February is the start of baby chick season for most hobby farmers. Bringing home chicks is exciting, but proper care during the first few weeks is critical. Good early management leads to healthy, productive hens later.
Whether you are new to chickens or adding to your flock, this guide covers the basics of chick care from day one.
Check Local Chicken Regulations First
If you live in an urban area, always check your city requirements before buying chicks. Most cities limit the number of chickens you can keep, and many do not allow roosters.
Knowing the rules upfront helps prevent problems later.
Choose the Right Chicks
When buying chicks, be careful with straight runs. Straight runs include both males and females. Many box stores sell straight runs because the cost per chick is lower.
Pullets are female chicks and eliminate the risk of ending up with roosters that have to be rehomed.
Helping Chicks Start Strong
When you first take chicks out of the container they were shipped in, dip each chick’s beak in water. This teaches them where to drink.
For the first day, sprinkle feed on a newspaper. This helps chicks learn how to peck and eat.
Start chicks on a medicated chick starter containing Amprolium. This helps prevent coccidiosis, a common and serious disease in young chicks.
Adding electrolytes to their water supports proper hydration and reduces stress during their first few days.
Heat and Brooder Setup
Chicks must stay warm until they are fully feathered, usually around 5 to 6 weeks of age. Use a heat lamp to maintain proper temperature.
The first week, keep the brooder at about 95 degrees. Reduce the temperature by about 5 degrees each week as the chicks grow.
If you do not have a thermometer, watch the chicks. Their behavior tells you what they need.
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Chicks huddled tightly under the light are too cold
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Chicks staying far away from the heat source are too hot
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Chicks moving around comfortably are at the right temperature
Never place food and water directly under the heat lamp. The heat area should be for resting, not eating or drinking.
Feeding Chicks as They Grow
Keep chicks on a chick starter with 22% protein until they are 16 weeks old. Young birds need extra protein to grow properly and develop strong bodies.
You can continue feeding a 22% starter past 16 weeks if needed. Do not switch to layer feed before they start laying.
Hens usually begin laying between 22 and 26 weeks of age. Do not be concerned if they are not laying until early fall.
Moving Chicks Outdoors
Once chicks are fully feathered, they can usually be moved outdoors if weather conditions are mild. Gradual exposure to outdoor temperatures helps them adjust.
Make sure they are protected from predators and have access to clean water and proper feed.
Set Your Flock Up for Success
Caring for baby chicks takes attention and consistency, but the reward is a healthy flock that will produce for years. Starting with the right feed, proper heat, and good hydration makes all the difference.
Be sure to follow Johnson Feed co. on Facebook for chick arrivals, feed tips, and expert advice. We are here to help you raise strong, productive birds from day one.
