Raising baby chicks

Raising baby chicks: A guide for new chicken keepers

Raising baby chicks can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re looking to start a backyard flock or simply want to experience the joys of watching chickens grow from tiny chicks to full-grown hens. However, it’s essential to provide the right care, environment, and equipment to ensure that your chicks grow up healthy and happy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting started with raising baby chicks at home.

Setting up the brooder

A brooder is essentially a safe, warm, and dry space where your baby chicks will live until they are old enough to handle cooler temperatures and free-range outside. When setting up your brooder, there are a few key factors to consider.

Size and space

Your brooder needs to be large enough to accommodate the chicks comfortably. A general rule of thumb is about 0.1 square metres of space per chick for the first few weeks. As they grow, you’ll need to increase the space. For example, if you have six chicks, a brooder that’s around 0.6 square metres should be sufficient for the first two weeks. As they grow, this space will need to expand to allow for movement and development.

Types of brooders

DIY wooden or plastic brooder
Many chicken keepers prefer to build their own brooders from wood or plastic containers. A large plastic storage tub or wooden box can work well as a brooder. These are easy to customise with ventilation holes and can be adapted to suit the size of your flock. A key advantage of this type is its flexibility; you can adjust the size of the brooder as your chicks grow, and it’s easy to add or remove bedding.

Pop-up portable playpen brooder
A pop-up portable playpen-style brooder is a fantastic option for those seeking convenience, portability, and ease of use. This is the type I tend to use for my baby chicks. These brooders are typically made of durable, breathable fabric and feature a collapsible, pop-up frame, making them easy to set up and store when not in use. They provide a spacious environment for chicks to roam, and their mesh sides ensure proper ventilation, helping to prevent overheating. These brooder pens are light enough to be moved around easily, making them ideal for people who need flexibility. However, keep in mind that since they are fabric-based, they may require more frequent cleaning and are best suited for indoor use, especially during colder months. Some pop-up pens also come with a removable bottom for easy cleaning.

Commercial brooders
If you’re looking for a pre-made solution that’s easy to set up, a commercial plastic or wooden brooder could be ideal. These often come with built-in features like raised floors for better ventilation, easy-to-clean surfaces, and ample space for your chicks. Some even come with adjustable sides to increase the brooder’s size as your chicks grow. They can be a little more expensive than DIY options but offer durability and long-term use.

Temperature control

Chicks need warmth, especially in the first few weeks of their lives. Without proper heat, they can become stressed and ill. The temperature in the brooder should be maintained at around 32–35°C during the first week. After that, you can gradually reduce the temperature by about 2.5°C each week until they are fully feathered (around 6–8 weeks old).

Fire safety and the risk of heat lamps

While heat lamps are a common method to provide warmth for baby chicks, they come with significant fire safety risks. Over time, the bulbs can become brittle, and if the lamp isn’t securely mounted, it could fall or cause a fire. Additionally, the exposed light bulbs are a fire hazard, especially if the chicks come into contact with them or if bedding material like straw or shavings gets too close. This makes heat lamps a potential risk, particularly if they’re left on for long periods without proper supervision.

To reduce this fire risk, many chicken keepers are opting for brooder plates instead of heat lamps. These flat plates provide a consistent, gentle warmth that mimics the body heat of a mother hen, and they are much safer in terms of fire risk. Since they have no exposed light bulbs and are designed to sit securely within the brooder, brooder plates provide a safer and more energy-efficient heating option.

Bedding

Bedding provides comfort and absorbs waste. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be toxic to chicks. Instead, use pine shavings, straw, or sugar cane mulch. Make sure to replace the bedding regularly to maintain cleanliness and avoid any build-up of waste or harmful bacteria.

In the first few days I like to use disposable puppy pads to provide a nice flat surface, where I can also assess their droppings to ensure they are healthy.

Feed and water

Waterers

Chicks need constant access to clean water. A chick waterer is specially designed with a shallow basin and small access points to prevent drowning. Make sure to refill the waterer daily and keep it clean to avoid bacteria growth. If you’re worried about water contamination, you can add a few drops of apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the water to keep it fresh and support their digestion.

Feeder

Chicks should be fed a chick starter feed, which is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Invest in a chick feeder that prevents feed from spilling and stays clean. Like the waterer, the feeder should be cleaned regularly to prevent spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Feeding baby chicks

When it comes to feeding your chicks, quality nutrition is vital for their growth and development. Here’s what you’ll need to provide:

Chick starter feed

Chick starter feed is specially formulated for baby chicks and is high in protein (typically around 18–20%). This helps them grow strong and healthy. It’s important to provide them with this feed until they are around 6–8 weeks old. At that point, you can transition them to grower feed, which has a slightly lower protein content (around 16%).

