Raising chicks is a lot easier than you might think. By following these few simple tips, the flock of your dreams can easily become a reality. But be careful, chicken math is real…
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1. First step to raising chicks – The Brooder
The very first thing you need for raising chicks is a space to put them. This pen is usually referred to as a brooder. It can be almost anything, actually. I have used a rabbit cage (with small wire), a large plastic tote, a cardboard box, a wooden box… Some work much better than others. There are a few things to keep in mind.
Chicks grow quickly. The area they live in will need to be completely enclosed by 2-3 weeks of age, because they begin jumping up and can easily hop out of a box.
The pen will need to be well ventilated, and fairly easy to clean.
Raising chicks requires a heat source. I’ll go over that next. But keep that in mind when choosing your pen. Plastic can melt, cardboard can catch on fire…
Here is a convenient option from Amazon. An animal playpen that can be used as a chick brooder. I personally haven’t used one, but I have friends who have, and they liked the ease of it. Amazon Animal Pen
2. Next up – Heat
Heat is very important, because chicks cannot regulate their own body temperature. They thrive at 95 degrees Fahrenheit (or 35 degrees Celsius) from hatching to age 2 weeks. However, they can also get too warm. In an ideal environment, they have a warm area on one side of the brooder, with plenty of space to get away from the heat source.
The source of heat is also very important. There are many types to choose from, but some are much safer than others. A chick heat plate is a wonderful option, but may be somewhat expensive. Here is one from Amazon that I recommend: Heat Plate
A heat lamp can be dangerous if not used properly, but is much cheaper.
Personally, I use a lamp. And I’m going to tell you why and how.
First, I use a lamp because I cannot justify spending extra on something (a heat plate) that I will use once, for 6-8 weeks. And maybe again in the future, maybe not.
Second, I use it because I know I can do so safely. I ensure the bulb is new, the lamp isn’t near anything flammable, and it is secure. I not only use the provided clamp to attach it, but I also tie it into place with a rope/string.
These are the lamps that I use, if you decide to go this route: Heat Lamp And the bulbs: Bulbs
If you’re worried about it, please use a plate or pad. But like I said, there are different options. Pick what’s best for you.
Chicks will need a heat source for 6-8 weeks, depending on the weather. Once it is consistently above 50 degrees, and the chicks are fully feathered, providing heat is no longer necessary.
3. Bedding for your chicks
Bedding is important for raising brand new chicks. A slippery floor can cause Spraddle (or Splay) Leg. That is a condition where chicks leg muscles do not develop correctly, because they cannot grip the surface. Things like straw, hay or newspaper can be too slippery, especially when wet.
The ideal bedding for a chick is large, pine shavings. They absorb well, the chicks can’t eat it, it provides a steady surface for walking on, helps hold heat, and cleans up easily.
You can find pine shavings at your local farm or hardware store. Or on Amazon: Premium Poultry Bedding
4. Hydration
Water is another important part of raising chicks. Because they stay so warm, they can easily get dehydrated.
A chick waterer is the best method. They are shallow enough that your chicks won’t drown.
The first few days, its good to add a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar to their water. Be sure to replace the water daily, so it’s fresh. The sugar gives them energy, and the vinegar helps boost their tiny immune systems.
Once they reach a week old, I will continue to add the vinegar to the water, but only once or twice a week.
When your chicks are a few days old, they will begin to scratch around in their woodchips/pine shavings. This often results in water full of soaked chips and no available drinking water for the chicks. At this time, I like to get a piece of 2×4 or a brick to set the waterer on. Leaving enough room for the chicks to stand on the wood or brick, if they can’t reach the water.
This is the type of water container I like to use: Chick Waterer
5. Feeding your chicks
This one is pretty simple. Chicks need a “chick starter” crumble feed. Basically any brand or kind will do, as long as it’s for chicks. I prefer to use a medicated chick feed for the first couple weeks. Then I switch to non-medicated. Make sure their food is constantly available to them for the first several weeks of life.
You can find chick feed at your local farm or hardware store, or online.
6. Pasty Butt
The biggest cause of death in new chicks is Pasty Butt. This is a condition where the vent area is blocked, preventing excretion of waste. So, basically, poop dried on their butt and now they can’t poop any more. It is caused by stress and dehydration.
But it’s not hard to prevent or fix. First, make sure you’re checking those fluffy butts at least once a day. Adding the sugar to the water encourages drinking and helps fend off dehydration issues. If you notice a build up starting, carefully remove it. I use warm water and a q-tip to gently wipe it away.
To recap… To raise your chicks, you need…
- A brooder, or place to raise the chicks.
- A heat source
- Proper bedding
- Water
- Food
- Keeping them alive
Raising chicks is pretty easy. You’re raising pets that will eventually provide you breakfast, how cool is that?
If you want to know what breeds I recommend starting with, I have a blog post about that here: Top 5 Chicken Breeds to Start Your Flock
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
