There’s something deeply satisfying about raising baby chicks and watching those tiny balls of fluff grow into beautiful, egg-laying hens.
Raising baby chicks is not only rewarding but can provide your family with fresh eggs, natural pest control, and endless entertainment.
Whether you’re a homesteader, urban farmer, or just someone who loves the idea of backyard chickens, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about raising healthy baby chicks from day one.
Benefits of Raising Baby Chicks
Starting with day-old chicks rather than mature birds offers several advantages when raising baby chicks:
- Cost-effective compared to purchasing ready-to-lay pullets
- Opportunity to fully socialize your baby chicks from an early age
- Greater selection of rare and heritage breeds when choosing baby chicks
- The joy of watching baby chicks grow and develop their unique personalities
- Better understanding of your flock’s health history when raising baby chicks from the start
- Strong bond formation between you and your chickens when raising baby chicks yourself
Common Breeds for Beginners Raising Baby Chicks
Not all chicken breeds are created equal when it comes to ease of raising baby chicks. Some particularly beginner-friendly options for raising baby chicks include:
- Rhode Island Reds: Hardy baby chicks that grow into excellent egg layers with friendly dispositions
- Plymouth Rocks (Barred Rocks): Docile baby chicks that become cold-tolerant, reliable egg producers
- Buff Orpingtons: Baby chicks with exceptionally friendly temperaments that adapt well to various climates
- Sussex: Baby chicks with calm temperaments that grow into good foragers and consistent layers
- Australorps: Baby chicks that develop into hens that hold world records for egg production with gentle natures
- Wyandottes: Beautiful baby chicks that mature into friendly, cold-hardy adult birds
Understanding the Commitment of Raising Baby Chicks
Before diving into raising baby chicks, it’s important to understand what you’re signing up for:
- 8-10 weeks of brooder care for baby chicks before moving to a coop
- Daily feeding, watering, and health checks when raising baby chicks
- Regular cleaning to prevent disease among your baby chicks
- 5-6 month commitment after raising baby chicks before hens begin laying eggs
- 5-10 year commitment for the lifespan of chickens you’ve raised from baby chicks
- Potential for early morning noise (especially if you have roosters)
- Need for care when you travel or vacation when raising baby chicks and mature birds
Preparing for Baby Chicks
Legal Considerations for Raising Baby Chicks
Before ordering those adorable baby chicks, make sure you’re on the right side of the law:
- Check your local zoning regulations regarding raising poultry and baby chicks
- Verify if there are restrictions on flock size for raising baby chicks
- Determine if roosters are allowed in your area when raising baby chicks
- Research any required permits or licenses for raising baby chicks
- Understand any coop placement requirements (distance from property lines, etc.)
- Consider any homeowners association rules that might apply to raising baby chicks
Choosing the Right Number and Breed of Baby Chicks
When deciding how many baby chicks to start with, consider:
- Space requirements for raising baby chicks (minimum 4 square feet per bird in the coop, 10 square feet per bird in the run)
- Your egg needs (most laying hens raised from baby chicks produce 4-6 eggs per week during peak production)
- Social dynamics (minimum of 3 baby chicks to establish healthy flock behavior)
- Local regulations limiting flock size when raising baby chicks
- Your experience level (start small if you’re a beginner at raising baby chicks)
When selecting breeds for raising baby chicks, think about:
- Climate compatibility (heat-tolerant vs. cold-hardy breeds for raising baby chicks)
- Egg production goals when raising baby chicks (some breeds lay 300+ eggs annually, others far fewer)
- Egg color preferences (white, brown, blue, green, or chocolate from baby chicks you raise)
