Raising Happy, Healthy Chicks: A Guide for Beginners

Bringing new chicks into your flock is an exciting journey, but it requires careful planning and attention to ensure they grow into strong, healthy hens. From setting up the perfect brooder to transitioning them into the main flock, every step matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of raising happy, thriving chicks the natural way.

1. Setting Up the Brooder: A Safe and Warm Start

Chicks need a warm, safe space to grow during their first few weeks of life. A well-prepared brooder is key to their early development.

• Choose the Right Brooder: Use a large plastic tote, wooden box, or a commercial brooder. It should be spacious enough to allow chicks to move freely but enclosed to keep them safe.

• Temperature Control: Maintain a warm environment, starting at 95°F (35°C) in the first week, and reduce the temperature by 5°F each week until fully feathered (around 5-6 weeks old). Use a heat lamp or a heat plate, ensuring one side of the brooder is cooler so chicks can self-regulate their warmth.

• Bedding: Opt for hemp shavings, pine shavings or chopped straw, avoiding slippery surfaces like newspaper that can cause splay leg. We like to start ours on puppy pads.

• Ventilation: Keep fresh air circulating while ensuring there are no drafts.

  
  

2. Nutrition: Feeding Your Chicks for a Strong Start

Providing high-quality, natural nutrition from the beginning is vital for proper growth and development.

• Choose a High-Quality Starter Feed: Look for a non-GMO, corn & soy-free starter feed that provides at least 18-20% protein for strong muscle and feather development. Eden Feeds’ chick starter formula is specially crafted to give your chicks the best start.

• Fresh, Clean Water: Chicks need constant access to fresh, room-temperature water. Use shallow waterers to prevent accidental drowning and refresh the water daily.

• Natural Supplements: Consider adding organic apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp per quart of water) for digestive health and probiotics to support gut development.

• Grit for Digestion: If introducing treats or fermented feed, provide fine chick grit to aid digestion.

  
  

3. Transitioning Chicks to the Coop

Once your chicks are fully feathered (around 6-8 weeks), they’re ready to move outdoors, but the transition should be gradual.

• Acclimate to Outdoor Temperatures: If temperatures are mild, start by placing the brooder outside for a few hours a day so chicks can adjust.

• Secure the Coop: Ensure their new home is predator-proof, well-ventilated, and has plenty of space (4 square feet per bird inside, 10 square feet in the run).

• Introducing to the Flock: If integrating with older chickens, use a look-but-don’t-touch method by placing chicks in a secure pen inside the main run for a few days. This helps establish familiarity before direct interaction.

• Supervised Meetings: Allow short, monitored interactions, ensuring there is no excessive bullying.

  
  

4. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them

• Pasty Butt: A common issue in young chicks caused by stress or improper temperatures. Clean affected chicks gently with warm water and apply a dab of coconut oil to prevent recurrence.

• Coccidiosis: A parasitic infection that causes lethargy and diarrhea. Keep brooders clean and dry.

• Feather Pecking: Ensure chicks have enough space and provide enrichment like scattered feed or a small perch to prevent boredom.

  
  

With the right care, nutrition, and attention, your chicks will grow into healthy, productive members of your flock.

At Eden Feeds, we believe in feeding with purpose, using only clean, wholesome ingredients to give your birds the best start in life. Choosing a corn & soy-free, non-GMO feed ensures your chicks thrive naturally, without unnecessary fillers or additives.

Are you ready to raise your next generation of happy, healthy hens? Check out our premium chick starter feed and give your flock the best from day one!