Raising Baby Chicks: Starter Guide and Timeline

Spring is here, and with it comes the annual promise of thousands of tiny, vibrant peeps in at IFA Country Stores. The arrival of new chicks at the feed store is the most tangible and exciting sign of new life on the farm, marking the start of a rewarding season of growth.

The prospect of raising chicks might seem daunting to the first-time flock owner, but it doesn't have to be. Raising healthy, happy chicks from day one sets the foundation for a thriving flock. By focusing on a few essential requirements—warmth, water and the right nutrition—you can ensure your newest feathered arrivals grow into robust, productive members of your homestead or farm.

Setting Up the Chick Brooder

Before your chicks even leave the store, their first temporary home, the brooder, must be ready. The brooder is a safe, draft-free enclosure that serves as a surrogate mother, providing consistent heat until the chicks are fully feathered.

The Enclosure, Size and Warmth

Your brooder can be a large plastic tote, a galvanized metal tub, a cattle trough, or a specialized brooder kit. The key requirements are simple:

1. Height: It must be tall enough to keep the chicks in once they start to hop and safe from curious pets.
2. Space: Plan for at least 0.5 square feet of space per chick for the first few weeks.
3. Safety: It must be draft-free and allow for a temperature gradient so the chicks can move closer to or further away from the heat source. 

The most crucial element is the heat source. Most chicken growers rely on a heat lamp with a 175-watt bulb or a modern brooder plate. If using a heat lamp, a red bulb is often recommended, as the reddish light can help discourage aggressive pecking behavior triggered by bright white light.

Master Temperature Control Immediately

Chicks are sensitive to temperature because they cannot regulate their own body heat. You must be their thermostat!  

1. Starting Temperature: The temperature, measured at chick height, should be a snug 90–95°F for the first week.
2. Weekly Decrease: After the first week, gradually decrease the temperature by 5°F each week until the chicks are fully feathered and the brooder temperature matches the outside air temperature (usually around six weeks).
   

The Chick Thermometer: Reading Behavior

While a physical thermometer is helpful, the most accurate gauge of the brooder’s temperature is the chicks themselves. This is a good behavioral checklist to help gauge your flock’s comfort level:

Bedding and Hygiene for a Healthy Brooder

Pine shavings are the best choice for bedding. They are absorbent, relatively inexpensive and safe to use. Avoid cedar shavings as the aromatic oils can irritate a chick's respiratory system. For the very first day, place a layer of paper towels or a non-slip rubber mat over the shavings. This initial non-slip surface helps prevent a condition called "spraddle leg" before the chicks’ legs fully strengthen. Regularly change the bedding to keep the brooder dry and prevent disease.

The First 48 Hours of Chick Care is Crucial

The first 48 hours after your new chicks come home are critical. When bringing home baby chicks, your focus needs to be on hydration, daily health checks and accessing the right nutrition.

Immediate Hydration and Energy

Upon arrival, the most crucial first step is to dip each chick's beak into the waterer to ensure they know where the water source is. Even one dehydrated chick can struggle to thrive. For the first few days, you can add chick-specific vitamins and electrolytes to the water. This helps ease the stress of shipping and transition, giving them an important energy boost.

Daily Health Checks

The main health concern for young chicks, particularly in their first few weeks, is a condition called “Pasty Butt.” This is a potentially serious condition where feces stick around the vent, blocking the chick from defecating. Pasty butt is often caused by stress from shipping or temperature fluctuations, dehydration, or improper diet.

Adding electrolytes and chick-specific vitamins to your chicks’ water for the first few days is a great way to prevent pasty butt and reduce stress. Offer chick grit separate from their feed, starting around one week of age. Grit (tiny stones) is essential for the gizzard to grind food, aiding digestion and preventing undigested feed from contributing to pasty butt.

If you do notice a chick with pasty butt, gently clean the affected area with a warm, damp cloth or paper towel. Never pull the dried feces, as it can injure the delicate skin.

The Right Nutrition: IFA Start-To-Grow Chick Feed

A chick’s nutritional needs are immense as it grows rapidly. Traditionally, chicks are fed a high-quality Chick Starter feed (around 20% protein) for the first 6–8 weeks, followed by a developer feed until birds begin to lay eggs at around 16–18 weeks of age. Recognizing the importance of consistency during this development period, IFA Start-To-Grow feed bridges the gap for both stages in a single, carefully balanced program.

IFA Start-To-Grow combines the nutritional requirements of both starter and developer feeds into one formula that supports chicks from hatch until they begin laying eggs. This helps eliminate abrupt feed changes, improves uniformity within the flock, and simplifies chick care.

Proper equipment and daily management are essential. Always use chick-sized feeders and waterers to reduce waste and prevent drowning and keep both clean and consistently full.

Planning for Farm Fresh Eggs

The time, care and investment you put into your chicks now will pay off beautifully in a few short months. There is absolutely nothing better than a farm-fresh egg, and the journey that began with tiny chicks culminates in this delicious, nutritious reward. When hens are raised with great nutrition and care, you can literally taste the difference.

Preparing for Eggs: Timing and Volume

The first question for any flock owner is, "When do the eggs start?" Chickens typically begin laying eggs around the 18-week mark, but it can take up to 32 weeks, depending on the breed and hatch date. Chicks hatched later in the season (after May) may even wait until the following spring to begin production, so it’s important to consider your goals and know what you are getting before bringing home your new chicks.

Prime egg production usually lasts between two and three years once your chickens start laying. During this time, a good layer reliably produces around 250 eggs annually, although high-production hybrid breeds can increase that number to 300.

Selecting the right breed depends on your preference for egg volume, color, size and temperament. Your local IFA is the perfect place to consult on which breeds fit your goals.

Grow Your Coop with IFA

The spring tradition of welcoming chicks is the ultimate symbol of new life on the farm. With a warm brooder, quality IFA starter feed and daily observation, raising chicks is easily achieved and deeply satisfying. This stewardship ensures the vibrancy and productivity of your flock for years to come.

Stop by your local IFA Country Store to talk to an expert and gather all the supplies for your new flock!

Information for this article was provided by Sandie Shupe, Poultry, Rabbit & Animal Health Manager, Ogden IFA Country Store.

Photos provided by: Daisy Hanberg, Fabiola Figueroa, Stacey Beacham, and Tiffany Stenquist.