- Temperament (some breeds of baby chicks are more friendly and handleable than others)
- Noise level (some breeds of baby chicks develop into naturally quieter adult chickens)
- Space constraints (bantam breeds of baby chicks require less room)
Sourcing Baby Chicks
You have several options for purchasing baby chicks:
Hatcheries
- Wide variety of baby chicks breeds
- Can ship day-old baby chicks directly to you
- Usually require minimum orders (15-25 baby chicks)
- Allow for specific breed selection when ordering baby chicks
- May offer vaccination options for baby chicks
- Examples: Murray McMurray, Meyer Hatchery, Cackle Hatchery for baby chicks
Feed Stores
- Convenient local option for buying baby chicks, especially in spring
- No shipping stress on baby chicks
- Can visually inspect baby chicks before purchase
- Can buy smaller quantities of baby chicks
- Limited breed selection of baby chicks
- May not know exact hatch date of baby chicks
Local Breeders
- Support local agriculture when buying baby chicks
- Baby chicks adapted to your local climate
- Opportunity to see parent birds of the baby chicks
- Often raise heritage or rare breeds of baby chicks
- May provide ongoing support and advice for raising baby chicks
- Typically higher cost per baby chick
Setting Up the Brooder for Baby Chicks
Choosing the Right Brooder for Baby Chicks
A brooder is simply a confined, warm space where baby chicks live until they develop feathers. Options for raising baby chicks include:
DIY Options for Baby Chicks
- Large plastic storage totes (with ventilated lids) for baby chicks
- Kiddie pools for raising baby chicks
- Large cardboard boxes (temporary only) for baby chicks
- Repurposed stock tanks for raising baby chicks
- Custom wooden brooders for baby chicks
Commercial Brooders for Baby Chicks
- Purpose-built metal or plastic brooders for baby chicks
- More durable and often easier to clean when raising baby chicks
- Better temperature regulation for baby chicks
- More expensive than DIY options for raising baby chicks
- Examples: Miller Manufacturing brooder, Brinsea EcoGlow for baby chicks
Size and Ventilation Requirements for Baby Chicks
- Start with at least 0.5 square feet per baby chick in the first week
- Increase to 1 square foot per baby chick by week 4
- Ensure the sides are at least 18 inches high to prevent baby chicks from escaping
- Provide adequate ventilation to prevent ammonia buildup when raising baby chicks
- Avoid drafty areas that could chill baby chicks
- Consider a brooder with expandable sections or plan to upgrade as baby chicks grow
Bedding Material for Baby Chicks
The right bedding absorbs moisture, provides cushioning, and keeps baby chicks clean.
Pine Shavings for Baby Chicks
- Most recommended option for raising baby chicks
- Excellent absorbency for baby chicks’ waste
- Low dust if you choose kiln-dried for raising baby chicks
- Comfortable for baby chicks to walk on
- Affordable and widely available for raising baby chicks
Straw for Baby Chicks
- Less absorbent than shavings for baby chicks
- Can develop mold if wet when raising baby chicks
- May contain mites or parasites harmful to baby chicks
- Can be slippery for young baby chicks
- Better as secondary bedding layer for older baby chicks
Paper Towels for Baby Chicks
- Good for first 3-4 days only when raising baby chicks
- Helps baby chicks learn to find food
- Reduces risk of baby chicks eating bedding
- Needs very frequent changing when raising baby chicks
- Not sustainable for long-term use with baby chicks
Materials to Avoid for Baby Chicks
- Cedar shavings (toxic oils harmful to baby chicks’ respiratory systems)
- Newspaper (too slippery for baby chicks, can cause splayed leg)
- Sand (can be ingested by baby chicks and cause impacted crop)
- Cat litter (dangerous if ingested by baby chicks)
- Hay (molds easily and harbors bacteria harmful to baby chicks)
Heat Source for Baby Chicks
Baby chicks can’t regulate their body temperature for the first several weeks of life, making a heat source essential when raising baby chicks.
