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If you’ve landed on this article then chances are that you are considering raising your own chickens for either eggs or meat. There’s also a chance that your little stop to the feed store for one thing turned into an impulse purchase of those cute little chicks, and now you have no idea what to do with them. Have no fear because in this article, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about raising baby chicks. This week by week guide will show you how to grow those cute little chicks into a healthy adult flock.
By far, my chickens have been the greatest asset to my own homestead. Between the cost of protein rising and reoccurring egg shortages, keeping chickens is a smart move for anyone, including suburban homes who are able to. Not only that, but chickens are wonderful for folks who garden. Before I had chickens, I was spending hundreds of dollars a year on soil amendments. Now, I have free compost all year long and my chickens even work to stir it up for me. They are also great at pest control.
But aside from the practicality side of chickens there is the satisfaction of just simply watching them be chickens. Much like humans, chickens tend to have their own little personalities. You’ll establish favorites, you just can’t help it. One of my favorite things to do is to sip on my coffee and watch my chickens interact. I don’t think I can not have chickens now that I have. They are a great joy in my life, and I believe they can be for you too.
I understand as a beginner with chicks, there are some common fears when you first bring them home. Are they warm enough? Is there enough space? How do I prevent illness from wiping out my new flock? These are common questions that we are going to address in this article. Stick around and you’ll be an expert chicken wrangler in no time.
Before Your Baby Chicks Arrive: Setting Yourself Up for Success
There’s something magical about bringing home baby chicks for the first time. They’re tiny, fluffy, and impossibly cute—and if you’re anything like I was the first time we brought chicks home, you’ll spend the first hour just staring at them and wondering how something so small could suddenly feel like such a big responsibility.
The good news? Raising healthy baby chickens doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
The biggest secret to success happens before your chicks even arrive: preparation.
Think of your brooder as a little nursery. Your chicks need warmth, safety, clean bedding, fresh water, and easy access to food. It doesn’t need to be fancy—a plastic tote, a stock tank, or even a homemade wooden box can work beautifully—but it does need to be draft-free and secure.
Here’s an excellent guide on setting up a brooder that will be perfect for your chicks: How to Set Up a Chick Brooder.
Heat Source
One of the biggest decisions beginners make is choosing a heat source. Years ago, nearly everyone used heat lamps, but many backyard chicken keepers now prefer brooder heating plates because they’re safer and mimic the way chicks naturally tuck under a mother hen. Either option can work—as long as your chicks can move toward warmth when they need it and away from it when they don’t.
Bedding
You’ll also want to choose bedding carefully. Pine shavings are the standard for a reason: they’re affordable, easy to find, and absorb moisture well. Skip cedar, which can irritate delicate little lungs, and avoid newspaper—it may seem convenient, but it’s slippery and can cause leg problems.
Baby Chick Food
Before your chicks arrive, make sure you’ve stocked up on the right feed. Baby chickens should start on a high-quality chick starter feed, ideally containing 18–20% protein, which supports rapid muscle and feather development during those first crucial weeks. Most chicks should stay on starter feed until they’re about 8 weeks old, though some keepers continue it a bit longer depending on breed and flock goals.
You’ll also notice many chick starter feeds are labeled medicated or non-medicated, and beginners often panic over which one to choose. Medicated feed helps protect against coccidiosis, a common intestinal disease in young chicks, and can be a good option—especially if your chicks weren’t vaccinated. If they were vaccinated at the hatchery, non-medicated feed is usually preferred. Either can work; the important thing is consistency.
If you want a more in depth guide on chick food, check out this article all about feeding baby chicks.
Water
Water matters just as much as food. Fresh, clean water should always be available, and during the first few days—or anytime chicks seem stressed—adding electrolytes and probiotics to their water can be incredibly helpful. Think of it like giving their tiny systems a boost after a long trip. Electrolytes support hydration, while probiotics help establish healthy gut bacteria, which is especially important in young birds.
Chick Grit
And then there’s chick grit, one of those little details beginners often overlook. If your chicks are eating only commercial starter feed, they usually don’t need grit right away because the feed is designed to be easily digested. But the moment you start offering treats—scrambled eggs, greens, herbs, or anything outside their starter feed—they need access to chick-sized grit to help grind and digest those foods properly.
Once your brooder is set up, gather your supplies before your chicks arrive. Trust me—there’s enough excitement on chick day without realizing you forgot the feeder.
Raising Baby Chicks Week by Week
One of the things that helped me most when I first started raising baby chickens was knowing what to expect week by week. Chicks change fast—sometimes so fast it feels like they’re different birds every morning.
Week 1
The first week is all about warmth and stability. Your chicks have just been through a stressful journey, whether they came from a hatchery or a local farm, and they need time to settle in. As soon as they arrive, gently dip each tiny beak into the water so they know where to drink. It feels silly at first, but it works.
During those first few days, I always tell people to watch their chicks more than their thermometer. If they’re piled on top of each other under the heat source, they’re too cold. If they’re spread to the edges and panting, they’re too hot. Comfortable chicks wander around, peep softly, and occasionally collapse dramatically into tiny naps—usually right in the middle of the brooder.
