a trusted hatchery we've worked with for over a decade. They are located in Reinholds, Pennsilvania.

Where do I register for the Chick Rental?

rocklandsfarm.grazecart.com/store

When can I register for the Chick Rental?

Register online until Friday, June 28th by 6pm.

Walk-ups welcome (depending on availability - cash or check only)

Can I register for more than one pair / rental?

Yes, however you will need to order each additional pair. Each rental includes everything needed for a pair.

Where do I pick up / drop off my Chicks?

Rocklands Farm Winery

14531 Montevideo Road Poolesville, Maryland 20837

Upon arriving, follow "Chick Rental" signs. Come up the entrance driveway and turn left into the west parking lot, then park, and walk up to the registration table to check in.

When do I pick up / drop off my Chicks?

Pick up - Saturday June 29th between 10am and 2pm.

Drop off - Saturday July 6th between 10am and 2pm.

What does my Rental include?

Two Chicks, a "Chick-y home", food, food & water dishes, extra food & bedding, and care instruction.

What do I do when I arrive?

After checking in upon arrival, we will provide brief instructions, give you a "Chick-y home" along with all needed supplies, and you will be able to pick out a pair of Chicks (or we will be happy to pick them up for you).

What is NOT included in my Rental?

A heat source - We recommend an adjustable, long-neck desk lamp with a 40amp - 60amp INCANDESCENT light bulb.

DO NOT use LED or Compact Fluorescent bulbs, as they do not generate heat.

DO NOT use Halogen bulbs, as they are a fire hazard.

Heating Pads are not recommended.

What do I do with my Chicks on my way home?

Please keep your Ducklings in their "Chick-y home" so they will be safe & warm.

If you plan to visit the winery, please do so BEFORE picking up your Chicks, or AFTER dropping them off.

What do I do with my Chicks when I arrive Home?

Place them UP, OFF THE FLOOR on a table, desk, or dresser in a WARM, TEMPERATURE-STABLE such as a bedroom, bathroom, or laundry room.

Adjust the desklamp so that the lamp is "looking into" the "Chick-y home" as to generate abient warmth within their "Chick-y home".

Leave the lamp on AT ALL TIMES during the duration of the rental - it is their heat source, and they will sleep with it on just fine.

How do I know if my Chicks are happy?

They are happy when warm, well fed & watered, often rested, and together with their Chick friend within their home.

They will occasionally peep softly, scurry around their "Chick-y home", and eat, drink, and nap often.

How do I know if my Chicks are sufficiently warm?

They will scurry throughout the entirety of their "Chick-y home", occasionally peeping softly, and often napping.

When TOO COLD, they will be continuously huddled directly under the lamp.

When TOO HOT, they will lay at the edges of their home, panting, with their head down & wings sprawled out.

How do I adjust the temperature of their "Chick-y home"?

If too cold, lower the lamp, bringing the light source closer to the Chicks.

If too hot, raise the lamp further away from the Chicks.

How often should I feed or water them?

They need fresh, clean food & warm water at all times.

Check food & water levels at least three times a day - after breakfast, mid-day / when you come home, after dinner and make adjustments as needed.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling food & water dishes.

What if I run out of food?

We provide plenty of feed for the duration of the rental, however if you run out, crushed up Cheerios or Rice Krispies are best.

DO NOT use oats, rice, or other large grains, as they are too large.

DO NOT use flour or similar finely ground material, as it is too fine.

What should I do if their food or water dishes get soiled?

Simply dump soiled contents into a toilet, trash can, or outside and wipe with a wet-wipe or wet paper towel. Refill with fresh, clean food and WARM water.

Please handle Chick waste WITH CARE, as with any animal waste, they may contain harmful pathogens.

DO NOT rinse in your bathroom or kitchen sink - places where you brush your teeth or prepare food.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling food & water dishes.

What should I do if the bedding seems too soiled?

No need to remove soil bedding, either gently shake the box from side to side so that the droppings settle to the bottom, and / or dust a little fresh bedding on top each day. If you believe it to be too soiled, simpy dispose of the bedding and replace it with our extra bedding provided, newspaper or wood shavings (hamster bedding).

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling bedding.

How do I properly handle the Chicks?

Gently place one hand on top of the Chick, then scoop from below with your other hand. Cup both hands together with thumbs adjacent, one thumb lifted to form a small cave. Once secure, then lift the Duckling from their "Chick-y" home.

When ready to release them, lower your cupped hands to the floor of their "Chick-y" home, open your hands, to allow the duck to jump from your palm.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling your Chicks.

How often can I handle or play with my Chicks?

It is best to handle / play with them for 10 - 15 minutes, followed by 10 - 15 minute rest periods.

These are baby animals, and need gentle handling and plenty of rest.

Where can I play with my Chicks?

A safe, warm, wide-open room such as a living room or bedroom - away from bookshelves, dressers, and couches where they can get stuck underneath. You may also play outside, if on a warm day. Please do not play with them in the Kitchen, Dining Room, or Bathroom - anywhere you eat or drink.

What if my Chick soils the play area?

Keep a wet wipe or wet paper towel handy while playing, and simply wipe up their droppings and throw them away. If they soil your hand, wipe it with a wet wipe before washing your hands. Take care when washing to avoid using your kitchen or bathroom rink where you brush your teeth - we recommend a guest bathroom, where you don't usually brush your teeth.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after cleaning up after your Chicks.

What if I have pets in the home - Can I participate in the rental?

Use your discretion and ensure the Chicks are in a safe, comfortable environment. We do not reccomend allowing the Chicks to play with other pets, or if your cats have free access throughout the house.

What do I do if a Chick seems sick?

Though extremely rare, Chicks have gotten sick while out on rental. Make sure they have sufficient warmth, plenty of fresh food & water, and sometimes a little dissolved sugar in their warm water helps.

In the rare chance your Chick seems lethargic, droopy-headed, or has issues walking, feel free to email or call the number provided on your care instructions sheet.

Our Chicks are given special attention during their first four days of life so they are as healthy & robust as possible for your rental. We also pre-screen Chicks before the pickup to ensure only the healthiest, most robust Chicks go out for the rental.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling your Chicks.

What do I do if a Chick dies?

Though extremely rare, Chicks have died while out on rental, however there are redeeming conversations about the sacredness of life and honoring the dignity of death - We encourage you to have honest & open conversations with your family & friends, and consider a meaningful burial ceremony.

There is no additional charge, and we do not replace lost Chicks.

ALWAYS WASH YOUR HANDS after handling your Chicks.

What do I do with the remaining Chick if a Chick dies?

We recommend placing a small (Chick-sized) stuffed animal, or "wind-up hopping chick", to keep the remaining Chick company. A small mirror can also help them not feel lonely.

What if I need to return my Chick early (it's not what I expected, it's not working out for me, I need to leave town unexpectedly)?

We have extremely limited availability to receive Chicks outside of the scheduled return day & time, however email or call the contact information provided in your care instructions and we will do our best to accomodate you.

Can someone else pick up or drop off my Chicks?

If you have a conflict with the pick up or drop off times, you may have someone else pick up or drop off, however please notify us beforehand and have them provide the appropriate name associated with your registration.

What happens with my Chicks after the rental?

We plan to raise them on pasture for a few months until they are fully grown. We will then process them for meat and sell chicken in our on-farm Market.

More questions? Email Greg at meat@rocklandsfarmmd.com or text 240.671.8883.