There are many important aspects of caring for baby chicks to make sure they are happy and healthy. Although baby chicks are cute, it is important to understand how to care for them!
What supplies you will need:
- Incubator
- Brooder
- Heat Source
- Bedding/Litter
| - Chick Waterer
- Chick Feeder
- Chick Feed
- First-Aid Baby Chick Supplies
|
When to expect eggs to hatch:
Typically, the chicks will begin to hatch 21 days after the eggs were set if temperature and humidity levels are ideal.
What to do when the baby chicks first hatch:
- Prewarm the brooder 48 hours before the chicks arrive
- Leave baby chicks in the incubator to dry off (This can take 4 or more hours)
- Once the chicks are dry, transfer them quickly and carefully to the brooder
Things to watch for:
- Be sure that your brooder is warm, circular, and that there is about 3 to 4 square feet of space per chick
- Bedding in the brooder should be 3-4 inches deep
- Water in the brooder should be room temperature
- Wait a couple hours for chicks to rehydrate before introducing the feed, which should be at least 18% protein
- Empty, clean, and refill waterers and feeders daily
- There should be 4 inches of feeder space for each bird
Sources:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/cms/life-out-here/the-coop/start-your-flock/how-to-care-for-new-baby-chicks#:~:text=Set%20out%20water%20and%20chick,way%20to%20give%20chicks%20water.
https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/education/detail/caring-for-baby-chicks-what-to-do-once-they-arrive