Chicks 101: How To Get Started Raising Chicks In The Springtime
Spring is right around the corner, which means chick season is almost here. If you’ve been dreaming of a backyard flock, now’s the perfect time to make it happen.
Raising chicks is fun, messy, and endlessly rewarding. But before you run off to name them all after brunch menu items (no judgment), let’s cover the basics.
Here’s what you’ll need to raise chicks the right way.
What You'll Need
New chicks need a warm, safe place to grow—and no, your laundry basket won’t cut it for long.
Start with a brooder box, which should be:
• Big enough for chicks to move around
• Easy to clean
• Draft-free, but well-ventilated
Add a heat source—a brooder plate is our top pick, but a heat lamp works too (as long as it’s secure). Keep the temp around 95°F the first week, and drop it by about 5 degrees each week as they grow.
You’ll also need:
• Chick starter feed
• Bedding (pine shavings work great)
• Shallow food and water dishes
• Chick grit if you’re feeding anything beyond starter feed
Feeding Your Feathered Friends
Chicks eat a lot. They need constant access to food and clean water from day one. Start with starter feed—it’s high in protein and has all the nutrients your little fluffballs need to grow strong. At about 6 weeks old, transition them to grower feed, and by 16 to 18 weeks, they’re ready for layer feed if egg-laying is in their future. Oh, and toss in a treat every now and then. Mealworms = chick candy.
Safety First!
Chicks are cute, but they’re also snack-sized for predators. Make sure your brooder and, eventually, your coop are secure from neighborhood raccoons, hawks, or overly curious pets. Keep things clean, wash your hands after handling, and keep sick visitors (human or otherwise) away from your flock. A little biosecurity goes a long way in keeping everyone healthy.
Once your chicks start exploring, peeping, and practicing their awkward baby flaps, you’ll be hooked. It takes planning, patience, and a bit of grit (literally), but the payoff is fresh eggs, garden fertilizer, and a surprisingly entertaining flock of feathered personalities.
Need help getting started? We’ve got chick starter kits, bedding, and feed. Swing by Merriam Feed + Seed this spring. We’re fully stocked—and always happy to talk chicken.
