Top 10 Tips for Raising Healthy Baby Chicks
1. Set Up a Safe Brooder
Before your chicks arrive, prepare their brooding area. Use a heat lamp to maintain the temperature at approximately 95°F at one end of the brooder during the first week, decreasing the temperature by 5°F each week. Ensure there’s enough space for chicks to escape the heat if necessary.
2. Check the Bedding
Opt for pine shavings for bedding as they are absorbent and don’t compact easily. Avoid cedar shavings to prevent health risks. Regularly change the bedding to keep the brooder clean and dry, reducing disease risks.
3. Use a Proper Feeder and Waterer
Use chick-specific feeders and waterers to avoid contamination of food and water. Always provide fresh water, ensuring it’s shallow enough to prevent the chicks from drowning.
4. Feed Them the Right Food
Start with a high-quality “starter” feed containing 18-20% protein and continue until they are about 6 weeks old before transitioning to “grower” feed.
5. Maintain Cleanliness
Regularly clean the brooder, feeders, and waterers to prevent disease spread. Keep the bedding fresh and dry to minimize odors and maintain a healthy living environment.
6. Provide Adequate Space
Ensure each chick has about 2 square feet of space by the time they are several weeks old to prevent health issues and feather picking.
7. Monitor Their Health
Be vigilant for signs of illness, such as lethargy, poor appetite, or unusual droppings. Healthy chicks should be energetic and have cheerful chirps.
8. Handle With Care
Handle chicks gently to make them friendly and comfortable around humans. Always scoop them from below rather than grabbing from above.
9. Protect From Predators
Protect chicks from predators, including household pets. Ensure their outdoor coop is secure against threats like raccoons, cats, and hawks.
10. Gradual Introduction to the Outdoors
Begin to introduce your chicks to the outdoors on warm, sunny days after they are about 4 weeks old. Start with short periods and gradually increase their time outside to help them acclimate to their new environment.
