Claire Thompson
Newly hatched chicks require immediate care and attention. It is important to have a brooder area with a heat source prepared before the chicks arrive. A brooder area is a contained space that provides a warm and safe environment for raising chicks. It is also important to ensure that the chicks have access to clean water and food. Chicks should be kept warm, dry, and safe until they grow a full set of feathers.
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What You'll Learn
Keep them in a brooder box until they are fully feathered
Newborn chicks are delicate and require careful attention to keep them alive and healthy. One of the most important things to do is to keep them in a brooder box until they are fully feathered and better able to regulate their body temperature. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
Prepare the Brooder Box
The brooder box is a critical component of caring for newly hatched chicks. It provides a safe and warm environment for the chicks to grow and develop. You can purchase a ready-made brooder box or get creative and make one yourself. For example, a simple wooden box with hinges can serve as a brooder box and be folded for storage when not in use. If you opt for a DIY approach, ensure that your brooder box meets the minimum requirements of being warm and draft-free.
Choose the Right Location
When setting up your brooder box, consider the location carefully. If you plan to keep the brooder box outdoors, protect the chicks from the weather until they are fully feathered. Puppy play yards or large dog kennels can provide a transitional outdoor space. Alternatively, you can set up the brooder box indoors, ensuring it is in a warm and draft-free area.
Maintain the Appropriate Temperature
Chicks need a warm environment to thrive. You can use a heat lamp or heating pad to provide additional warmth to the brooder box. The temperature under the light should be maintained at about 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit during the first week. Adjust the distance of the light or the wattage of the bulb to achieve the ideal temperature. Remember, if the chicks huddle together under the heat source, they may be too cold, and if they stay away from it, the box might be too warm.
Provide Adequate Space
Each chick requires a minimum of 6 to 7 square inches of space to ensure a healthy environment. This space consideration is crucial when choosing your brooder setup. Ensure the brooder box is not overcrowded, as proper spacing helps prevent overheating and provides room for the chicks to move around comfortably.
Keep Them Warm, Dry, and Safe
Newly hatched chicks are vulnerable and require special care. Ensure that the brooder box is lined with suitable materials, such as newspaper, hay, or aspen shavings, to keep the chicks comfortable and dry. Additionally, cover the top of the box with paper towels for the first 5 days to provide traction as the chicks develop their legs.
By following these instructions, you can effectively care for your newly hatched chicks in a brooder box until they are fully feathered and ready to transition to a more traditional outdoor space.
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Provide access to clean water and food
Newborn chicks don't need to eat for the first 2-3 days after hatching, as they still have egg yolk inside them. However, they must have access to clean water from the moment they hatch. The water container should be the correct size for the number of chicks, so they can't tip it over. The water level should be between a chick's eye and the height of its back, so it drinks more and spills less. The chicks shouldn't be able to roost over or step into the water.
A 1-quart (1-litre) canning jar fitted with a metal or plastic watering base is a good option for providing water. These are available at most feed stores and in poultry supply catalogues.
When your chicks are ready to eat, don't feed them layer ration, even in an emergency. The high calcium content can damage their kidneys. A chick starter feed is best, but if you run out, you can make an emergency starter ration by blending scratch grains or uncooked oatmeal and cornmeal.
If you're using an incubator, don't touch the chicks or try to feed them until they are completely dry. They will lie close to the egg for about eight hours before they start to move around.
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Maintain a warm, draft-free environment
Maintaining a warm, draft-free environment is crucial for newly hatched chicks. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:
Firstly, ensure the chicks remain in a warm space. If using an incubator, leave the chicks inside until they are dry and fluffy, which can take around eight hours. During this time, they will benefit from the warmth of the incubator. If your chicks have hatched in a nestbox with a mother hen, ensure they remain close to her warmth. Alternatively, if you are using a brooder box, you can provide heat by hanging a 40 to 60-watt light bulb over a corner of the box or placing the box on a heating pad. The temperature under the light should be maintained at around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week.
Secondly, it is important to be mindful of drafts. Solid walls around the brooder box can help protect chicks from drafts. Plastic or stainless steel troughs used by cattle producers can be an effective option for creating draft-free walls. Additionally, ensure that the brooder setup provides adequate space for the chicks. A minimum of 6 to 7 square inches of space per chick is recommended to promote a healthy environment.
During the first few days after hatching, chicks can remain in a heated coop with a heat lamp or mother hen. If the coop is not heated, wait until the chicks are fully feathered before allowing them outside, unless the weather is consistently freezing. As the chicks grow, gradually wean them off the heat lamps, especially if the outdoor climate is warming up.
