Raising Baby Chicks: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Bringing baby chicks into your life is an exciting and rewarding experience. Watching them grow from tiny fluff balls into full-grown hens or roosters is a journey filled with joy, learning, and, of course, a few challenges. Whether you're a first-time chicken keeper or looking to improve your chick-rearing skills, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

A Personal Journey: My First Chicks

In April 2024, I brought home my first batch of baby chicks, and since then, chickens have become a huge part of my life. It was amazing to hand-feed them, check on them constantly, and introduce my son, Dwayne, to his very first baby animal. He was mesmerized by their tiny peeps and fluffy bodies, and now, he absolutely loves all his chickens. There's something incredibly special about raising chicks, not just for the fresh eggs but for the joy they bring to everyday life.

One chick that has always stood out is Kuzco, my favorite. She has a cross beak, but that has never slowed her down. She eats just fine but absolutely loves eating out of a hand because it makes scooping food easier for her. She always comes running for treats, and watching her determination has been inspiring.

Getting Started: What You Need Before Bringing Chicks Home

Before your chicks arrive, preparation is key. Here’s a checklist to ensure you're ready:

✅Brooder setup – A safe, enclosed space for chicks to stay warm and grow.

✅Heat source – A heat plate or brooder lamp to keep chicks warm.

✅Bedding – Pine shavings or a non-slip mat to keep their space dry and comfortable.

✅Feed & Water – Chick starter feed, chick grit to aid digestion, and a shallow water dish or chick waterer.

✅Feeder & Waterer – Specially designed for chicks to prevent spills and contamination.

(💡 I’ve tried out so many different products over time, and only recommend the best, check out my baby chick recommended gear at the end of this guide!)

Setting Up the Brooder

The brooder is where your chicks will spend their first few weeks, so it’s important to set it up correctly to ensure their safety and comfort. Here’s what it should include:

Space & Containment

Your brooder should provide at least ½ square foot per chick for the first couple of weeks, increasing as they grow. Make sure the walls are tall enough so they can’t jump out, around 12-18 inches high. If your chicks are especially active, use a breathable lid like wire mesh to keep them contained while allowing proper airflow.

Temperature

Chicks need warmth since they can’t regulate their body temperature. Keep the brooder at 95°F for the first week, then decrease by 5°F each week until they are fully feathered.

Bedding & Cleanliness

Use pine shavings or straw, but avoid cedar as it can be harmful. Clean the bedding regularly to prevent illness. Newspaper alone is too slippery and can cause leg issues, so always use a non-slip surface.

Food & Water

Chicks need a high-protein starter feed to grow properly. Always provide fresh, clean water to prevent dehydration. Use a shallow waterer to prevent accidental drowning, and consider raising it slightly to keep bedding out of the water.

I absolutely hate dealing with bedding getting into feeders, so I opt for feeders that can both stand independently at different heights and also be hung. It saves me from constantly scooping out shavings, which, let’s be honest, is one of the most annoying parts of chick-keeping! If you don’t want to spend your time playing "clean the feeder," invest in a good hanging feeder early on

Depending on how many chicks you have, a simple tub as pictured below, or even a large cardboard box will do. no need to over think it!

 

 

Watching Them Grow: When to Move Chicks Outside

Once your chicks are 6-8 weeks old and fully feathered, they can start transitioning outside. Signs that they are ready include being fully feathered, maintaining body temperature without a heat source, and being active and alert. Introduce them gradually by taking them out on warm days in an enclosed area to prevent any escapes, chicks can get overwhelmed by the experience, and it’s best to make their first outdoor moments as stress-free as possible.

By this point, they will also be completely used to your routine. When we first transitioned our initial flock, we chose to keep them contained in the coop and run for a few weeks so they would understand that was home. Chickens are creatures of habit, and this helped them associate the coop as a safe place to sleep and, more importantly, to lay their eggs in the nesting boxes instead of wherever they feel like it. Establishing this routine early on saves you from hunting for eggs later.

Only after they started laying eggs did we begin allowing them to free-range during the day. By then, they had already built a routine and thrived on the comfort of it. One of my favorite moments in raising chicks is when they start recognizing me, not just as the one who feeds them but as part of their world. They love seeing me walk up in the morning, knowing I’m there to open the coop and bring breakfast. That bond is something special and makes all the effort worth it.

The Emotional Reward of Raising Chicks

Raising baby chicks isn’t just about growing a flock, it’s about building connections, creating a little slice of farm life, and experiencing the pure joy that comes with watching tiny, fluffy creatures thrive under your care. If you have kids, involving them in raising chicks is an incredible way to teach responsibility, patience, and compassion. Children love watching the chicks grow, and it’s a great way for them to form bonds with animals while learning about nature and life cycles. Whether it's the first time you see them peck at food, their first steps outside, or the way they come running when they see you, it’s an experience unlike any other.

One of the most rewarding parts of raising chicks is how they grow to recognize you as their caretaker. For children, this bond can be especially magical, watching the chicks go from tiny, fragile fluffballs to confident, curious birds is a journey that teaches patience, responsibility, and empathy. Kids love being involved in feeding, holding, and caring for chicks, and these little moments help create a lifelong appreciation for animals and nature. They may start out timid, but before long, they associate you with food, safety, and routine. There’s nothing quite like stepping outside and having a little parade of chicks following your every move, eager to see what treats you have in store.

It’s also an incredibly grounding experience, waking up early to check on them, making sure their needs are met, and watching them grow each day. Their rapid transformation from tiny fluffballs to full-grown chickens is a reminder of how quickly time passes, and it makes every moment with them feel special.

If you’re new to chicks and feeling unsure, don’t be! It’s easier than you think as long as you follow the basic steps. They thrive on routine, and as long as you provide food, warmth, and care, they’ll reward you with companionship and, eventually, farm-fresh eggs! Just know that you’ll need to get used to poop. There’s no way around it, chickens are messy, but trust me, the joy they bring makes it all worth it! 😂

Above is Dwyane with his newest, and favorite chicken, one of our barred rock hens. 

📲 Want to see more chick-raising content? Check out our Instagram and TikTok for updates, tips, and adorable chick moments! Feel free to reach out to us with any questions, we’re always happy to help fellow chicken keepers. 🐥✨

 

Our Recommended Gear for Raising Chicks

👉  Feeder & waterer - Adjustable for all stages of growth!

👉  Adjustable Brooder Heat Plate - Adjustable for all stages of growth, SAFE

👉  Starter Feed - Needed for 0-8 week rapid growth 

👉  Chick Grit - Helpful for their digestion

👉  Baby Chick Enrichment - Chicks like to have a good time too!