Information on Raising Baby Chickens

Baby chickens, or chicks, have a few basic needs that must be met in order to ensure their survival into adulthood. Raising them can be a fun experience, particularly if the chicks bond or imprint with you, and it can be profitable.

  1. Shelter

    • At first, baby chicks will need to live in a warm brooder, an enclosed box or cage, fitted with a heat lamp. Once their feathers come in, which occurs between 5 and 8 weeks after hatching, you can move them to a wire enclosure or coop, but they should still remain indoors and away from predators and temperature extremes.

    Food And Water

    • For the first few months of life, baby chickens should eat commercially prepared food specially designed for chicks. Breeders can choose between the medicated food, which helps guard baby chicks against infection, and nonmedicated varieties. After a few months, you can slowly introduce chicken feed. Always provide plenty of water. You can find special waterers at farm supply stores and some pet shops. You may need to teach day-old chicks to find the water by gently placing their beaks into the water.

    Safety

    • Chicks move quickly, can squeeze into small hiding spaces, and are very vulnerable to predators. Never let them wander around the house or yard unsupervised.