Heat Lamp for Baby Chicks
- Traditional and widely available for raising baby chicks
- Inexpensive initial setup for baby chicks
- Heats the entire brooder area for baby chicks
- Higher fire risk when raising baby chicks
- Higher electricity usage when raising baby chicks
- Can disrupt sleep cycles of baby chicks
Brooder Plate for Baby Chicks
- Mimics a mother hen’s warmth for baby chicks
- Baby chicks go under it when cold
- More energy-efficient for raising baby chicks
- Safer (lower fire risk) when raising baby chicks
- Allows for natural day/night cycles for baby chicks
- More expensive initially for raising baby chicks
Proper Temperature Settings for Baby Chicks
- Week 1: 95°F (35°C) for newly hatched baby chicks
- Week 2: 90°F (32°C) for baby chicks
- Week 3: 85°F (29°C) for baby chicks
- Week 4: 80°F (27°C) for baby chicks
- Week 5: 75°F (24°C) for baby chicks
- Week 6: 70°F (21°C) for baby chicks
How to Monitor and Adjust Heat Levels for Baby Chicks
The best thermometer is the baby chicks’ behavior:
- Too cold: Baby chicks huddle together directly under heat source, make distress calls
- Too hot: Baby chicks pant, spread wings away from body, avoid heat source area
- Just right: Baby chicks evenly distributed, active, eating and drinking normally
Adjust the height of heat lamps or temperature of brooder plates accordingly for your baby chicks. Keep a thermometer in the brooder to verify temperatures, but rely more on baby chicks’ behavior as your guide.
Feeding and Watering Baby Chicks
Best Chick Starter Feed for Baby Chicks
Baby chicks need specialized nutrition for proper development:
- Protein content: 18-22% protein for proper growth of baby chicks
- Crumble form: Easier for baby chicks to eat than pellets or mash
- Complete nutrition: Contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed for baby chicks’ development
Medicated vs. Non-Medicated Feed for Baby Chicks
- Medicated feed contains low levels of amprolium to prevent coccidiosis in baby chicks
- Non-medicated feed is appropriate if baby chicks have been vaccinated for coccidiosis at the hatchery
- Do not use both medicated feed and vaccinated baby chicks – it will neutralize the vaccine
- Organic feed is available for those who prefer to avoid medications when raising baby chicks
When to Transition Baby Chicks to Grower Feed
- Switch from starter to grower feed around 8 weeks of age when raising baby chicks
- Grower feed has slightly lower protein (16-18%) for growing baby chicks
- Make the transition gradual over 7-10 days by mixing feeds in increasing ratios for baby chicks
- Continue grower feed until 18 weeks or when first eggs appear from chickens raised from baby chicks
Providing Fresh Water for Baby Chicks
Clean water is absolutely essential for baby chicks’ health:
- Baby chicks drink approximately 1-2 tablespoons of water daily in their first week
- Water consumption increases as baby chicks age
- Always provide water before offering feed to baby chicks
- Change water at least twice daily when raising baby chicks
- Clean waterers daily to prevent bacteria growth harmful to baby chicks
- Use room temperature water for baby chicks (cold water can chill baby chicks)
Types of Waterers for Baby Chicks
Gravity-Fed Waterers for Baby Chicks
- Traditional and widely available for raising baby chicks
- Simple to fill and use when raising baby chicks
- Keeps water cleaner than open dishes for baby chicks
- Baby chicks can still kick bedding into them
- Available in various sizes as baby chicks grow
Nipple Waterers for Baby Chicks
- Cleanest option (baby chicks can’t contaminate water)
- Reduces moisture in brooder when raising baby chicks
- Takes some time for baby chicks to learn to use
- May need a traditional waterer for the first few days with baby chicks
- Less waste and less frequent refilling needed when raising baby chicks
Adding Vitamins or Electrolytes for Baby Chicks
- Beneficial for the first 3-5 days of life for baby chicks
- Helps combat shipping stress for mail-ordered baby chicks
- Essential if baby chicks appear weak or lethargic
- Follow package directions for proper dilution when raising baby chicks
- Some chicken keepers add apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon per gallon) once a week for baby chicks’ immune support
