Extension Notebook: Getting your baby chicks off to a good start

OK, so it is finally spring. This has been a cold winter, and I believe that everyone is glad that it is spring. As we head into the spring season, you might be thinking about purchasing or hatching some chicks to either add to your poultry flock or start a new one. This is a great time of year to do that. Some of the farm supply stores are getting in baby chicks for purchase. If you are wanting to start a small poultry flock, I have provided some pointers below.

Before purchasing chicks, it is very important to clean up the building and sanitize the inside so when you place the chicks down, they will be exposed to a clean environment. In choosing a disinfectant you should consider the cost, efficacy, toxicity, and temperature requirements. After cleaning all the visible dirt and disinfecting the walls and ground/floors, it is good to leave the building open so that natural ventilation will dry the surfaces.

It is also recommended to spread a layer of bedding material. A good bedding material is soft pinewood shavings, or even straw. The appropriate material to use for bedding is something that will absorb moisture. Along with using appropriate bedding, all feeders and waterers should be clean.

Since the outside temperature this time of year can be very variable, it is also advisable to provide heat. This can be done by heat lamps. Baby chicks like a temperature of between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. They can’t regulate their own body temperature, so they need an external heat source. After about a week or so you can drop the temperature, 5 degrees per week, until they are exposed to 70 degrees. The regulation of inside temperature will, of course, depend on the outside temperature.

The real important thing to do is to watch the chicks closely. If they are huddled together, they are too cold. If they are spread apart and panting, they are too hot. And, if they are bunched up to one side of the building they are exposed to a draft. Also, make sure that there are no drafts in your building. Proper ventilation is necessary, as well.

Once you have cleaned the inside and outside of the building, you should be ready to receive your chicks. When you place them in your building, make sure that every chick knows where the water is. They really do not need feed for the first few days, but they do need water.

I am often asked, “What should I feed the baby chicks when I start them.” It is very important to provide them with a balanced chick starter diet and fresh water. The types of feed and what should be in the feed will differ, depending on if the feed is used for chicks that will grow up to be laying hens, or broilers. When you pick up the chicks it is advisable to purchase a complete starter diet. This feed will contain the appropriate protein, energy, vitamins and minerals to help get your chicks off to a good start.

In summary, raising baby chicks is a rewarding experience. It is not hard, but there are certain things you must do to keep them healthy and growing properly.

Ken Koelkebeck, Ph.D., is professor emeritus, poultry Extension specialist, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois.