Caring For Chicks
Here are care instructions for chickens (chicks) separated into weekly ages until week 4:
Week 1: Days 1-7
Housing (Brooder):
Container: A large plastic tub, cardboard box (sturdy and tall enough to prevent escape), a stock tank, or a commercially made brooder. Ensure it's draft-free but well-ventilated.
Space: Provide at least 0.5 square feet of floor space per chick. They grow quickly!
Bedding: Use pine shavings (not cedar, which can be harmful), chopped straw, or paper towels (especially for the first few days). Avoid slick surfaces like newspaper or cardboard directly, as they can cause leg problems. You can put paper towels over shavings for easy initial cleanup.
Heat: This is critical. Use a heat plate. Position it to one side of the brooder to create a temperature gradient.
Temperature: Aim for 90-95°F (32-35°C) directly under the heat plate. Use a thermometer at chick level to monitor. Observe the chicks' behavior: huddling means too cold, scattered and panting means too hot. Adjust the plate height accordingly.
Light: Chicks need light to find food and water.
Food:
Feed: Offer a high-quality chick starter feed (non-medicated is generally recommended for backyard flocks unless there's a specific need). It should have around 20-24% protein.
Presentation: Sprinkle feed on a clean paper towel or in shallow dishes. Ensure it's always available (free-choice).
Grit: Provide chick grit in a separate small container. Grit helps them digest their food. They need very little at this age.
Water:
Container: Use a chick waterer or a shallow dish. Avoid deep water containers where they could fall in and drown. Place pebbles or marbles in open dishes to reduce drowning risk.
Cleanliness: Change the water at least twice a day, or more often if it gets soiled.
Placement: Keep the water source near the food but not directly under the heat plate to prevent excessive humidity.
Handling: Handle chicks gently and only when necessary. Keep handling sessions short to avoid stressing them.
Observation: Monitor the chicks closely for signs of illness (lethargy, lack of appetite, pasty butt) or any leg problems.
Week 2: Days 8-14
Housing (Brooder):
Space: Increase floor space to at least 1 square foot per chick.
Bedding: Continue using appropriate bedding and change it regularly to keep it clean and dry.
Heat: Reduce the brooder temperature by approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit (around 3 degrees Celsius). Aim for 85-90°F (29-32°C) under the heat plate. Continue to observe their behavior to adjust the plate height.
Food:
Feed: Continue providing the non-medicated chick starter feed (20-24% protein).
Grit: Continue offering chick grit.
Water:
Container: You can gradually introduce slightly larger chick waterers. If using open dishes, ensure they are stable and not easily tipped.
Cleanliness: Continue to change the water frequently.
Observation: Continue to monitor their health and behavior. They should be more active and eating well.
Week 3: Days 15-21
Housing (Brooder):
Space: Increase floor space to at least 2 square feet per chick.
Bedding: Maintain clean bedding.
Heat: Reduce the brooder temperature by another 5 degrees Fahrenheit (around 3 degrees Celsius). Aim for 80-85°F (27-29°C) under the heat plate. You may be able to raise the heat plate further.
Food:
Feed: You can start transitioning to a chick grower feed with a slightly lower protein content (around 18-20%). Mix a small amount of the new feed with the old feed, gradually increasing the proportion over several days to avoid digestive upset.
Grit: You can switch to a slightly coarser grower grit.
Water:
Container: You can use larger chick waterers or small poultry waterers.
Cleanliness: Continue frequent water changes.
Introduction to Outdoors (Weather Permitting): If daytime temperatures are consistently above 60-65°F (15-18°C) and there is no risk of cold nights, you can begin introducing them to a secure outdoor run for short periods during the day. Provide shade and protection from predators. They should have a good amount of feather coverage before spending extended time outdoors without supplemental heat.
Observation: Monitor their adaptation to the new feed and environment.
Week 4: Days 22-28
Housing (Brooder/Transition to Coop):
Space: Ensure at least 3-4 square feet per chick if still in the brooder. Outdoor coops and runs should provide significantly more space.
Bedding: Maintain clean bedding in the brooder or provide appropriate litter in the coop (pine shavings, straw).
Heat: You can likely discontinue supplemental heat during the day if the weather is warm and they are fully feathered. Monitor nighttime temperatures; they may still need some heat if it gets cold, especially if they are not fully feathered.
Food:
Feed: Continue feeding the chick grower feed (18-20% protein).
Grit: Ensure grower grit is always available.
Water:
Container: They should have access to regular poultry waterers.
Cleanliness: Maintain clean water.
Outdoor Time: Gradually increase their time spent outdoors, ensuring their coop and run are secure from predators.
Roosting: By this age, some chicks may start showing interest in roosting. If you have provided low perches, they may begin to use them.
Observation: Continue to monitor their health and ensure they are adjusting well to their environment.
Important Considerations Throughout:
Cleanliness: Maintaining a clean brooder and providing fresh food and water are crucial for preventing disease.
Predator Protection: Even indoors, ensure the brooder is secure from curious pets. Once outdoors, predator protection is paramount.
Ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in the brooder to prevent the buildup of ammonia.
Chick Behavior: Pay close attention to your chicks' behavior. It's the best indicator of whether they are too hot, too cold, hungry, thirsty, or unwell.
Feed Quality: Providing high-quality feed with the appropriate protein content is essential for healthy growth.
Pasty Butt: Regularly check chicks for pasty butt (manure stuck to their vent), especially in the first few days. Gently clean it with a warm, damp cloth if necessary.
Water Availability: Ensure they always have access to fresh, clean water.
When raising ducklings, chicks, or quail, providing adequate warmth is crucial for their health and development. We highly recommend using heat plates for your new arrivals. Unlike traditional heat lamps, heat plates offer a safer, more natural heat source that allows your birds to regulate their own temperature more effectively.
A great option is the versatile Chicken Coop Heater available on Amazon. This device mimics a mother hen's warmth, encouraging a snug and comforting environment. By using a heat plate/UV heater, you not only reduce the risk of overheating but also create a secure space for your birds to gather and feel protected.
Make sure to choose a heat plate that suits the size of your brooder setup and keep a close eye on the temperature to ensure your little ones are cozy but not too hot. This will go a long way in ensuring healthy growth and happy birds on your farm.
These guidelines will help you care for your baby chicks during their first four weeks. Remember to adapt these instructions based on your specific environment and the needs of your birds.
