There's something undeniably charming about welcoming a batch of fluffy, chirping chicks into your home. Whether you're a seasoned farmer, an aspiring homesteader, or simply a poultry enthusiast, raising chicks can be a rewarding and educational experience.

However, providing proper care and nurturing for these delicate creatures is of utmost importance during their early stages of life. In this article, we will explore the essential aspects of taking care of chicks, equipping you with the knowledge to raise healthy, happy, and thriving young birds.

Chickens can bring a lot of happiness when you have them around. If you're new to raising chickens, there's no need to worry. I'll guide you through the necessary steps to take care of your new chicks.

1Providing Shelter

The initial step in caring for your new chicks involves setting up a brooder. During the first few months of their lives, these adorable fluffy creatures need a warm and dry environment. To create a brooder, you'll need a container that is protected from drafts, a heat source, and suitable bedding. It's also helpful to have a lid for the container after around two weeks, as the chicks will begin to test their wings.

2Choosing a Container

The crucial aspect of your container is ensuring it is free from drafts. You can utilize a large cardboard box, a spacious tote, or even construct a wooden box. The important thing is that it is sizable and sturdy enough to accommodate the chicks, as well as a dish for food and water. It's also necessary to provide enough space so the chicks can move away from the heat source if they feel the need to. I repurpose a retired 100-gallon water tub as my brooder, which works perfectly after it developed a crack at the bottom and could no longer hold water.

Your container's lid should not be airtight. Your chicks require fresh air. Netting, a fireproof blanket, or a screen will do the trick nicely. All you need is something to keep the little darlings from flying the coop.

3The Heat Source

There are two main options for keeping your chicks warm: a heat lamp and a heat plate. Both are effective methods. A heat lamp resembles a construction lamp but uses a red, 250-watt bulb to provide warmth. You can attach it to the side of your brooder using the lamp's clamp and direct the light downward.

On the other hand, a heating plate is a flat plate that sits at the bottom of the brooder and warms the floor. It creates a space underneath where the chicks can nestle, similar to how they would nestle under a hen. The plate's height is adjustable, allowing you to raise it as the chicks grow.

There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of heater, and there is an ongoing debate about them on chicken forums. The most important lesson is to monitor your chosen heat source for electrical issues and overheating.

4Bedding

Choosing the right bedding for your brooder is another topic that sparks much debate among chicken enthusiasts. While some options depend on availability and cost, there are definite materials to avoid. Cedar shavings, despite their pleasant scent, can be toxic to chickens due to the cedar oil.

Wet-bagged mulch is also unsuitable because the moisture can make the chicks cold and the bacteria in the mulch can make them sick.

Here is a list of suitable bedding options for your chicks:

Pine shavings

Clean hay

Straw

Pine straw

Sand

Shredded paper

Any of these beddings will work well for your chicks. Choose one that is readily accessible in your area, and ensure that the bedding is a few inches thick to provide comfort for the little ones.

The Basics

Now that you have set up the brooder, let's discuss the basics of caring for your new chicks. They will need food, water, grit, and a clean brooder.

1Chick Feed

Your local farm store will offer various types of chick feed. Look for a feed specifically formulated for chicks, as it will be smaller and easier for them to digest.

You may also find medicated and unmedicated chick feeds. Medicated chick feed helps prevent coccidiosis, a parasitic disease of the intestinal tract.

If you maintain a clean and dry brooder, you may not need medicated feed, but many people, including myself, prefer to use it as a precaution. As the chicks grow older, they should be gradually transitioned to regular chicken feed without medication.

2Chick Grit

Chicks require grit starting at around two weeks of age. Grit assists in grinding down their food in the gizzard. Since chicks don't have grit naturally in their gizzards, you will need to provide them with chick grit. You can find specific chick grit at your local feed store. Follow the instructions on the package to mix it with their regular feed.

3Water

Water may seem straightforward, but there's a precaution to keep in mind. Even with small waterers designed for chicks, they can accidentally drown themselves. To prevent this, it's advisable to elevate the water content using a small block for the first few weeks. This ensures that the chicks don't fall asleep with their beaks in the water trough, reducing the risk of drowning.

4Maintaining Cleanliness in Your Brooder

If you've ever parked your car beneath a bird's nest, you're probably aware that birds tend to leave a substantial amount of droppings. Chickens follow the same pattern. When your chicks are very young, cleaning the brooder once a week might be sufficient. However, as they grow older, the frequency of cleaning will need to increase.

To effectively clean your brooder, gather the following items:

A small container to temporarily house the chicks while you clean

Something to hold the soiled bedding (such as a garbage bag, muck tub, or bucket)

A dustpan and brush

Warm water and a cloth for stubborn stains

Fresh bedding

Start by moving your chicks to the small container and removing their food, water, and heat source. Dispose of the dirty bedding in your chosen container, and then use the dustpan and brush to eliminate any remaining debris from the bottom of the brooder.

For any stubborn droppings stuck to the surface, use warm water and a cloth to scrub them away. Ensure that the area is completely dry before adding fresh bedding and returning the chicks to the brooder.

