Hatching Chickens and a Dream for Local Teen Entrepreneur
/Local teen Drew McFadden launched his business, Drews Chicks, in October and hasn’t slowed down since.
Drew stands in front of some of his flock. Photo courtesy of Drew McFadden.
McFadden got his first few chickens at 13-years-old from the Millbrook Fair. He had never had chickens before but was excited to learn more about the animal.
A visit from McFaddens two-year old cousin who was quite intrigued with the chicks eventually lead to ‘Drews Chicks’ being born.
McFadden said provided his cousin with some supplies and let them take a few chicks home with them for a few days.
“He loved it. It was a great experience,” McFadden said. “My uncle said maybe there’s something behind this and I could start renting them out to people, make a business out of it.”
McFadden officially started Drews Chicks in October 2020.
Customers are supplied a kit that includes food, pine shavings, a water container, a heat lamp, a cage and two chicks. They keep the animals for two weeks and then return them to the farm.
An example of a kit provided by Drews Chicks
When it comes time to return the chicks, some people have a hard time leaving them at the farm, according to McFadden.
“Some people keep them longer but then it’s even harder for them to return them,” he said.
He says that there have been times customers end up buying the chicks to keep, but that can only happen if they live in an area with certain by-laws that allow chickens in yards or if they live on a farm.
The majority of his customers come from the Whitby area, so they are unable to keep chickens in their yards due to city by-laws.
Since he began this venture his business has been very sucessful and he has been able to expand his flock to offer a few different types of birds. Customers can now chose between chickens, ducks or quail.
Drews Chicks Facebook page suggests customers provide chicks with fresh water and cuddles daily. Photo provided by Drew McFadden.
