This post may contain affiliate links.
Raising backyard chickens has become increasingly popular in recent years. If you’re thinking about starting with baby chicks instead of purchasing adult hens, you’ll be happy to know that caring for them doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a farm to raise chickens successfully. Here’s a simple guide on how you can raise baby chicks right in your own backyard.
1) Start with a Brooder Pen
First, you will need a brooder pen to keep the chicks in. You can use large plastic tubs, kid’s old swimming pools, or any suitable type of container. Alternatively, you can purchase brooder boxes complete with heating lamps. Be sure to provide 2 square feet of space per chick.
2) Keep them warm
You need to keep the chicks warm at all times. If you made your brooder pen, you will need to add a red brooder lamp.
The chicks must be kept at 92 degrees Fahrenheit at 2 inches above the floor. Once the chicks have grown their feathers, reduce the temperature by 5 degrees per week until they reach 6 weeks of age. Be sure to keep a wire safety guard on your lamp to prevent fires in case the lamp falls over.
Monthly Egg Tracker For Chickens
This planner will help you track production so you can notice trends and celebrate results!
3) Provide Clean Water Regularly
Ensure that your chicks always have access to clean water. If you’re using a bowl, make sure the water is shallow or place marbles or pebbles in it to prevent the chicks from accidentally falling in and drowning. Since chicks can be quite clumsy, this extra precaution is important. For added convenience and safety, consider using an automatic waterer.
4) Access to Food
Make sure the chicks have constant access to food. On the first day, you can scatter the feed on a piece of cardboard to make it easier for them to find. The sound of their beaks tapping on the cardboard will help draw other chicks to the food. After a week, you can transition to a tube-style feeder, but keep the cardboard setup available for an additional day to help the chicks adjust to the new feeder.
5) Use the Right Bedding
Pine shavings make the best bedding for baby chicks. You can also use straw, pine pellets, or other soft materials. However, be careful when using newspaper alone; it is slippery for the chicks and can cause spraddle legs. Be prepared to change the bedding often to keep the brood box clean.
6) Use Chick Starter
Chicks need special food called chick starters. You can find it at supply stores. Don’t feed your chicks anything but the chick feed for the first week. After that, you can give them special treats, such as grains, fruit, vegetables, bugs, and worms.
