how to take care of baby chicks

There’s something incredibly special about the soft peeping and fluffy cuteness of baby chicks. Welcoming these tiny creatures into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also feel a little daunting for a first-timer. They rely on you completely for warmth, safety, and nourishment. With the right setup and a little know-how, you can give them the best possible start in life.

Getting your brooder—the chicks’ first home—prepared before they arrive is the most critical step for their health and your peace of mind. This foundational setup is the heart of learning how to take care of baby chicks successfully. Let’s walk through the key elements to ensure your feathered friends thrive.

Creating a Cozy and Safe Brooder

Your brooder can be a simple cardboard box, a plastic storage tub, or a dedicated metal trough. The key is that it needs to be draft-free, secure, and spacious enough for the chicks to move around. Line the bottom with an absorbent bedding like pine shavings, and avoid slippery surfaces like newspaper. A critical component is a heat source, typically a heat lamp with a red bulb (which helps prevent picking). Start by setting the temperature at 95°F for the first week, measured at the bedding level directly under the lamp. Watch the chicks’ behavior—if they’re huddled directly under the lamp, they’re too cold; if they’re pressed against the walls, they’re too hot.

Providing the Right Food and Water

Chicks need constant access to fresh water and starter feed. Use a shallow waterer with small pebbles or marbles in the base to prevent drowning. For food, choose a complete “chick starter” crumble, which is specially formulated with the protein and nutrients they need for rapid growth. Place both the feeder and waterer away from the heat lamp to keep the food fresh and the water cool. Clean them daily to maintain hygiene.

Monitoring Health and Encouraging Growth

Spend time observing your chicks every day. They should be active, bright-eyed, and peeping contentedly. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, pasty butt (feces stuck to their vent), or labored breathing. A little curiosity is natural, so you can gently handle them for short periods to help them get used to you. As they grow feathers over the next few weeks, you can gradually reduce the temperature by about 5 degrees per week until they are fully feathered and ready to move to their outdoor coop.

Raising baby chicks is a joyful journey that blends simple preparation with attentive care. By providing a warm brooder, proper nutrition, and a watchful eye, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of healthy, happy chicks growing into magnificent chickens. The gentle peeps and bustling activity in your brooder are just the beginning of a wonderful adventure.