Blog | Baby Chicks 101

Baby Chicks 101:
Your Spring Guide To Raising Happy, Healthy Chicks

If March had a sound, it would be the soft little peeps of baby chicks in the store. Whether you are starting your first flock or adding a few more puffballs to the coop, this is the perfect time to get everything ready before you bring them home. Here is a simple guide to help you set up right the first time, along with some products you can grab at Buchheit to make it easy.

Start With a Brooder Setup
Your chicks need a warm, draft-free spot for their first several weeks. A simple plastic stock tank or a wire brooder works great. Add pine shavings for bedding and a thermometer so you can keep an eye on temps.
 

Heat Source Matters
Warmth is everything in the early days. Keep the brooder around 95 degrees for week one and lower it about five degrees each week. 
 

Feed for a Strong Start
Chick starter feed gives your birds the protein and nutrients they need to grow fast. You can choose medicated or non-medicated depending on your setup and flock history. Always offer fresh water in a shallow chick safe waterer.
 

Keep Things Clean and Dry
Chicks grow quick and they can make a mess even quicker. Change out bedding as needed and rinse waterers daily. A clean brooder cuts down on odor and helps prevent sickness.
 

Give Them a Little Room to Explore
As your chicks get bigger, they will need more space to move around, practice scratching, and stretch those wings. Poultry fencing makes it easy to size up their area without a full rebuild.
 

Plan Ahead for the Coop
It might not feel like it yet, but your chicks will be ready to move outside before you know it. Make sure your coop is secure, ventilated, and predator safe. If you need an upgrade, spring is the best time to grab one.
 

Final Tip
Spend time with your chicks. Handle them gently, talk to them, and let them get used to you. A little attention early on goes a long way toward a friendly flock later.