Feeding Schedule and Quantities for Baby Chicks
Free-Feeding vs. Scheduled Feeding of Baby Chicks
- Free-feeding (constant access to food) is recommended for baby chicks
- Ensures optimal growth and prevents hunger in baby chicks
- Baby chicks self-regulate intake when free-fed
- No need to measure precise amounts for baby chicks – just keep the feeder filled
- Scheduled feeding becomes more important after baby chicks mature
Feed Consumption Guidelines for Baby Chicks
- Weeks 1-2: Each baby chick eats approximately 0.5-1 oz (15-30g) daily
- Weeks 3-4: Each baby chick eats approximately 1.5-2 oz (45-60g) daily
- Weeks 5-6: Each baby chick eats approximately 2.5-3 oz (75-90g) daily
- Always provide more feeder space than needed (1-2 inches per baby chick)
Signs of Over- or Under-Feeding Baby Chicks
Under-Feeding Signs in Baby Chicks
- Lethargic behavior in baby chicks
- Slow growth rate of baby chicks compared to breed standards
- Increased aggression around feeders among baby chicks
- Excessive pecking at each other among baby chicks
- Uneven size among baby chicks of the same age
Over-Feeding Signs in Baby Chicks
- Wasteful behavior (baby chicks scratching feed out of feeders)
- Excessive droppings from baby chicks
- Weight gain beyond normal growth curve for baby chicks
- Feed impaction issues in baby chicks
- Uneaten feed sitting in feeders for extended periods when raising baby chicks
Handling and Socializing Baby Chicks
How to Safely Handle Baby Chicks
Proper handling techniques are crucial for both baby chick safety and health:
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after handling baby chicks
- Approach baby chicks calmly and slowly
- Scoop baby chicks from underneath rather than grabbing from above
- Support the entire body of baby chicks, especially their feet
- Keep handling sessions brief (2-3 minutes) for baby chicks in the first week
- Never squeeze or restrain baby chicks tightly
- Handle baby chicks over a towel-covered surface in case they jump
Benefits of Early Socialization for Baby Chicks
Baby chicks handled regularly from an early age:
- Develop into friendlier, more manageable adult chickens than unhandled baby chicks
- Experience less stress during necessary handling for health checks after being raised as socialized baby chicks
- Are easier to catch if they escape their enclosure when raised as handled baby chicks
- Tend to be less aggressive toward humans than unhandled baby chicks
- Often become more curious and interactive when raised as socialized baby chicks
- May be more likely to accept being picked up as adults when raised as handled baby chicks
Preventing Stress and Overhandling of Baby Chicks
While socialization is important, baby chicks’ welfare comes first:
- Limit handling to 2-3 times daily for baby chicks
- Keep sessions short (5-10 minutes maximum) for baby chicks
- Avoid handling baby chicks immediately after arrival or during the night
- Watch for stress signs in baby chicks: panting, struggling, closing eyes, or distress calls
- Allow baby chicks to approach you voluntarily by sitting quietly near the brooder
- Never chase baby chicks around the brooder to catch them
- Introduce new handlers gradually to baby chicks and supervise children closely
Maintaining Health and Hygiene When Raising Baby Chicks
Cleaning and Maintaining the Brooder for Baby Chicks
A clean brooder is your first defense against disease when raising baby chicks:
- Spot-clean wet or soiled bedding daily in the baby chicks’ brooder
- Replace bedding completely every 3-7 days depending on number of baby chicks
- Disinfect the empty brooder between complete cleanings with a poultry-safe sanitizer when raising baby chicks
- Keep food and water areas especially clean for baby chicks
- Remove any uneaten treats promptly from baby chicks’ brooder
- Position waterers on platforms to prevent bedding contamination in the baby chicks’ brooder
- Use multiple smaller feeders rather than one large one to prevent crowding of baby chicks
How Often to Clean Bedding and Sanitize Waterers/Feeders for Baby Chicks
- Waterers: Rinse and refill twice daily for baby chicks, deep clean with vinegar solution every 2-3 days
