How to Care for Baby Chicks

Whether buying chicks or hatching your own, certain things are needed prior to taking care of them. You'll want to buy feed and make a warming box before your baby chicks arrive.

When buying feed make sure to buy feed that is specifically for chicks. Baby chicks have different nutritional needs then adult chickens. You will want to start with about 5 pounds of chick starter feed and some grit suitable for chicks. Remember the store and the brand of food you buy so that you can get the same kind the next time. It is better for the chicks if you do not change brands. You will also want to buy a waterer and a feeder.

There are a few different options for making a warming box. You can hang a light bulb with a small wire cage around it above the chicks' box, you can put a heating pad enclosed with rubber on the bottom of the box or you can even use and aquarium tank with a good warm light on the top. If the chicks need insulation, sheets of Styrofoam work very well. Ice chests also have very good insulation as long as you keep it warmed with the heating pad or light bulb. Just don't put the Styrofoam where the chicks can eat it.

The box should be lined with dry leaves, saw dust or shredded dry paper. Chicks love to root around in the stuff. A small block or a wood shelf can be put in the box to place the feeder on. Also put in either a small stick or a ½ inch dowling for the chicks to perch on. Throw some grit in the bottom of the box. If you are using dry leaves you won't have to clean it often, simply continue adding more leaves.

Hopefully, you have all this ready by the time your chicks arrive. If you don't, don't panic. Place the chicks in a box in the oven with the light on to keep warm while you quickly set up a warming box for them.

Don't handle baby chicks to much as it could injure them. If you do need to pick a chick up slip on hand under the tummy and then place the other hand on top of the chick. Hold it firmly but gently.

Chicks need to have water at all times. If you don't have a waterer yet then us a small dish temporarily. Make sure to keep the water dish clean and full. If you haven't yet bought feed when your chicks arrive you can feed them dry instant oatmeal, flaked infant cereal or other whole-grain cereals. If it has big pieces you can blend it in a food processor. Do not blend it too fine, leave some grits in the food. Get to the feed store as soon as you can for some real chick feed.

Reference:

http://www.lionsgrip.com/babychix.html