Occasionally, a few of your new chicks may fall ill. Some problems, like pasty butts, are relatively minor, while others, such as birth defects, are more severe.

Challenges in Chick Rearing and Potential Solutions

1Failure to Thrive

The most common problem observed in chicks is their failure to thrive. It's important to understand that most chicks go through a lot of stress in their first 24 hours after hatching. They are quickly sorted by sex, packed in a box, and transported over long distances.

Some chicks struggle to cope with these circumstances and may not adjust well to their new environment. If you notice a chick that is not eating or moving as actively as the others, it may be a sign that the chick is not thriving.

In such cases, the chick will require special care and its own separate space. It should be kept away from the rest of the chicks to avoid competition for food and water.

Adding a vitamin supplement to the water, such as Nutria-Drench, Poultry Cell, or Poultry Booster, can provide the sluggish chick with the necessary nutritional support. With a few days of dedicated care, these chicks often recover and can be reintegrated into the flock once they are back to normal.

2Pasty Butt

To clean a chick with a pasty butt, you'll need some warm water and cotton swabs. Dip the end of a cotton swab in warm water and apply it to the dried droppings to rehydrate them.

Repeat the process with a fresh swab when it becomes dry. As the droppings become rehydrated, their consistency will resemble toothpaste, and you can wipe them off the chick's cloaca. Once the area is clean, applying a little vegetable or olive oil can help prevent future occurrences.

It's important to check the chicks' rear ends daily during the first week or two to ensure their health, happiness, and proper elimination.

3Injuries from other Chicks

Chicks housed together in a brooder establish their pecking order by pecking at each other, and the process can be rough. Some other behaviors they exhibit might remind you of playground bullies.

They peck, push, and sometimes even trample each other. This rough play can lead to injuries in an otherwise healthy chick. If a chick gets injured, the first step is to separate it from the others because an injured chick, especially if it's bleeding, becomes a target for the rest of the flock. Chicks are attracted to the sight of blood and will peck at that specific area.

Once you have separated the injured chick, clean any wounds with warm soapy water. If the bird is unable to walk properly, provide support for the injured area.

You can wrap a leg with a small piece of paper towel and tape it for stability, or create a comfortable nest with hay or cloth to prevent further self-injury. Adding a vitamin supplement to the water will aid in the chick's recovery. Monitor for signs of infection and consider consulting a veterinarian regarding the use of antibiotics if necessary.

Unfortunately, there may not be much that can be done for a severely injured chick. Provide the best support possible and hope for a positive outcome.

4Birth Defects

Occasionally, a chick with a birth defect may make it through the hatchery's checks and end up in your brooder. This happened to me recently when I bought six chicks from a feed store. Before we were halfway home, I noticed something was wrong with one of the Copper Marans chicks. It turned out that the poor little chick had a swallowing problem.

Every time she tried to drink, she would gag, and the water would come back out.

This type of birth defect can easily go unnoticed by store employees who oversee hundreds of chicks. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be the kindest option to cull the chicken.

You can introduce gentle snacks to your young chicks when they reach approximately two weeks old. I begin with scrambled eggs and live earthworms, which they thoroughly enjoy. Whenever I open the door, they eagerly chirp with excitement.

Once they have been consuming grit for about a week, you can incorporate crushed apples, grapes, and dried mealworms into their treatment regimen.

In conclusion,

Raising and taking care of chicks is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It requires knowledge, patience, and dedication, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By providing them with a safe and comfortable environment, a nutritious diet, and proper care, you can ensure that your chicks grow into healthy and thriving adult chickens.

Remember to start by creating a warm and secure brooder space, providing adequate bedding, heat, and ventilation. Monitor the temperature closely and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal conditions for the chicks' growth and development.

Feeding your chicks a balanced and appropriate diet is crucial. Start with a high-quality chick starter feed that is specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Gradually introduce treats and other supplementary foods as they grow older, always ensuring that they have access to fresh water.

Regular observation and handling of your chicks will help you detect any signs of illness or distress. Promptly address any health concerns by consulting a veterinarian or poultry expert, as early intervention can greatly increase the chances of a successful recovery.

Socialization is also important for chicks to thrive. Gradually introduce them to other chickens once they are old enough, allowing them to establish a pecking order and develop social bonds. Providing enrichment activities and space for them to explore and exercise will contribute to their overall well-being.

Lastly, never underestimate the power of love and care. Spend time with your chicks, talk to them, and provide gentle interactions. Building a bond with your chickens will not only make them more comfortable around you but also create a mutually beneficial relationship.

Raising chicks can be an incredibly educational and enjoyable experience for individuals and families alike. It teaches responsibility, patience, and a deeper understanding and appreciation for the natural world. So, roll up your sleeves, embark on this feathered adventure, and enjoy the journey of nurturing and raising your flock of adorable chicks.

Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to care for your new chicks, allow me to extend a warm welcome to the world of raising chickens.

These birds not only provide an abundance of delicious eggs but also offer hours of amusement. Before you know it, you'll find yourself practicing chicken math and sharing your wisdom with future chicken enthusiasts.