Caring for newly hatched chicks is a crucial step in raising healthy and productive poultry. The first seven days of a chick’s life play a significant role in their long-term health, immunity, and growth. Proper brooding, feeding, hydration, and disease prevention are essential to ensure their survival and development.
In this guide, we will explore a detailed step-by-step approach to caring for newly hatched chicks, covering brooder setup, ideal temperature, feeding, hydration, and disease prevention strategies to help you raise strong and healthy chicks.
Why Proper Care for Newly Hatched Chicks is Essential
Newly hatched chicks are fragile and require special attention in the first seven days. Proper early care can:
✔ Improve survival rates
✔ Prevent diseases and infections
✔ Ensure healthy growth and development
✔ Reduce stress and improve feed conversion
Without proper care, chicks can suffer from dehydration, malnutrition, and exposure to diseases, which can lead to high mortality rates.
Day-by-Day Care Guide for Newly Hatched Chicks
Day 1: Preparing the Brooder and First Feeding
1️⃣ Setting Up the Brooder Properly
The brooder is a warm, secure space where chicks stay for their first few weeks. It should be clean, dry, and well-ventilated but free from direct drafts.
🔹 Size of the Brooder: Allow 0.5 sq. ft. per chick to prevent overcrowding.
🔹 Bedding: Use pine shavings, straw, or paper towels (avoid newspaper as it’s too slippery and can cause leg issues).
🔹 Brooder Walls: Should be at least 12 inches high to prevent chicks from escaping.
2️⃣ Ideal Brooder Temperature
Newly hatched chicks cannot regulate their body temperature and need a heat source.
✔ First week: Maintain 95°F (35°C) at chick level
✔ Use a heat lamp or brooder plate
✔ Adjust based on chick behavior (huddled chicks = too cold, scattered chicks = too hot)
3️⃣ Providing Fresh Water Immediately
Dehydration is a common cause of chick mortality. Give clean, room-temperature water immediately after hatching.
💧 Tips for Hydrating Chicks:
✔ Use lukewarm water (not too hot or too cold)
✔ Add electrolytes or vitamins for an immunity boost
✔ Dip each chick’s beak into the water to help them learn
4️⃣ First Feed – High-Protein Starter Crumble
Newly hatched chicks need high-quality chick starter feed (20-24% protein).
🥚 What to Feed on Day 1?
✔ Provide a non-medicated or medicated chick starter crumble
✔ Place feed in shallow trays or plates to help chicks find food easily
✔ Avoid large grains (as chicks can choke)
Day 2-3: Monitoring Behavior and Preventing Disease
5️⃣ Checking for Healthy Behavior
By Day 2, chicks should be active, eating, and drinking normally.
✔ Healthy chicks: Active, alert, bright eyes, strong legs
❌ Unhealthy chicks: Lethargic, weak, drooping wings, labored breathing
6️⃣ Signs of Common Diseases & Prevention
🚨 Pasty Butt (Sticky Vent) Prevention
✔ Cause: Digestive stress, dehydration, low temperature
✔ Solution: Clean vent area with warm water, dry with a soft cloth
✔ Prevention: Maintain correct brooder temperature & hydration
🚨 Spraddle Leg Prevention
✔ Cause: Slippery bedding, poor nutrition
✔ Solution: Wrap legs gently with a soft bandage to realign
✔ Prevention: Use non-slippery bedding & provide correct nutrition
Day 4-5: Adjusting Temperature and Expanding Space
7️⃣ Lowering Heat Gradually
Starting on Day 4, you can begin lowering the brooder temperature by 1-2°F each day (aim for 90°F by Day 7).
✔ Ensure chicks are not crowding together (a sign of cold stress).
✔ Keep the brooder clean and dry to prevent ammonia buildup.
8️⃣ Adding Perches and Enrichment
By Day 5, chicks become more curious and active. Provide:
✔ Mini perches (1-2 inches high) for natural roosting behavior
✔ Pecking blocks or fresh greens for mental stimulation
Day 6-7: Strengthening the Chicks for Growth
9️⃣ Introducing Grit for Digestion
✔ Chicks do not need grit if on commercial crumble, but if you introduce grains or treats, fine chick grit is necessary.
10️⃣ Checking for Healthy Growth
✔ Weight Check: Healthy chicks should double their hatch weight by Day 7.
✔ Feather Growth: Wing and tail feathers should start developing.
11️⃣ Expanding the Brooder Space
✔ Increase space to 1 sq. ft. per chick to prevent stress.
✔ Observe their behavior – Overcrowding can lead to aggression.
Best Practices for Raising Healthy Chicks
1️⃣ Keep the Brooder Clean and Dry
✔ Change bedding daily to prevent bacterial buildup.
✔ Avoid damp conditions to prevent coccidiosis.
2️⃣ Provide a Balanced Diet
✔ High-protein chick starter (20-24%) for the first 6 weeks.
✔ Avoid feeding adult chicken feed (too low in protein).
3️⃣ Reduce Stress Factors
✔ Avoid handling chicks too much in the first week.
✔ Keep away from loud noises or sudden movements.
4️⃣ Monitor for Early Disease Signs
✔ Watch for lethargy, labored breathing, sticky vent issues.
✔ Consult a vet if chicks show unusual symptoms.
5️⃣ Prepare for Transition to Outdoor Coop
✔ Start reducing temperature weekly after Day 7.
✔ Plan to move chicks outdoors at 6-8 weeks when fully feathered.
Conclusion
Caring for newly hatched chicks during the first 7 days is essential for their long-term health and productivity. By providing the right brooder conditions, temperature, nutrition, and disease prevention, you can significantly improve survival rates and growth.
Following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently raise strong, healthy chicks and ensure a thriving poultry farm!