Introduction

Bringing home baby chicks is one of the most exciting steps in your backyard poultry journey. But raising chicks isn’t as simple as dropping them in a bin and tossing in some feed. From setting up your brooder to transitioning them to the coop, each stage matters. This beginner-to-expert guide walks you through it all: week-by-week care, setup tips, transition timing, product recommendations, and common mistakes to avoid.

Step 1: Brooder Setup Essentials

The brooder is your chicks’ first home. It should be safe, warm, and easy to clean. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Brooder container: Cardboard box, plastic tote, metal tub, or DIY plywood setup
• Heat source: Heat lamp or safer brooder heating plate
• Bedding: Paper towels (Week 1) → Pine shavings (Week 2+)
• Thermometer: For monitoring temperature (Precision Digital Thermometer)
• Feeder & Waterer: Use a starter set that prevents tipping

Place the brooder in a draft-free, predator-proof location (e.g. garage or laundry room). Clean daily to prevent disease and odor.

Step 2: Week-by-Week Chick Care Guide

Week 1

• Temperature: 95°F (35°C)
• Use paper towel bedding to prevent leg injuries
• 24/7 access to clean water and starter crumble feed
• Minimal handling to reduce stress

Week 2–3

• Lower heat by 5°F per week
• Switch to pine shavings
• Introduce low perches and light handling
• Watch for pasty butt, spraddle leg, and feather growth

Week 4–5

• Temperature: 75–80°F
• Let chicks explore a secure outdoor space during warm days
• Feathers develop—start thinking about Coop readiness

Week 6+

• Fully feathered: ready to transition outdoors
• Remove heat source (if temperatures remain above 60°F)
• Introduce the coop gradually—start with supervised day visits

Step 3: Feeding & Nutrition

Chicks need chick starter feed (18–20% protein) from hatch to 6 weeks. Offer grit by Week 3 if you introduce treats or greens.

Must-Have Feeding Items:

• Feeder & Waterer Set – Spill-proof and perfectly sized
• Oyster shell or calcium supplement (after 16 weeks for laying hens)
• Treats: chopped greens, scrambled eggs, mealworms

Keep feeders elevated slightly to prevent waste. Refresh water daily to avoid bacterial buildup.

Step 4: Handling & Socialising Chicks

By Day 3–5, you can begin gentle handling to build trust. Let them perch on your hand, stroke their feathers softly, and talk calmly. This helps reduce future fear-based pecking and makes coop maintenance easier.

Tips for Positive Chick Handling:

• Limit handling to short, calm sessions
• Never chase or grab from above—use side approach
• Teach kids to sit on the ground and let chicks come to them

Step 5: Transitioning Chicks to the Coop

Ready for the great outdoors? Wait until chicks are fully feathered (around 6–8 weeks) and night temps are above 55°F. Start with supervised daytime outings to the coop/run.

Coop Transition Tips:

• Lock them in the coop at night for 2–3 days so they learn it’s “home”
• Provide clean bedding, roosting bars, and 1 nesting box per 3 hens
• Ensure predator-proofing: hardware cloth, secure latches, no gaps

Pro Tip: If mixing with older hens, use a “see but don’t touch” method for 1 week using a dog crate or wire divider in the run.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overheating or underheating the brooder
• Using cedar bedding (toxic to chicks)
• Skipping grit when feeding treats
• Transitioning too early or during cold snaps
• Ignoring signs of illness (lethargy, puffed up, droopy wings)

Recommended Product Recap

🐥 RentACoop Chick Brooder Heating Plate
✅ Safer than heat lamps – no fire risk
✅ Mimics a mother hen’s warmth, promoting natural resting
✅ Height-adjustable as chicks grow
✅ Energy-efficient and whisper-quiet
Why it matters: Heat plates give your chicks a cozy, safe environment without overheating your space. Ideal for beginners and pros alike.

🥣 Chick Starter Feeder & Waterer Set
✅ Sized perfectly for baby chicks (no drowning risk!)
✅ Low-waste design prevents tipping and spilling
✅ Easy to clean and refill
✅ Includes both feeder and waterer—no guesswork
Why it matters: This set takes the guesswork out of feeding tiny chicks and keeps their space dry and sanitary during critical early weeks.

🌡️ Precision Digital Thermometer

✅ Tracks brooder temp with exact accuracy
✅ Large, easy-to-read display
✅ Helps you avoid overheating or chilling your chicks
✅ Great for indoor or garage brooder setups
Why it matters: Proper temperature = healthy chicks. A few degrees off can lead to stress, illness, or even death. A reliable thermometer is a must-have tool in any chick setup.

Conclusion: Raising Confident Hens

Raising chicks from brooder to coop is a rewarding journey that builds your confidence as a keeper—and sets your flock up for lifelong health. Follow these steps, stay consistent, and don’t forget to enjoy the process.

Got a question? Funniest chick story? Drop it in the comments! We’d love to hear from you. 🐣