Medicated feed

Some chicken keepers opt to use medicated chick starter feed. This type of feed contains a mild medication, such as Amprolium, which helps prevent coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that affects the digestive system of chickens. Coccidiosis is particularly common in young chicks and can cause serious health issues if not treated. Medicated feed can offer an extra layer of protection during the early, vulnerable stages of life. However, some chicken keepers prefer to avoid medicated feed and instead provide other preventive measures, like ensuring clean living conditions and giving chicks access to probiotics or electrolyte supplements. If you are unsure, consult with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your flock.

Treats and extras

While chicks don’t need treats for optimal health, offering occasional mealworms or scrambled eggs can be a good option for extra protein. These treats should be provided sparingly, as too much can lead to nutritional imbalances or spoil your chicks’ appetite for their balanced starter feed. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of their overall diet.

Handling and socialisation

Chicks can be skittish and easily stressed, so it’s important to handle them gently and with care. Early socialisation will help them become used to human interaction, which will be beneficial if you plan to handle them regularly as they grow.

Spend time with your chicks, but don’t overwhelm them with too much handling. Allow them to come to you on their own terms, especially during the first few days when they are still adjusting to their new environment.

Health and hygiene

Regularly monitor your chicks for signs of illness or distress. Some common issues include pasty butt (when droppings stick to their vent), respiratory problems, or leg injuries. If you notice anything unusual, consult a vet who specialises in poultry care.

In terms of hygiene, clean the brooder regularly. This includes replacing bedding, cleaning the waterer and feeder, and ensuring that the temperature is consistently optimal.

Common health issues with baby chicks and how to deal with them

Raising baby chicks is a rewarding experience, but it’s not without its challenges. As any seasoned chook owner will tell you, there are a few common issues that can crop up with your new feathery friends. Here are some of the ones to look out for:

1. Pasty Butt
   Pasty butt (or pasty vent) is a common issue in baby chicks, especially within the first few days of life. It happens when the chick’s vent becomes clogged with dried faeces, which can prevent them from pooing properly. Left unchecked, this can lead to more serious health problems or even death. If you spot a chick with a blocked vent, gently moisten the area with warm water and remove the blockage. Try not to pull out the dried poop or feathers. Be as gently as possible. Keeping the brooder clean and dry can also help prevent this issue.
2. Splayed Legs
   Splayed legs are when a chick’s legs are too far apart, making it difficult for them to stand or walk properly. This can be caused by slippery brooder floors, weak leg muscles, or poor genetics. To help a chick with splayed legs, you can make a simple leg brace using a band-aid or tape to bring the legs together. You can also ensure they have a soft, non-slippery surface to walk on, like a towel or some straw. Using slip-free drawer liners in the incubator will usually prevent this from occuring when they first hatch.
3. Coccidiosis
   Coccidiosis is a parasitic infection that can affect chicks, especially if they’re housed in damp, dirty conditions. The symptoms include lethargy, diarrhoea, and a lack of appetite. If you suspect your chicks have coccidiosis, it’s best to consult with a vet as they may need medication to treat it. Alternatively there are commercial coccidiostat’s available from rural and pet stores such as Cocciprol. Keep their living space clean and dry to prevent this nasty bug from taking hold.
4. Chilling and hypothermia
   Baby chicks are very sensitive to temperature, and if they get too cold, they can develop hypothermia, which can be fatal. Ensure your brooder is warm enough, ideally between 32–35°C for the first week. If you notice your chicks huddling together or chirping loudly, it could be a sign they’re too cold. You may need to adjust the heat source or move them to a warmer area.
5. Feeding issues
   New chicks need a special chick starter feed that’s high in protein. If they’re not getting the right nutrition, they might suffer from vitamin deficiencies and failure to thrive. Avoid feeding them kitchen scraps or adult poultry feed, as it can be harmful to their development. Always ensure they have access to clean water and proper chick starter feed to keep them healthy.

By keeping an eye on these common issues and addressing them early, you’ll set your chicks up for a healthy and happy life!

Poultry vitamins

I always keep some type of poultry vitamins on hand and like to give our chicks some in the first few days after hatching. Generally speaking though, if your chicks are healthy and fed quality feed with vitamins included you shouldn’t really need to use poultry vitamins.  Please read the label for dosage instructions. The vitamins can be added to their drinking water. We use either Anitone or Vetsense Avi-Vital on our farm.

Transitioning to the outdoors

After about 6–8 weeks, your chicks should be ready to start transitioning to outdoor living. By this time, they will have developed their feathers and will be able to handle slightly cooler temperatures. Introduce them to their outdoor coop gradually, allowing them to explore in small bursts before fully transitioning to their new home.

Conclusion

Raising baby chicks is a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention. From providing the right temperature to ensuring proper nutrition, every aspect of chick care plays an important role in their development. With the right setup and equipment, including safe heating options like brooder plates, you’ll be able to raise healthy, happy chicks that will grow into productive and delightful members of your backyard flock.

🐥 Happy chick-keeping! 🐤

Learn more :

Guide to incubating chicken eggs

Caring for chickens and their health

IMPORTANT: The information in the article is not intended to be used as a substitute for veterinary advice, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the website is for educational and informational purposes only. Please always seek medical treatment from a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health.

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