- Feeders: Empty and clean every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria harmful to baby chicks
- Bedding: Add fresh bedding on top daily for baby chicks, complete replacement every 3-7 days
- Brooder surfaces: Wipe down weekly with poultry-safe disinfectant when raising baby chicks
- Heat sources: Dust off regularly to prevent fire hazards when raising baby chicks
- Increase frequency as baby chicks grow and produce more waste
Common Baby Chick Illnesses and Prevention
Knowledge of common health issues can help you catch problems early when raising baby chicks:
Pasty Butt in Baby Chicks – Causes and Treatment
Causes in Baby Chicks:
- Stress during shipping of baby chicks
- Chilling of baby chicks
- Improper brooder temperature for baby chicks
- Dehydration in baby chicks
- Feed too high in protein for baby chicks
Prevention for Baby Chicks:
- Maintain proper brooder temperature for baby chicks
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times for baby chicks
- Ensure proper starter feed for baby chicks
- Add probiotics during first week when raising baby chicks
Treatment for Baby Chicks:
- Gently moisten the dried manure on baby chicks with warm water
- Carefully remove softened material from baby chicks using a cotton ball or soft cloth
- Pat area dry on baby chicks with paper towel
- Apply a tiny amount of vegetable oil to vent area of affected baby chicks
- Monitor baby chicks for recurrence and repeat if necessary
- Ensure baby chicks stay warm during and after treatment
Coccidiosis in Baby Chicks – Symptoms and Prevention
Symptoms in Baby Chicks:
- Bloody droppings from baby chicks
- Lethargy and drooping wings in baby chicks
- Poor appetite in baby chicks
- Pale comb/wattles on baby chicks
- Ruffled feathers on baby chicks
- Reduced growth of baby chicks
Prevention for Baby Chicks:
- Use medicated starter feed (with amprolium) if baby chicks aren’t vaccinated
- Maintain dry, clean brooder conditions for baby chicks
- Avoid overcrowding baby chicks
- Use proper disinfection between broods of baby chicks
- Consider coccidiosis vaccination at hatchery for baby chicks
Treatment for Baby Chicks:
- Amprolium treatment in water for baby chicks (per veterinary guidance)
- Separate affected baby chicks if possible
- Increase brooder temperature slightly for comfort of sick baby chicks
- Consult a veterinarian for severe cases of coccidiosis in baby chicks
Respiratory Issues in Baby Chicks and Proper Ventilation
Symptoms in Baby Chicks:
- Sneezing or coughing from baby chicks
- Nasal discharge from baby chicks
- Gasping or labored breathing in baby chicks
- Swollen sinuses around eyes of baby chicks
- Decreased activity and appetite in baby chicks
Prevention for Baby Chicks:
- Ensure adequate ventilation without drafts when raising baby chicks
- Control dust by using low-dust bedding for baby chicks
- Maintain appropriate humidity (40-60%) for baby chicks
- Clean brooder regularly to reduce ammonia buildup harmful to baby chicks
- Avoid overcrowding baby chicks
Treatment for Baby Chicks:
- Improve ventilation immediately in the baby chicks’ brooder
- Clean brooder thoroughly when raising baby chicks with respiratory issues
- Consult veterinarian for appropriate antibiotics if bacterial infection affects baby chicks
- Isolate affected baby chicks if possible
- Provide additional heat for comfort of sick baby chicks
Monitoring Growth and Behavior of Baby Chicks
Keeping track of development helps identify potential problems when raising baby chicks:
- Weigh baby chicks weekly to track growth against breed standards
- Note feed and water consumption patterns of baby chicks
- Observe social interactions and pecking order development among baby chicks
- Watch for normal dust bathing and preening behaviors in baby chicks
- Document feather development timing in baby chicks
- Keep records to compare future batches of baby chicks
Healthy Baby Chick Checklist
Healthy baby chicks should display:
- Bright, clear eyes in baby chicks
- Clean, unblocked vents on baby chicks
- Smooth, full crops after baby chicks eat
- Active movement and exploration by baby chicks
- Steady weight gain of baby chicks
- Dry, fluffy down progressing to feathers on baby chicks
- Normal droppings from baby chicks (small, firm with white cap)
