To raise baby chicks, set up a brooder with a heat lamp (95°F for week 1, lowering 5°F each week), provide 18-20% protein starter feed, fresh water in a chick-safe waterer, and clean bedding. Keep the brooder draft-free and secure. Handle chicks gently, monitor their health daily, and transition them to the coop at 6-8 weeks (when fully feathered). The most common mistake is incorrect temperature—chicks that huddle are cold; chicks that spread to the edges are too hot. With proper care, chicks grow into healthy, productive chickens within 4-6 months.
What you will need
Prepare the Brooder Before Chicks Arrive
Choose a brooder: A large plastic tub, cardboard box, or metal stock tank works well. Size: 2x2 feet is enough for 10 chicks initially (they grow quickly).
Add bedding: Use pine shavings, paper towels, or straw. Avoid cedar shavings (can cause respiratory issues). Paper towels are best for the first 1-2 days (chicks can find food easily).
Set up heat lamp: Use a 250-watt red heat lamp. Red bulbs are better—they reduce pecking and mimic nighttime. Position 18-24 inches above the bedding.
Place thermometer: Put a thermometer at chick level to monitor temperature. The brooder should be 95°F for the first week.
Set up feeder and waterer: Place them in the brooder. The feeder should be shallow so chicks can reach the feed. The waterer should have small openings to prevent drowning.
Provide Proper Temperature and Warmth
Week 1: 95°F. Keep the brooder at this temperature for the first week.
Week 2: 90°F. Lower the temperature by 5°F.
Week 3: 85°F. Continue lowering by 5°F each week.
Week 4: 80°F.
Week 5: 75°F.
Week 6: 70°F (or room temperature if it's warm enough).
When to stop: At 6-8 weeks, when chicks are fully feathered, they no longer need heat.
How to tell: If chicks huddle under the lamp, they're cold. If they spread to the edges, they're too hot. If they're evenly distributed, the temperature is perfect.
Feed Properly with Starter Feed
Starter feed: Use 18-20% protein starter feed (crumbles). This is specially formulated for rapid growth.
When to feed: Keep feed available at all times (free-choice). Chicks eat small amounts frequently.
How to serve: Use a shallow feeder (1-2 inches deep). For the first day, spread some feed on paper towels to help chicks find it.
Transition: At 6-8 weeks, transition to grower feed (16-18% protein). At 18-20 weeks, transition to layer feed (16-18% protein).
Medicated vs. non-medicated: Use medicated feed (with amprolium) if chicks aren't vaccinated against coccidiosis. If they are vaccinated, use non-medicated feed.
Provide Fresh Water at All Times
Use a chick waterer: A waterer with small openings prevents chicks from falling in and drowning.
Change water daily: Chicks contaminate water quickly. Change it daily to prevent disease.
Add sugar water (first 1-2 days): Add 1 tablespoon of sugar per quart of water for the first day or two. This gives them an energy boost.
Keep water warm: If the brooder is cold, the water will be cold. Refresh with warm water (not hot).
Clean regularly: Clean the waterer daily to prevent bacteria and algae growth.
Handle and Bond with Your Chicks
When to handle: Start handling chicks on day 2 or 3. Give them time to settle first.
How to handle: Gently scoop them up with both hands. Support their body and feet. Never grab by the wings or legs.
Frequency: Handle them for 5-10 minutes a day. More frequent handling makes them more friendly.
Talk to them: Speak softly. Chickens learn to recognize voices.
Patience: Some chicks are more skittish than others. Be patient and gentle.
Monitor Health and Spot Problems
Signs of a healthy chick: Active, curious, eating and drinking well, clear eyes, clean feathers, and even distribution in the brooder.
Pasty butt: This is when poop sticks to the vent. Clean it gently with a warm, damp cloth. Prevent it by keeping chicks hydrated.
Lethargy: If a chick is lethargic, not eating, or separating from others, it may be sick or too cold.
Crop check: After eating, a chick's crop (the pouch at the base of the neck) should feel full. If it's empty, the chick may not be eating.
When to isolate: If a chick seems unwell, isolate it from the group to prevent disease spread.
Provide Enrichment and Space
Perches: Add small perches (sticks or dowels) at 3-4 weeks. This helps them develop balance and roosting skills.
Dust bath: At 2-3 weeks, introduce a small dust bath with sand and wood ash. This helps them practice natural behavior.
Foraging: Sprinkle a little starter feed on the bedding to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Space: As chicks grow, give them more space. Overcrowding leads to pecking and disease.
Toys: A small mirror or a ping pong ball can entertain chicks.
Transition Chicks to the Coop
When to move: At 6-8 weeks, when chicks are fully feathered and can tolerate cooler temperatures.
Temperature check: Ensure the coop temperature is at least 55-60°F when you move them. If it's colder, wait or provide a heat source.
Move them in the morning: This gives them time to explore the new space before dark.
Introduce slowly: Keep them in the coop with food and water. Let them adjust for a few days before letting them out.
Integration with adult chickens: If you have adult chickens, introduce chicks gradually. Use a 'see but don't touch' method for a week before allowing direct contact.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Chicks huddle under the heat lamp | Too cold—temperature is too low. | Lower the heat lamp or increase the wattage. Check the thermometer. |
| Chicks spread to the edges of the brooder | Too hot—temperature is too high. | Raise the heat lamp or reduce the wattage. |
| Chicks aren't eating or drinking | They haven't learned to find food or water yet. | Dip their beaks in water and food. Sprinkle feed on paper towels. |
| Pasty butt (poop stuck to vent) | Dehydration or stress. | Clean gently with a warm, damp cloth. Ensure fresh water is available. |
Gardener's checklist
Test what you learned
What temperature should the brooder be for week-old chicks?
Answer: 95°F
How much protein should starter feed contain?
Answer: 18-20%
When can chicks be moved to the coop?
Answer: 6-8 weeks
Why should you use a red heat lamp?
Answer: It reduces pecking and mimics nighttime
Common questions
Can baby chicks be left alone for a day?
Yes, with proper setup. Ensure they have enough food, fresh water, and a stable temperature. For longer periods, have someone check on them.
When do chicks get feathers?
Chicks start getting feathers at 1-2 weeks. They have a full coat of feathers by 6-8 weeks. They need heat until they're fully feathered.
Can I use a regular light bulb for heat?
No. Regular light bulbs don't produce enough heat. Use a 250-watt red heat lamp specifically designed for brooding.
What's the easiest way to tell if chicks are cold or hot?
Observe their behavior. Chicks huddled under the lamp = cold. Chicks spread to the edges or panting = hot. Evenly distributed = comfortable.
How long do chicks need a heat lamp?
Chicks need a heat source for 6-8 weeks, or until they are fully feathered. The temperature should be reduced by 5°F each week.
Raising baby chicks is a wonderful experience that requires preparation and attention. The most critical factors are temperature (95°F for week 1, lowering 5°F each week), proper nutrition (18-20% protein starter feed), fresh water, and a clean, draft-free brooder. Handle chicks gently from day 2-3 to build trust, monitor health daily, and transition them to the coop at 6-8 weeks when fully feathered. With proper care, your chicks will grow into healthy, friendly, and productive chickens that will reward you with years of eggs and companionship.
Frequently asked questions
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Frequency depends on weather, soil and plant size. Check the soil rather than watering on a rigid schedule.
Is compost enough fertilizer?
Compost improves soil and provides nutrients slowly. Heavy-feeding crops may still need additional feeding.
The Sproutstead Editorial Team
We create clear, practical gardening and homesteading guides designed for real homes and beginner growers.
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