Spring is just around the corner, and for many backyard farmers and homesteaders, that means it’s time to welcome baby chicks! Whether you’re starting your first backyard flock or expanding an existing one, knowing how to properly care for chicks is essential for raising strong, healthy birds. As a farm animal rescue and sanctuary, we at Winding Branch Ranch have cared for hundreds of chickens, from newly hatched chicks to senior hens, and we’re excited to share our best chick care tips with you!
Setting Up a Safe & Cozy Brooder
Before bringing home your chicks, you’ll need to set up a proper brooder—a warm, secure space where they can grow safely in their first few weeks. Here’s what you’ll need:
A Spacious Container: A plastic bin, large cardboard box, or a stock tank can serve as a brooder. Make sure it has enough space for your chicks to move around and grow.
A Heat Source: Chicks need warmth to survive. Use a heat lamp or a safer option like a radiant heat plate to maintain a temperature of 90-95°F for the first week, reducing it by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered.
Bedding: Pine shavings or paper towels work well. Avoid cedar shavings, as the fumes can be harmful.
Food & Water: Provide a chick starter feed with at least 18-20% protein and a shallow water dish with clean, fresh water. Adding marbles or small stones to the water dish can help prevent drowning.
Feeding & Nutrition for Growing Chicks
Nutrition is key to raising strong and healthy birds. Chicks need a balanced diet that supports their rapid growth:
Chick Starter Feed: Look for a high-quality chick starter crumble with essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. Medicated feed is an option if you’re concerned about coccidiosis, but if your chicks were vaccinated, non-medicated feed is fine.
Grit: If you start introducing treats like scrambled eggs or small veggies, provide chick-sized grit to aid digestion.
Fresh Water: Always keep their water clean and cool. Chicks can be messy, so check their water often!
Keeping Chicks Healthy & Happy
Keeping chicks healthy requires more than just food and warmth. Here’s how to ensure they thrive:
Check for Pasting Up: This is when droppings stick to a chick’s vent, blocking waste from passing. If you notice it, gently clean the area with warm water.
Socialization & Handling: Chicks that are gently handled from a young age tend to be friendlier adults. Let them get used to your hands by offering food from your palm.
Transitioning to the Outdoors: By 6-8 weeks old, your chicks will be fully feathered and ready to move into their coop. Ensure the coop is predator-proof and has proper ventilation and roosting space.
Learn Chick Care at Winding Branch Ranch!
Want hands-on experience with chick care? At Rescue Ranch School (ages 2-6) and Rescue Ranch Camp (ages 8-13), kids get to interact with baby chicks and learn all about responsible animal care. These programs provide a unique opportunity for young animal lovers to gain real-life experience in farm animal husbandry while also learning about ethical and sustainable farming practices.
Why Raising Chicks Responsibly Matters
As a rescue and sanctuary, we advocate for responsible chick-keeping to reduce the number of unwanted or abandoned chickens. Many people impulse-buy chicks in the spring without realizing they can live 8-10 years. If you ever find yourself unable to care for your chickens, reach out to a reputable rescue instead of releasing them or surrendering them to an uncertain fate.
Looking for more farm animal care tips? Check out our other blog posts:
Have questions about raising chicks? Drop them in the comments or visit us at Winding Branch Ranch to meet our rescued farm animals and learn more about responsible animal care!
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