Your Helpful Guide to New Chicksfeatured

If you’re looking to bring some new life into your home – literally – you may want to consider raising chicks. From their adorable “peep” to their fluffy feathers, chicks are a great way to get started in the world of animal care. But before you bring home a flock of chicks, there are some items you should have in place to ensure your chicks’ health and happy growth.  Please keep in mind that getting started with chickens will require some investment!

The Brooder – Your Hen’s First Home

One of the most important decisions you’ll make for your new chicks is picking the right brooder.  A brooder is a container where you’ll keep your chicks warm, safe, and comfortable during their first few weeks of life.  The brooder you choose will be an important part of your chicks’ early life, so take your time and choose one that fits your needs. Remember that they will only be living in there for the first few weeks (8-10) so there is no need for a large investment.

Size is an important consideration when choosing a brooder.  If you’re raising just a few chicks, you can usually get away with using a small box or plastic bin.  The farm supply stores will normally keep the chicks in a small steel watering trough. But if you’re raising a large number of chicks, you’ll need something larger.  You should also consider that large brooders allow for more chick antics.  They love to run after each other and sometimes go straight from a full sprint to falling asleep on their face.  If you give them a larger play yard, your chicks will be happier and offer much more entertainment.

Ventilation is another important consideration.  Chicks produce a lot of moisture.  Your brooder must have plenty of ventilation to keep the air fresh and dry.  We adjust the size of our plastic playpen by adding and removing panels. We place a light netting over the top to allow for ventilation and prevent escapes as they grow and learn to jump.

Finally, you’ll want to consider the material of the brooder. Plastic bins and aquariums are often the easiest to clean, but you may want to opt for a wooden brooder if you’re looking for something more aesthetically pleasing.

When deciding on the materials for the brooder floor, you have several options. Many farmers use pine shavings. The pine shavings are inexpensive and are purchased at your local farm supply store. We use industrial hemp in our brooder. It is highly absorbent and does not put off any dust. Those interested in the hemp option should see my blog post on the topic. DO NOT use cedar shavings! Although they smell wonderful, they put off chemicals that can hurt your baby chick’s lungs.

Some Like it Hot! Your Chicks, for instance…

Chicks get cold very easily and will need a reliable heat source.  An overhead heat lamp is ideal for the first couple weeks because it provides constant heat to keep your chicks warm. The temperature in the brooder should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week, and then lowered by 5 degrees each week until the brooder is at ambient indoor temperature.  Be sure to allow cooler areas in your brooder for the chicks to cool off if they get too warm from the heat lamp. 

The heat lamp can be married with a thermostat.  The thermostat will keep the temperature at the optimal level, so you can be sure your chicks are comfortable and safe. 

WARNING!  The heat lamp is a fire hazard just like any other lamp!  Securely attach the heat lamp to its base so it doesn’t fall over and start a fire!

A heating plate is another option for keeping the new chicks warm.  Heating plates are great if you’re looking for something that provides more localized heat. The heat plate provides extra warmth for chicks that need it, such as those that are smaller or weaker than the rest of the bunch.  At Grace and Hope Farm, we usually switch from the heat lamp to the heat plate after about 2-3 weeks. It has a lower temperature than the heat lamp and doesn’t pose a fire hazard.  The chicks also enjoy hiding underneath the plate while they are sleeping or if something scares them.

Food and Water

Your chicks will need a feeder and water container. Many feeders come with an attached water container for easy access. Make sure to keep the feeder and water container clean and filled, as chicks will eat and drink often. 

There are a few different options for feeders.  A traditional feeder with a wide opening is great for larger flocks, as it allows several chicks to feed at once. For smaller flocks, you can opt for a feeder with a smaller opening. The smaller opening prevents over-eating and keeps the food fresher for a longer period of time. As for water containers, you’ll want something that is easy to clean and refill. 

Pick a water container that is easy to clean and refill. Many feeders come with an attached water container, which is a great option for smaller flocks. If you’re raising a larger flock, you may want to opt for a separate water container,

Occasional Treats

Be sure to provide your chicks with a treat every once in a while. Our girls LOVE broccoli. Yours may develop a different preference.  Experiment with different treats and find out what your chicks enjoy. Crushed egg shells, mealworms, and fresh fruits and vegetables are all tasty choices that will give your chicks extra nutrition that their feed doesn’t provide. 

• Crushed egg shells are a great source of calcium, and can be provided as a treat every few days. 
• Mealworms provide a good source of protein and other nutrients.  Bugs are a favorite of any chicken and always caused a lot of excitement in our brooder!
• Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a great treat for your chicks. Apples, strawberries, and cooked carrots are all great options. You can also give your chicks a treat of finely chopped greens, such as lettuce, broccoli, or spinach. 

We normally hand feed our treats to our baby chicks.  This gets them used to us and they will learn to see us as their favorite friends. As they grow, they will be excited to see you coming with your healthy snack in hand.

Finally, make sure to monitor your chicks’ health. Check your chicks over once a day. Pasty Butt is a worry with very young chicks. It’s the collection of fecal matter that cakes over their vent (butt). If left untreated, your chick will die. To treat, use a warm wet cloth and gently remove the poo. It may take a little time but be gentle and you will save a life. If they appear weak or lethargic, or if they’re not eating or drinking, contact your local vet. 

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to raising a healthy, happy flock of chicks!