Bringing home baby chicks is an exciting adventure, and we’re here to help you every step of the way! At the Country Store, we don’t just sell chicks — we’re passionate about raising happy, healthy flocks. Our team of chick care experts is always available to answer your questions, whether you’re a first-time chicken parent or a seasoned pro. Plus, we’re proud to offer high-quality, healthy chicks so you can start your backyard flock with confidence!
To give your little fluff balls the best start in life, you’ll need to set up a safe brooder with the right supplies. Not sure what you need? No worries — we’ve put together this handy guide to help you prepare for your new peeping houseguests.
Brooder/Enclosure
First things first, your chicks need a cozy, draft-free, but well-ventilated space to call home. This is called a brooder! You can get fancy with a chick brooder, or go the DIY route with a cardboard box, large plastic storage bin, unused bathtub, or even a kiddie pool. The key is to make sure there’s enough space for your chicks to move around comfortably.
Heat Source
Baby chicks like it hot — think sauna-level warmth! You have two main options: a heater plate or a heat lamp If you go the heat lamp route, a thermometer is a must to monitor the temperature. Aim for around 95°F in the first week, then lower the temperature by 5°F each week as they grow.
Pro Tip: Watch your chicks’ behavior!
- If they’re huddled together right under the heat source, they’re too cold—move the heat closer.
- If they’re avoiding the heat source, they’re too hot—adjust it further away.
- Happy chicks will explore all around the brooder, chirping contentedly.
Bedding
Chicks may be tiny, but they poop a lot! To keep their space clean and dry, line the brooder floor with pine shavingsabout 1 inch thick. Avoid cedar shavings—they can cause respiratory problems for your little ones.
Chick Waterer
Chicks need fresh, clean water at all times, but they’re also little troublemakers. If given a regular dish, they’ll walk in it, spill it, kick bedding into it, and yes… even poop in it. To save yourself some hassle (and keep your chicks safe from drowning), use a specially-designed chick waterer.
Chick Feeder
Chicks love to scratch around and will happily kick their food everywhere, poop in it, or worse — tip the whole thing over and trap a chick underneath. To avoid this, use a chick feeder that’s designed to prevent waste and keep food clean.
Thermometer
If you’re using a heat lamp, a thermometer is a must-have to keep the temperature just right. Place it at chick level to get an accurate reading and adjust the heat source as needed.
Need help finding these supplies? Stop by the Country Store and we’ll help you get everything you need to start your backyard flock!
Feeding and Supplements
Now that your brooder is set up, it’s time to talk nutrition! Baby chicks grow fast, so giving them the right food from the start is essential.
Starter & Grower Feed
Chicks need a specially formulated starter feed packed with all the nutrients they need to thrive. It comes in crumbles or mash, which just refers to the texture—both work great! We recommend Starter/Grower feeds from Earth First or Aslin-Finch feeds. Both brands are grown and milled locally, using quality ingredients. Earth First Feeds are non GMO corn or soy, drug free with no hormones added, so it a great choice for those looking to get an organic-quality feed without the “organic” price tag.
Wondering when to switch from starter feed to grower feed? It depends! Different feed brands have different formulations, so always check the label and follow their recommendations.
Chick Grit
Thinking about giving your chicks a few treats? If you’re feeding them anything beyond their starter feed, you’ll want to add chick grit to their diet. Chicks don’t have teeth, so they swallow small bits of grit, which sit in their crop and help grind up food for easy digestion.
Probiotics & Electrolytes
Want to give your chicks an extra edge? Adding probiotic and electrolyte supplements to their water can help keep them hydrated and support their immune systems, giving them the best possible start in life.
With the right nutrition, your chicks will grow into strong, happy hens in no time! Need help choosing the best feed or supplements? Stop by The Country Store, and our chick care experts will be happy to help.
Blog published on retail farm store’s website, and linked to via social media and email marketing
Brianna Hackler 