- Regular eating and drinking by baby chicks
- Comfortable rest periods for baby chicks
- Socialization with other baby chicks
Transitioning Baby Chicks to a Coop
When to Move Baby Chicks Outside
The right timing depends on several factors when raising baby chicks:
- Age: Typically 6-8 weeks minimum for baby chicks
- Feathering: Baby chicks should be fully feathered (no downy patches)
- Temperature: When outdoor temperatures are at least 65°F (18°C) during the day for baby chicks
- Weather: Avoid moving baby chicks during extreme weather events
- Size: When baby chicks have outgrown their brooder space
- Season: Spring-hatched baby chicks typically move out earlier than fall/winter baby chicks
Preparing the Outdoor Coop and Run for Baby Chicks
Before moving day, ensure your coop is properly set up for baby chicks:
- Predator-proofing: Hardware cloth (not chicken wire) buried 12″ deep around perimeter to protect baby chicks
- Weather protection: Insulation, ventilation, and draft prevention for baby chicks
- Proper size: Minimum 4 square feet per bird inside coop for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Run space: Minimum 10 square feet per bird for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Roosts: 8-12 inches off the floor, 2 inches wide for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Nesting boxes: One box per 4-5 hens (though not needed until 18-20 weeks) for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Feeders and waterers: Age-appropriate sizes and heights for growing chickens raised from baby chicks
- Deep litter or other flooring: Clean, dry, and ready for baby chicks
Introducing Baby Chicks to Their New Environment
The transition should be gradual when moving baby chicks to a coop:
- Start with supervised daytime visits to the coop (1-2 hours) while maintaining brooder access for baby chicks
- Gradually increase outdoor time over 1-2 weeks for baby chicks
- Show baby chicks where water, feed, and roosts are located
- Once fully feathered and acclimated, move baby chicks permanently to the coop
- Check frequently during the first few nights to ensure baby chicks are roosting properly
- Consider leaving a light on for the first few nights to prevent baby chicks from piling
- Monitor baby chicks closely during extreme weather for the first few weeks
Protecting Baby Chicks from Predators
Young chickens raised from baby chicks are particularly vulnerable to predators:
- Ensure all hardware cloth is secure without gaps to protect baby chicks
- Add overhead protection against aerial predators that target baby chicks
- Consider electric fencing for persistent predators that threaten baby chicks
- Install automatic coop doors timed to close at dusk to protect chickens raised from baby chicks
- Use motion-activated lights or alarms to deter predators targeting baby chicks
- Remove attractants like spilled feed that might draw predators to baby chicks
- Regularly walk the perimeter checking for digging attempts or weak spots that could endanger baby chicks
Next Steps After Raising Baby Chicks: Healthy Pullets and Hens
When to Switch to Layer Feed After Raising Baby Chicks
- Age for transition: Between 16-18 weeks or when first egg appears from chickens raised from baby chicks
- Protein adjustment: Decrease from 18% (grower) to 16% (layer) for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Calcium increase: Layer feed contains 3-4% calcium for eggshell formation in chickens raised from baby chicks
- Transition method: Gradually mix feeds over 7-10 days for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Feeding options: Free-choice calcium (crushed oyster shell) alongside regular feed for chickens raised from baby chicks
Managing Flock Dynamics After Raising Baby Chicks
As your chickens mature from baby chicks, you’ll notice changing social behaviors:
- Establish a pecking order (normal but monitor for excessive bullying) among chickens raised from baby chicks
- May need to separate persistent bullies temporarily among chickens raised from baby chicks
- Provide multiple feeding and watering stations to reduce competition among chickens raised from baby chicks
- Ensure adequate space to prevent stress-related behaviors in chickens raised from baby chicks