As a general rule, your chicks should start at around 95°F during week one, and then you’ll reduce that temperature by about five degrees each week. The easiest way to do that is by raising your heating plate or heat lamp a little higher each week, allowing the brooder to cool gradually as your chicks feather out and become better able to regulate their own body temperature. Think of it as slowly encouraging independence—just like parenting in every other area.
Week 2
By week two, everyone starts settling into a rhythm—including you. Your chicks will be eating more confidently, drinking steadily, and developing those funny little personalities that make raising them so enjoyable. This is when daily care starts to feel less intimidating. You’ll lower the temperature slightly, refresh bedding more regularly, and begin noticing just how quickly they’re growing.
Week 3
Then week three arrives, and suddenly your fluffy little babies look…awkward. Their wing feathers come in first, and they often go through a stage that can only be described as “teenage chick.” Their baby fuzz starts disappearing, replaced by real feathers, and they seem to discover they can hop, flutter, and occasionally make a complete mess of their brooder in record time.
Week 4
By week four, their confidence really starts to show. They’re stronger, bolder, and much more curious. This is a great time to add a small perch or safe enrichment item to the brooder. It sounds simple, but little things like this help chicks develop balance and natural instincts. They’re preparing for life as chickens, not just surviving as babies.
Week 5-6
Weeks five and six always feel like the turning point. By now, most chicks are mostly feathered, and they begin needing less supplemental heat. Depending on your climate, this may also be the time to let them explore the outdoors in short, supervised visits. If you live somewhere colder—as we often do here in Alaska—don’t rush this part. Fully feathered and “looks big enough” are not always the same thing. Let the weather help guide your timeline.
Weeks 7-8
By seven or eight weeks, your chicks are usually ready for their big move outside. This is one of my favorite milestones because it feels like graduation day. Their coop suddenly becomes home, and those tiny fluff balls that once fit in your hand are now scratching, pecking, and acting like they own the place.
And honestly? They kind of do.
Common Beginner Mistakes When Raising Baby Chicks
If there’s one thing I want every new chicken keeper to hear, it’s this: you do not need to do everything perfectly.
Most beginner mistakes come from caring too much, not too little.
Overheating is one of the most common issues because new chicken owners worry constantly about warmth—and rightly so—but chicks can overheat just as easily as they can get cold. Again, their behavior will tell you everything.
Another common mistake is overcrowding. Baby chicks look tiny, but they grow incredibly fast. What feels roomy on day one can feel cramped by week three. Giving them enough space helps prevent stress, pecking, and health issues.
Wet bedding is another sneaky problem. Moisture creates the perfect environment for bacteria, and chicks are surprisingly talented at turning clean bedding into chaos. A little daily tidying makes a big difference.
And finally, don’t underestimate the temptation to overhandle them. I know—they’re adorable. You’ll want to scoop them up constantly. But like all babies, they also need warmth, rest, and time to adjust.
Signs Your Baby Chicks Are Healthy
One of the questions I hear most often from beginners is, “How do I know if I’m doing this right?”
Usually, your chicks will tell you.
Healthy baby chickens are alert. They move with purpose, even if that purpose is simply running wildly across the brooder for no obvious reason. Their eyes should look bright, their vents should stay clean, and their feathers should gradually fill in as the weeks go on.
Most importantly, healthy chicks are curious. They peck at everything. They investigate your hands. They explore their space. That little spark of curiosity is often the best sign that all is well.
Troubleshooting Common Baby Chick Problems
Even when you do everything right, little problems can pop up.
The most common issue in the first week is something called pasty butt, which sounds funny until you have to deal with it. It happens when droppings stick to a chick’s vent and harden, potentially blocking them from eliminating waste. Thankfully, it’s usually easy to fix. Here is an article that goes into depth with fixing pasty butt in your baby chicks.
Lethargy can also happen, especially after shipping stress. If a chick seems unusually sleepy or isolates itself from the group, check the temperature first. Offer electrolytes if needed, and keep a close eye on food and water intake. Sometimes they simply need a little extra support.
Pecking is another concern that alarms beginners, but a little pecking is normal. Chickens are figuring out their social order from day one. Excessive pecking usually means they’re too crowded, too hot, or simply bored—which is often an easy fix.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Chicks
One of the most common questions new chicken keepers ask is how long chicks need supplemental heat. The answer depends on your climate, but most need it for six to eight weeks, gradually lessening each week as feathers come in.
Another frequent question is when chicks can safely go outside. The short answer? It depends. Warm spring weather allows earlier outings, while colder climates demand more patience. I always tell people: let your chicks—and your weather—set the pace.
Cleaning is another concern. You don’t need to scrub the brooder every hour, but you do need to stay ahead of the mess. Daily spot cleaning and weekly bedding changes usually keep things manageable.
And yes—kids can absolutely help raise baby chickens. In fact, it’s one of the sweetest chores a child can have. Feeding, watering, and gentle handling can teach responsibility in ways few other farm tasks can.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Raising Journey of Baby Chicks
If you’re new to raising baby chicks, let me reassure you: the first week feels like the hardest.
After that, something shifts.
You stop second-guessing every peep. You start recognizing personalities. You realize that daily care becomes routine, and confidence quietly replaces anxiety.
Before long, the little birds you worried over so carefully are racing around your yard like they’ve lived there forever.
If you are interested in more homestead content, I have other great articles like How to Plan Your Homestead Garden and How to Make an Herbal First Aid Balm.
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