Who wouldn't want fresh eggs every morning? Raising baby chicks is an exciting and rewarding experience that can be accessible to everyone, whether you have a sprawling hobby farm or a cozy suburb backyard. In this simple guide, let's walk you through the basics of raising baby chicks, from setting up their brooder to providing them with the essentials they need to grow into healthy egg producers!

Choosing the Right Chick Supplies

Raising baby chicks requires a few essential supplies to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some must-have items :

Heat Lamp - Chicks need a warm environment to thrive, especially in the early days. Heat lamps mimic the warmth that a mother hen would provide for her babies. Heat lamps should be secured and placed on one side of the brooder. This allows the chicks to regulate their body temperature, adjusting by moving from one side of the brooder to the other so they don’t overheat or get too cold.

Electrolytes - Chicks can experience stress during their transition from the hatchery to your home. Adding electrolytes to their water helps replenish essential nutrients, boost hydration, and support their overall health. Sav-a-Chick Electrolyte packs are formulated specifically for poultry during hot weather and times of stress. Each Sav-a-Chick pack is pre-measured and mixed into one gallon of drinking water.

Chick Starter Feed - Proper nutrition is vital for the healthy growth and development of baby chicks. Choose a high-quality chick starter feed formulated with essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Look for feeds specifically designed for chicks, as they contain the ideal balance of nutrients to support their rapid growth.

Cozy Brooder - Before you bring your chicks home you’ll want to set up their brooder that they will be living in for the next 6-8 weeks. The type of brooder you choose will typically be based on where the brooder will be located. Brooders can range anywhere from stock tanks and cardboard boxes to kiddie pools or makeshift wooden pens. The most popular brooder option is a water-through stock tank like the Hastings 102 Gallon Tank or the Tuff Stuff Heavy Duty 140 Gallon Tank. These tanks tend to have plenty of room for chicks to move around and are tall enough to keep chicks from flying out; although once their pullet feathers start coming in you’ll want to cover the tank with some sort of mesh or chicken wire to prevent them from jumping out.

Feeders / Waterers - Just like human babies chicks eat, drink, and sleep A LOT! You’ll want to provide your chicks with plenty of water and free choice chick starter. Using a waterer like the Little Giant One Gallon Poultry is gravity-fed and is molded from durable transparent polyethylene so the water level is always visible. Feeders like Harris Farms Free Ranch Feeder hold up to 7lbs of feed and can be easily cleaned and can provide minimal waste of feed thanks to the no=scratch-out twist lock.

Beginner Kit

Still a little unsure? Check out Little Giant's Beginner Poultry Kit, this kit contains everything you'll need to get your chicks started right! 

• COMPLETE STARTER KIT - Double-Tuf Chicken Starter Kit includes everything you need to keep baby chicks healthy and growing
• GUIDE BOOK: Kit for backyard chickens or new farmers includes a 12-page Poultry Guide booklet with helpful tips, information, and fun facts
• HEAT LAMP W/ BULB: Includes a cULus-listed 10.50-inch brooder reflector lamp with a 250-watt red heat lamp bulb
• 2 FEEDERS INCLUDED: 8-inch plastic ground feeder is ideal for feeding young chicks, Kit also includes a 1.50-pound poultry feeder
• PLASTIC WATERER: 1.50-quart chick waterer can be used for chicks and adult chickens

Reb Bulbs VS Clear Bulbs

When choosing a heat lamp bulb for baby chicks, either a red bulb or a clear bulb can be used, but there are some differences to consider:

Red Bulb

1. Emit a softer, warmer light compared to clear bulbs, creating a more subdued environment in the brooder.

2. The red light can help reduce stress and prevent chicks from pecking at each other, as they are less likely to see blood or wounds under red light.

3. Some chicken folks prefer red bulbs for nighttime use, as they believe it mimics the natural darkness of night, allowing chicks to rest more comfortably.

Clear Bulb

1. Emit bright, white light that provides better visibility in the brooder, allowing you to monitor the chicks more easily.

2. Clear bulbs may be preferred if you need brighter lighting for tasks such as cleaning or inspecting the chicks.

Ultimately, the choice between a red bulb or a clear bulb for your brooder heat lamp depends on your preferences and specific needs. Whichever bulb you choose, ensure that it produces enough heat to maintain a comfortable temperature in the brooder and is safely installed to prevent any hazards, use a brooder light with a clamp for easy installation.

Raising Baby Chicks or Ducklings for Eggs

Deciding whether to raise baby chicks or ducklings for eggs depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, available space, and the specific characteristics of each species.

Egg Production - Chickens are the more traditional choice for egg production, with most breeds laying eggs consistently throughout the year. Depending on the breed, chickens can lay a wide range of egg colors and sizes, making them a popular choice for backyard egg production. However ducks also lay eggs, but their egg-laying patterns can vary depending on the breed and individual bird. While some duck breeds, such as Khaki Campbells and Indian Runners, are known for their prolific egg production, others may lay fewer eggs or have seasonal laying patterns.

Egg Characteristics - Chicken eggs are the standard choice for most egg consumers, versatile in cooking and baking, making them a popular choice for culinary purposes. Duck eggs are typically larger, with a thicker shell and richer yolk. Some people prefer the flavor and texture of duck eggs for certain dishes, such as baked goods and custards.

Space and Housing - Both chickens and ducks require suitable housing and space to thrive. Chickens are generally more adaptable to a variety of housing setups, including traditional chicken coops, free-range environments, or smaller urban backyard setups. Ducks have specific housing needs, including access to water for swimming and bathing. While not all duck breeds require a pond or large body of water, they do need access to shallow water for drinking and grooming. Additionally, ducks can be messier than chickens, so their living area may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance.

Behavior - Chickens are generally more social and flock-oriented, making them easier to handle and interact with. Ducks are often more independent and less likely to form strong bonds with humans compared to chickens. They have a strong instinct for foraging and may spend more time exploring and foraging for food compared to chickens.

When it’s Time to Fly the Coop

When baby chicks feather out (6-8 weeks) they are now considered pullets and it's time to start transitioning them to the outdoors. Begin by allowing supervised outdoor excursions in a secure enclosure, gradually increasing their exposure to natural elements. You’ll want to provide shelter, shade, and protection from predators, and ensure they have access to fresh water and supplemental heat if needed during cooler evenings.

If you have other chickens you’ll want to place the pullets' enclosure within sight of the existing flock's area, such as adjacent pens or wire barriers. This allows them to become familiar with each other's presence without the risk of aggression. After a few days of visual introduction, you can start allowing supervised interactions between the pullets and the existing flock. Choose a neutral territory where neither group feels territorial, such as a large open area away from feeding and roosting areas. Observe their interactions closely, looking for signs of aggression or bullying from either group. If any bird shows excessive aggression, consider removing them temporarily or providing additional space for retreat. Once the pullets have been successfully integrated into the flock and established the new pecking order by the existing members, you can consider fully merging them into the main coop and run area.

Shop all Chicken Products

Whether you're raising baby chicks for the first time or expanding your flock, embrace the learning experience and enjoy the simple pleasures of watching your chicks grow and thrive. With patience and dedication, you'll soon be reaping the rewards of farm-fresh eggs in no time.