Chick Care Guide
How do I care for my chicks when I receive them?
Before your chicks arrive, it is important to have your brooder fully set up, warmed, and ready so they can be placed into a safe environment right away.
Supplies needed
We recommend having the following supplies ready before your chicks arrive:
Before your chicks arrive
We recommend preparing your brooding area 24–48 hours before your chicks arrive. This gives you time to make sure everything is working correctly and that the temperature is regulated before the chicks are placed in the brooder.
Space
On average, provide 16 square feet per 32 chicks to start, which is about 1/2 square foot per chick. Be sure to allow room for the heat lamp, waterer, and feeder.
Chicks need space to move away from the heat if they get too warm. As they grow, they will need more room. Grown birds generally need 3–4 square feet per bird.
Bedding
Use large pine shavings only. Do not use sawdust, sand, cypress, or cedar shavings. Cypress and cedar can be toxic to chicks.
Do not use newspaper alone because it is too slick and may cause spraddle leg. Newspaper may be placed under pine shavings for easier cleanup.
Heat
The temperature at floor level under the heat source should be 100°F for the chicks’ first few hours. Then lower it to 98°F.
Keep the temperature at 98°F under the heat source for the next week, then reduce it by 5°F each week until you reach 70°F.
Heat lamp safety
Do not use Teflon-coated bulbs for chicks, as they can release toxic fumes. Always use new bulbs so they are less likely to burn out unexpectedly.
Watch your chicks’ behavior
A thermometer is important, but your chicks’ behavior will also help tell you if the brooder temperature is correct.
If chicks are staying directly under the light, they may be too cold.
If chicks are staying away from the light, they may be too hot.
If chicks are spread out comfortably, the temperature is usually close to correct.
Feed
Use chick starter feed in a feeder designed for chicks under 4 weeks of age so they can see and reach the feed easily. Keep feed available at all times.
Water
Use a waterer designed for chicks under 4 weeks of age. The chicks will be thirsty when they arrive. Warm their drinking water to 98°F for the first day.
To help make sure they drink, gently dip each chick’s beak briefly in the water. Keep water available at all times.
Common chick care concerns
Weak chicks
If your chicks are weak when you receive them, we recommend using organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar in their water for 7 days. The ratio is 1/3 cup ACV to 1 quart of water.
Pasty bottom
Sometimes shipping stress can cause manure to stick to the chick’s vent. Check daily and gently wash it off with a cloth and warm water. This usually disappears in a few days as the chick begins to grow.
Picking
Chicks may pick at each other if they are too hot, too crowded, bored, stressed, or lacking fresh air. Bright light can also cause picking, and changing to a red bulb may help.
Tips for reducing picking
If chicks are picking each other, check the brooder temperature, crowding, ventilation, and lighting. If they no longer need the heat source, remove the light or heat source.
You can also try adding fresh green grass clippings several times a day, darkening the room, or placing chunks of grass sod around for chicks to pick at. To treat chicks that have been picked, apply Vicks VapoRub to the injured area and continue treatment until healed.
Our guarantee
We guarantee live arrival. If any chicks appear weak or did not make the trip, please contact us immediately so we can note your account and give you additional tips.
Avoid handling the chicks too much or playing with them for the first 2 days so they have time to become comfortable with their surroundings.
Safe handling of poultry
Live animals and pets can be a source of potentially harmful microorganisms, germs, including salmonella, and bacteria. Precautions should always be taken when handling and caring for poultry.
Children should be supervised to make sure they do not put their hands or fingers in their mouth, nose, or eyes after handling the animals. Always wash your hands with soap and water after handling any animal or pet.
Don’t
- Do not let children younger than 5 years old, elderly persons, or people with weak immune systems handle or touch poultry.
- Do not let grown livestock inside the house, bathrooms, kitchens, patios, or areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, or stored.
- Do not snuggle or kiss livestock.
- Do not touch your mouth, eat, or drink around livestock.
Do
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching live poultry or anything in the area where they live and roam.
- Adults should supervise hand washing for young children.
- If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash properly.
- Clean equipment and materials used for raising poultry, including cages, feeders, and waterers.
The most important things are to have your brooder ready before arrival, provide proper heat, feed, and water, and pick up your chicks as soon as they arrive.