By following these instructions, you can provide a warm and draft-free environment for your newly hatched chicks, ensuring their comfort and safety during their early days of life.
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Handle chicks and the incubator carefully
When handling newly hatched chicks and the incubator, there are several important steps to follow to ensure their health and safety. Firstly, it is crucial to resist the temptation to open the incubator immediately after hatching. Chicks need time to rest and recover after the exhausting process of hatching. They may lie close to the egg for about eight hours before they start to move around and should be left undisturbed during this period. It is also important to maintain consistent humidity and warmth inside the incubator. If the humidity drops, a piece of scrunched-up kitchen paper soaked in warm water can be placed inside to restore the levels.
Once the chicks are dry and fluffed up, they can be carefully transferred to a brooder box. This process should be done very carefully, avoiding any squeezing or rough handling of the chicks. It is recommended to use a clean cardboard box as a brooder box, lined with newspaper, hay, or aspen shavings, and covered with paper towels for the first few days to aid the chicks' leg development. The incubator bowl should be emptied and turned upside down after the chicks have been removed.
When transferring chicks from the incubator to the brooder, it is essential to maintain a suitable temperature. A heat lamp or heating pad can be used to provide warmth, with a temperature of about 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first week. The temperature can then be gradually decreased by 5 degrees each week until the chicks have their feathers. It is important to monitor the chicks' behaviour to ensure they are comfortable; if they huddle together, they may be too cold, while staying away from the heat source may indicate the box is too hot.
As the chicks grow, it is important to refer to the incubator instructions for guidance on their care. If they outgrow the incubator or your home setup, they should not be released into the wild. Instead, they can be given to a local hatchery, farm, Humane Society, or pet dealer if you are unable to continue caring for them.
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Transition to an outdoor space when ready
When your chicks are ready to transition to an outdoor space, there are several important factors to consider and steps to follow to ensure their safety and well-being.
Firstly, timing is crucial. The ideal time to transition your chicks outdoors is when they are fully feathered, which usually occurs around 5-6 weeks after hatching. Feathers provide insulation and protection from the elements, so waiting until they are fully feathered reduces the risk of your chicks getting too cold or wet.
Before placing your chicks outside, prepare an outdoor enclosure that provides adequate shelter, security, and space. The enclosure should have a draft-free coop with good ventilation, nesting boxes, and perches. Ensure the coop is secure from predators and that the fencing is secure and escape-proof. It is recommended to have at least 2-3 square feet of coop space per chick and 8-10 square feet of outdoor run space per bird.
Introduce your chicks to their new outdoor home gradually. Start by placing them in the enclosure for short periods during the day, gradually increasing the duration over time. Supervise them closely during these initial introductions to ensure they are adjusting well and to address any potential issues promptly. Continue to provide a source of heat in the coop during this transition period, especially if the outdoor temperatures are still cool.
Provide your chicks with access to fresh, clean water and a nutritious diet. Ensure that the feeders and waterers are designed for outdoor use and are securely attached to the coop or run to prevent spillage and contamination. Also, maintain a regular cleaning routine to keep the enclosure hygienic and pest-free. Regularly clean and refill the feeders and waterers, and remove any wet or soiled bedding daily to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould.
Monitor your chicks' behaviour and health closely during and after the transition. Watch for any signs of stress, illness, or bullying within the flock. Ensure that all chicks have access to food and water and can rest comfortably without being disturbed. If any chick shows signs of illness or injury, separate them from the flock and seek veterinary advice if necessary.
By following these steps and closely observing your chicks' behaviour, you can ensure a smooth transition to their outdoor home, setting them up for a healthy and happy life ahead.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to leave the chick alone for the first 24 hours. They will likely be very weak and will lie close to the egg for about eight hours before they start to move around. They will also not eat or drink during this time, as they are drying off and building strength.
For the first few days, chicks need to be kept in a warm, draft-free space. They can be kept in a brooder box, which can be made from cardboard, lined with newspaper, hay, or aspen shavings, and covered with paper towels for the first five days. You can also use a trough or a simple wooden box. Chicks need a minimum of 6 to 7 square inches of space per bird. Keep the chicks warm with a heat lamp or by keeping them under a mother hen.
Newly hatched chicks must have access to clean water at all times. They should also be fed chick starter crumbles or a mixture of blended scratch grains and cornmeal. Do not feed them layer ration, as the high calcium content can damage their kidneys.
