Preparing the Brooder

Before your chicks arrive, set up a clean, safe brooder that mimics the warmth and protection of a mother hen. A brooder can be as simple as a plastic tote, cardboard box, or stock tank, as long as it has smooth sides to prevent drafts and is easy to clean.

Line the bottom with absorbent bedding such as pine shavings. Avoid using slippery materials like newspaper, which can lead to leg problems. Paper towels can be placed over the shavings during the first couple of days to give the chicks better traction and make it easier to monitor droppings.

Providing Warmth

Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature during the first week, so consistent warmth is essential. A heat source such as a brooder lamp or heat plate should be placed at one end of the brooder to create a temperature gradient. This allows the chicks to move closer or farther away based on their comfort.

Start with a brooder temperature of 95°F directly under the heat source. Reduce the temperature by about 5 degrees each week as the chicks grow. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature at chick level, and watch the chicks' behavior. If they huddle together under the lamp, they're cold. If they scatter far from it or pant, they're too hot.

Fresh Water at All Times

Hydration is one of the most important factors in chick survival. As soon as they arrive, offer lukewarm water with a few drops of poultry electrolytes or sugar to boost their energy levels. You can gently dip each chick’s beak into the water to show them where it is.

Use a shallow chick waterer to prevent drowning, and refresh the water daily or more often if it becomes soiled with bedding or droppings.

Feeding for Growth

Start your chicks on a high-quality chick starter feed with at least 18 to 20 percent protein. This feed is specially formulated to support their rapid growth and development. It should be available at all times in a shallow dish or feeder.

Do not add treats or scratch grains during the first week. Their digestive systems are still developing, and they need balanced nutrition from starter feed alone.

Monitoring Health and Behavior

Healthy chicks should be active, curious, and quick to respond to noise or movement. Watch for signs of distress, such as lethargy, labored breathing, or failure to eat or drink. One common issue is pasty butt, where droppings stick to the chick’s vent, potentially blocking elimination. Check each chick daily and gently clean the vent with a damp paper towel if needed.

Also observe their social interactions. A chick that isolates itself may be ill or too cold. Address any signs of bullying or pecking early by providing more space or adding distractions like a small mirror or perch.

Cleanliness Is Key

Cleanliness prevents disease and keeps your chicks thriving. Replace bedding regularly, clean food and water containers daily, and wash your hands before and after handling the chicks. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to stress and faster buildup of waste.

Safe and Gentle Handling

Chicks benefit from gentle, brief handling, which helps them become accustomed to human interaction. Sit quietly with your hand in the brooder so they can explore and climb on you at their own pace. Over time, they'll grow more comfortable being picked up and cared for.

The Foundation for a Strong Flock

By the end of the first week, your chicks should be growing visibly, developing wing feathers, and becoming more confident in their environment. These first seven days are the building blocks for a successful flock, and the care you provide now will pay off for years to come.