Learning how to care for baby chicks is exciting, but it also comes with responsibility. Newly hatched chicks are fragile and depend on proper warmth, food, water, and shelter to survive.
If you want to know how to care for newborn chicks and raise them into healthy adult birds, this guide will walk you through every step.
From the first 48 hours after hatching to moving chicks out of the brooder, this article explains baby chick care in a simple, beginner-friendly way.
Caring for Newborn Chicks in the First 48 Hours
The first two days after hatching are critical. Caring for newborn chicks properly during this time helps prevent stress and early loss. Chicks are weak as they adjust to life outside the shell and learn to eat and drink.
What newborn chicks need immediately:
- A warm, dry space
- Clean, shallow water
- Soft bedding
- Quiet surroundings
- Minimal handling
If you are wondering how to look after a chick during this stage, focus on warmth and rest. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements. Good early care sets the foundation for healthy growth.
What Do Baby Chicks Need to Survive?
Many beginners ask, what do baby chicks need to stay healthy? The answer is simple but important. Chicks need consistent warmth, clean water, quality feed, and protection.
Baby chick essentials:
- Safe brooder
- Heat source
- Chick starter feed
- Clean waterer
- Dry bedding
- Thermometer
Understanding what do I need for baby chicks helps prevent common beginner mistakes and keeps chicks comfortable from day one.
Chick Brooder Setup After Hatching
A brooder is the temporary home for chicks after hatching. A proper hatching time brooder setup keeps chicks warm, safe, and stress-free.
Basic chick brooder setup:
- Plastic tub, box, or small enclosure
- Pine shavings or paper towels for bedding
- Heat lamp placed on one side
- Feeder and waterer secured safely
- A thermometer to monitor heat
Keep the brooder away from drafts and pets. Clean bedding daily to reduce bacteria. A clean brooder is essential for chick care and healthy development.
Brooder Safety Tips for Baby Chicks
- Keep the brooder away from cold drafts and direct airflow
- Place the chick heat lamp on one side to let the chicks self-regulate temperature
- Block access from pets, rodents, and insects at all times
- Replace wet or dirty bedding often to maintain a dry, clean floor
A clean and secure brooder is one of the most important baby chick essentials. Proper chick brooder setup reduces stress, prevents illness, and supports healthy growth from the first day.
Brooder Temperature and How Chicks Sleep
Temperature control is one of the most important parts of taking care of baby chicks. Chicks cannot regulate their body heat in the early weeks.
Ideal brooder temperature by week:
|
Week |
Temperature |
|
1 |
95°F (35°C) |
|
2 |
90°F (32°C) |
|
3 |
85°F (29°C) |
|
4 |
80°F (27°C) |
|
5 |
75°F (24°C) |
|
6 |
70°F (21°C) |
If you're wondering how chicks sleep, their behavior gives clues:
- Huddling under the lamp means they are cold
- Staying far from the heat means they are too hot
- Even spacing means they are comfortable
Proper sleep and warmth are key; that's how to care for chicks
Feeding Baby Chicks the Right Way
Feeding plays a major role in how to take care of chicks. Chicks need high-protein feed to grow strong bones and feathers. Give them a chick starter feed that is rich in protein and vitamins. The feed should be in small crumbles so chicks can eat it easily. Always keep a little food available so they can eat when they are hungry.
Feeding tips:
- Use chick starter feed (18–20% protein)
- Keep feed available at all times
- Offer small treats after the first week
- Clean feeders daily
Signs of poor feeding include slow growth and low energy. Proper feeding is essential when caring for a chick or managing a small flock.
Watering and Hydration for Baby Chicks
Water is just as important as food. Chicks dehydrate quickly, especially in warm brooders.
Watering baby chicks tips:
- Use shallow drinkers
- Dip each chick's beak once to show water
- Change water twice daily
- Add vitamins during hot weather
Proper hydration supports digestion and growth. Clean water is essential to caring for chicks and preventing illness.
Maintaining Cleanliness and Chick Health
A clean environment keeps chicks healthy and active. Dirty bedding and overcrowding increase the risk of disease.
Daily chick care checklist:
-
Remove wet bedding
-
Refill clean water
-
Check feed levels
- Observe chick behavior
Watch for signs of illness like weakness, pasty butt, or limping. Early action improves survival when looking after chicks.
Handling and Socializing Baby Chicks
Gentle handling is key to how to take care of a chick and helps them stay calm around people. Wait two to three days after hatching before picking them up. During the first few days, chicks need rest, warmth, and minimal stress.
Safe handling tips:
- Use both hands
- Hold chicks close to your body
- Keep sessions short
- Never grab wings or legs
Regular gentle contact makes how to look after a chick easier as they grow and reduces stress during care routines.
Growth Stages and Moving Chicks Out of the Brooder
Chicks grow quickly, and at around six to eight weeks old, most are ready to leave the brooder. Before moving them outdoors, ensure they are fully feathered and able to stay warm on their own. The outdoor temperature should be close to 70°F (21°C) for a safe transition.
Transition steps:
- Short daytime outdoor visits
- Shade and predator protection
- Return indoors at night initially
- Observe their behavior: huddling may mean they still need warmth
Slow transitions reduce stress and support healthy growth during caring for baby chicks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Baby Chicks
Even beginners can make simple mistakes that affect chick growth and health. Knowing how to care for baby chicks properly helps prevent these issues. Watch your chicks daily to catch problems early.
Common errors to avoid:
- Overheating or chilling chicks – keep the brooder temperature consistent
- Feeding adult feed too early – chicks need high-protein starter feed
- Not cleaning waterers or feeders daily – hygiene prevents illness
- Ignoring weak or isolated chicks – early attention saves lives
- Overcrowding the brooder – too many chicks increase stress and disease risk
Regular observation and proper care ensure strong, healthy growth. Following this baby chick care guide helps beginners confidently raise chicks, avoid common mistakes, and master caring for chicks from hatch to maturity.
Raising Healthy Chicks: Key Tips for Success
Learning how to care for newborn chickens doesn't have to be difficult. Focus on warmth, clean water, proper feeding, and maintaining a clean brooder. Watch your chicks daily and respond quickly to their needs.
With the right setup and consistent attention, your chicks will grow into healthy, active birds. For reliable brooders, heat lamps, and other baby chick care supplies, explore Incubator Warehouse to make raising chicks easier and safer.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1. How to take care of baby chicks after hatching?
A. Keep them warm in a safe brooder, give clean water, and provide chick starter feed. Handle gently and observe daily.
Q2. What do baby chicks need in the first week?
A. They need 95°F warmth, clean water, soft bedding, and constant access to high-protein feed. Keep the brooder quiet and draft-free.
Q3. How long do chicks need a heat lamp?
A. Chicks need a heat lamp for about six weeks, lowering the temperature 5°F each week until fully feathered.
Q4. How do chicks sleep at night?
A. Chicks sleep close together under warmth. Crowding means they are cold; spreading far means they are too hot.
Q5. Can baby chicks survive without a brooder?
A. No. A brooder keeps them warm, safe, and healthy during the first critical weeks.
Q6. What do baby chicks eat?
A. Feed them chick starter feed with 18–20% protein. Add small treats, such as boiled egg yolk or greens, after the first week.
Q7. How often should baby chicks drink water?
A. Provide fresh, clean water all day, changing it at least twice daily to prevent bacteria and keep chicks hydrated.
Q8. When can chicks go outside of the brooder?
A. Most chicks can go outside at 6–8 weeks when fully feathered and outdoor temperatures are around 70°F (21°C).