How to Raise Baby Chicks for the Big Chicken Coop

When provided with a few essential items, raising chicks and getting them ready for the big coop will go smoothly. Putting new chicks in with strange adult chickens can lead to the young birds getting killed. The use of a brooder and a teenage pen will help the first introduction go smoothly. Order your animals from a reputable breeder or hatchery and get them settled into their home as soon as possible. Wash your hands after handling the chicks and avoid kissing them. Use a disinfectant, especially after handling their droppings.

Things You'll Need

  • Brooder
  • Heat lamp
  • Water dish
  • Chick starter
  • Feed dish
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Bedding
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Instructions

  1. Setting up The Brooder

    • 1

      Wash the brooder, food and water dishes with bleach or vinegar. Rinse and allow them to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

    • 2

      Line the brooder's bottom with a layer of paper towels or pine shavings.

    • 3

      Fill the water dish with clean sugar water. Add three tablespoons of sugar per quart of water for the first three days. After that, use plain, fresh water.

    • 4

      Fill the feeder up with chicken chick starter. Install the heat lamp and make sure the chicks can move away from the heat at will.

    Getting Chicks Ready

    • 5

      Open the shipping box immediately.

    • 6

      Dip the beak of each chick in the water so the birds know it is there.

    • 7

      Check for "pasty butt". This is where feces have built up on the bottom of the bird. If left alone, it can close the anus and cause death. Use a damp, warm cloth to soften the caked-on droppings. Gently pull them off and wipe the area clean. Try doing this while holding the birds beneath the heat lamp to prevent chilling.

    • 8

      Handle the chicks as little as possible until they settle in. Shipping is stressful and the birds need a resting period.

    • 9

      Keep the birds 95 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. Every week, raise the light to drop the temperature by 5 degrees until you reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, the birds should not need additional heat. During very cold weather, you can leave the light on in the brooder, if you wish.

    • 10

      Move the chicks to a temporary "teenager" pen when they have grown well and feathered out completely. Place this pen near or in with your adult birds. Watch them for several days to make sure the other chickens accept them.

      Release the chickens once the others accept them. Keep a close eye on them for several more days.