- Add enrichment items (perches at different heights, dust bathing areas) for chickens raised from baby chicks
- Introduce new birds carefully using the “see but don’t touch” method for 1-2 weeks when adding to chickens raised from baby chicks
Preparing for Egg-Laying After Raising Baby Chicks
Around 18-24 weeks of age (breed dependent), your pullets raised from baby chicks will become laying hens:
- Nesting boxes: 12″×12″×12″, one per 4-5 hens raised from baby chicks
- Nesting material: Clean straw, pine shavings, or specialized nesting pads for hens raised from baby chicks
- Collection routine: Gather eggs at least once daily from chickens raised from baby chicks (twice in extreme temperatures)
- Training: Place ceramic eggs or golf balls in nests to demonstrate purpose to chickens raised from baby chicks
- Lighting: 14-16 hours of light daily encourages laying in chickens raised from baby chicks (may need supplemental light in winter)
- Diet adjustments: Ensure proper calcium intake through layer feed and supplements for hens raised from baby chicks
Troubleshooting
What to Do If Baby Chicks Are Not Eating or Drinking
If baby chicks aren’t consuming properly within 24 hours of arrival:
- Dip beaks of baby chicks gently into water to teach drinking
- Tap fingers in feed to mimic pecking behavior for baby chicks
- Try different feeder types – some baby chicks prefer troughs over round feeders
- Sprinkle feed on paper towels for easier discovery by baby chicks
- Add electrolytes to water to increase palatability for baby chicks
- Check temperature – baby chicks won’t eat if too hot or cold
- Ensure proper lighting – too dim and baby chicks can’t find food
- Verify feed quality – should be fresh and free from mold for baby chicks
- Consult a veterinarian if behavior continues beyond 48 hours in baby chicks
How to Handle Bullying Among Baby Chicks
Occasional pecking is normal as baby chicks establish hierarchy, but excessive pecking requires intervention:
- Identify the instigator baby chick by observation
- Check for causes – overcrowding, heat, light, or hunger can trigger aggression among baby chicks
- Add distraction items like hanging cabbage or treat balls for baby chicks
- Provide more space for baby chicks if possible
- Ensure multiple feeding/watering stations for baby chicks
- Consider red heat lamps which mask blood and reduce pecking triggers among baby chicks
- Use anti-peck sprays or ointments on victim baby chicks
- Separate severely bullied baby chicks until healed
- Last resort: Anti-pecking devices like “peepers” or “blinders” for aggressive baby chicks
What to Do If a Baby Chick Gets Sick or Weak
Quick action is crucial when dealing with ailing baby chicks:
- Isolate the sick baby chick to prevent spread of potential illness
- Create a recovery brooder with slightly higher heat (95-97°F) for sick baby chicks
- Ensure easy access to water and feed (shallow dishes) for weak baby chicks
- Offer electrolyte solution instead of plain water to sick baby chicks
- Hand-feed sick baby chicks if necessary using a syringe (without needle) with chick starter mash mixed with water
- Monitor droppings of sick baby chicks for changes in color, consistency, or frequency
- Check for specific symptoms to identify possible causes of illness in baby chicks
- Consult a veterinarian specializing in poultry if condition of baby chicks doesn’t improve
- Consider probiotics to support digestive health during recovery of sick baby chicks
- Make difficult decisions if a baby chick is suffering without improvement
FAQ
Q: Can I raise chicks without a heat lamp?
A: Yes! Use a brooder plate or heated pad, but monitor temps closely.
Q: How do I stop chicks from flying out of the brooder?
A: Cover the brooder with wire mesh and trim flight feathers at 3 weeks.
Q: Are heat lamps a fire hazard?
A: Secure lamps with chains (not clips) and keep bedding away from the bulb.
Q: When can chicks take a dust bath?
A: At 4 weeks, provide a shallow tray with sand and diatomaceous earth.
Q: Do chicks need vaccinations?
A: Marek’s disease vaccine is recommended for most breeds at day 1.
Q: How much does raising chicks cost?
A: Expect 2–2–4 per chick for setup, plus 10–10–20 monthly for feed.
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