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6 simple things to get started raising chicks this spring



Jump in and join the fun in raising your own chickens! Getting started with the right equipment is key to raising healthy, happy chicks. In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to set up a brooder and care for your chicks from hatch to their transition into the coop.


1. Brooder Box

A brooder is the temporary home where your chicks will live for the first few weeks of their lives. You can use a large plastic tote, a stock tank, or even a cardboard box. The brooder should be spacious enough to allow the chicks to move freely, but with sides high enough to prevent them from hopping out too soon. We use a pop up playpen so that when not in use, it can be stored easily. Other popular options include a stock tank or a simple starter kit with collapsible panels.


CHOOSE ONE OF THESE EASY OPTIONS:








2. Heat Source

Baby chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, so a heat source is essential. A heat lamp with a red bulb is a traditional option, but we prefer safer alternatives like our brooder heating plate, which mimics the warmth of a mother hen and reduces fire hazards. We have heard so many horror stories about fires caused by heat lamps, so we minimize use as much as possible. When we do use one in the initial few weeks, we secure it to supports with zip ties so that it can't fall or be knocked over by the growing chicks





3. Thermometer

Keeping the brooder at the correct temperature is critical. A thermometer will help you monitor the heat levels. Start at around 95°F for the first week and reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered. We like to put an easy to read digital one under the light or brooder plate to ensure the warm space is warm enough



4. Bedding

Pine shavings are a popular bedding choice as they are absorbent and provide good footing. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be toxic to chicks. Large bags of shavings can be purchased at any farm supply store. You will need to clean their area out fairly often as they will poop A LOT and EVERYWHERE. Be sure to have enough shavings to change them all out when cleaning. We shovel these out to a wheel barrow and throw them in the compost pile.




5. Feeder and Chick Starter Feed

Chicks need a feeder that is easy to access but minimizes waste. Chicks love to scratch around and will make a mess if you let them. A small gravity feeder works well. Choose a high-quality chick starter feed that includes essential nutrients since a good start in life can help chicks grow into healthy hens for your flock.







6. Waterer

A chick-sized waterer prevents spills and keeps your chicks hydrated. Be sure to use a shallow dish or add small pebbles to prevent chicks from accidentally drowning. Be prepared to change their water daily because the waterer will likely get full of shavings and sometimes poop. Interesting fact is that you have to show each new chick the water or they won't be able to figure it out. We do this by dipping their beaks in the water. You may have to do this more than once before they figure it out. Plan on monitoring closely the first few days to make sure they are drinking.




7. Electrolytes and Probiotics (Optional)

Adding electrolytes or probiotics to your chicks’ water in the first few days can help them recover from the stress of hatching and transport. This gives them a strong start and helps support their immune systems. Whether you get your chicks from a hatchery or from the local farm store, they were likely shipped by the US postal service in a box with a warmer or two. This can cause severe stress so any help they can get is usually a good idea.


8. Roosting Bars (Optional)

As your chicks grow, they will start practicing roosting. Providing small roosting bars in the brooder will help them develop balance and prepare for life in the coop.


We usually try to transition our chicks to the teenager enclosure in our outside run around 6 weeks or so. This depends on the weather and amount of feathers they have grown.


Final Thoughts

Raising baby chicks is an interest experience, but preparation is key! By ensuring you have the right equipment before bringing your chicks home, you’ll set them up for a healthy and happy start. Be sure to check out my recommended products - you can start this fun hobby with 6 simple things!

Have questions about raising chicks? I’d love to help - message us! And don’t forget to follow Robards Farm for more tips and updates.


 
 
 

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