Dos and Don’ts Now That You Have Chicks

New chicks have big nutritional and environmental needs, and getting the basics right sets the tone for healthy growth and long‑term success. Proper warmth, clean water, quality chick feed, and consistent daily care give chicks the support they need. Avoiding common early mistakes helps prevent unnecessary setbacks. The first few weeks are all about simple, intentional decisions: setting up a clean, dry brooder; offering a complete chick starter feed; maintaining steady warmth; and watching how chicks respond day by day. This guide breaks down what to do, what to avoid, and how to build your confidence during those important first weeks.

What to Do During Your Chicks’ First Weeks

• Provide a clean, dry chicken brooder

A clean environment supports chick comfort and reduces the risk of health challenges. Dry bedding, good airflow, and fresh water help keep conditions manageable and sanitary. Regular maintenance also makes daily care easier as chicks grow and become more active.

• Offer a quality chick starter feed

Chick starter feeds are specifically formulated to support early growth, feather development, and overall health. Starting chicks on a complete starter feed provides balanced nutrition from day one and helps establish strong feeding habits during a key growth period.

• Maintain proper warmth

Young chicks cannot regulate their body temperature on their own. A consistent heat source allows them to stay active, comfortable, and focused on eating and growing. Watching chick behavior can help confirm they’re comfortable rather than too hot or too cold.

• Gradually adjust heat as chicks grow

As chicks develop feathers, their heat needs change. Slowly reducing heat over time allows them to acclimate safely and prevents stress caused by sudden temperature shifts. Gradual changes support steady development with fewer disruptions.

• Provide clean, easy-to-drink water

Hydration plays a role in digestion and overall vitality. Water should be shallow enough for chicks to drink safely and refreshed often to stay clean. Easy access encourages regular drinking and supports consistent growth.

• Check chicks regularly

Daily observation helps you spot changes in behavior, appetite, or comfort early. Active, alert chicks typically indicate proper conditions, while clustering, lethargy, or vocalizing may signal the need for adjustments.

• Allow chicks to stay together

Chicks are social by nature, and staying together supports natural behavior while reducing stress. A calm group environment helps chicks settle in more quickly and adjust to their surroundings.

• Keep bedding clean and dry

Damp or compacted litter affects comfort and air quality. Refreshing bedding regularly keeps the brooder cleaner, improves airflow, and supports a healthier environment by reducing infection risk.

What to Avoid During Early Chick Care

• Don’t feed adult or adult all-flock feed too early

Feeds designed for mature birds don’t meet the nutritional needs of growing chicks. Introducing adult feed too soon can slow development and create nutritional gaps during a critical growth window. Look for a chick starter feed or an all-flock starter/grower feed that is appropriate for young chicks. 

• Don’t let water become dirty or contaminated.

Water should always be available, but dirty water creates extra work and hydration challenges. Open containers can collect bedding and debris, so frequent cleaning helps maintain reliable access.

• Don’t overcrowd the brooder.

Limited space increases stress and competition among chicks. Overcrowding can lead to uneven growth and more management challenges as birds compete for warmth, feed, and water.

• Don’t rely on homemade “cure-all” feeds.

Homemade feed mixes may lack balanced nutrition and consistency, whereas complete commercial feeds are formulated to meet chicks’ life-stage nutrient needs and some can provide protection against common challenges like coccidiosis.

• Don’t ignore temperature changes.

Sudden shifts in temperature can stress chicks and slow activity. Consistent warmth, adjusted gradually, helps prevent lethargy and unnecessary troubleshooting.

• Don’t allow dust or debris to build up.

Poor air quality can irritate sensitive airways and affect comfort. Keeping the brooder clean and well-ventilated supports active, comfortable chicks.

• Don’t delay access to feed.

Chicks need nutrition soon after arrival to support energy levels and growth. Delayed feeding can leave chicks sluggish during an important adjustment period.

• Don’t use treatments without guidance.

Unnecessary treatments can create more challenges than solutions. Consulting knowledgeable resources before introducing products helps reduce risk and confusion.

Quick Reference Table

Kalmbach Feeds Is Here for You and Your Chicks

Early chick care works best when nutrition, environment, and daily routines work together. Partnering with a trusted feed brand and a knowledgeable local feed store makes those early decisions easier to manage. 

Kalmbach Feeds offers thoughtfully formulated chick starter options designed to support healthy growth from the very beginning, with products available through local retailers who understand regional needs. Have questions along the way? Kalmbach can help you find the right supplies and nutrition to support your chicks at every stage.

To keep this reference easily accessible, download the guide.  Raising Chicks Dos and Don'ts.pdf

Resource:

https://poultry.extension.org/articles/poultry-management/brooding-poultry-hatchlings