Tips for feeding, brooding, and keeping your flock healthy
Raising chicks is one of those experiences that never gets old. There’s something magical about holding a tiny, fluffy ball of energy in your hands and watching it grow day by day into a strong, healthy chicken. But if you’re new to chick care, it can also feel a little overwhelming.
Don’t worry. We’re here to walk you through what raising chicks really looks like, from preparing their first home to keeping them healthy and thriving, in a way that’s simple, practical, and easy to follow.
Whether you’re raising backyard chickens for fresh eggs, sustainability, or just the joy of it, a little preparation goes a long way.
Preparing for Your Chicks
Before bringing chicks home, it’s important to create a warm, safe environment where they can thrive. Think of it like preparing a nursery for your little ones.
You’ll need a brooder, which is a secure enclosure that keeps chicks warm and protected. This can be a large plastic tub, a sturdy cardboard box, or a store bought brooder, as long as it has high sides to prevent escapes.
Temperature is key in those first weeks. Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature yet so they rely on you:
- Week 1: about 95°F
- Reduce by 5°F each week
- Continue until chicks are fully feathered
Heat bulb, heat lamp, and brooder plates all work well. A thermometer placed at chick level helps you monitor conditions accurately.
Bedding matters, too. Pine shavings are ideal because they’re absorbent and safe. Avoid cedar, which can irritate chicks’ respiratory systems.
Essentials to have ready:
- Feeder and waterer (low and sturdy so they don’t tip)
- Heat source and thermometer
- Clean, absorbent bedding like premium poultry bedding
Why Get Your Chicks from Elston’s?
When you’re starting out, where your chicks come from matters. At Elston Hay & Grain, we’ve designed our chick program to give new chicken owners confidence from day one.
Here’s what sets our chicks apart:
- Sexed Chicks – We identify male vs. female chicks to help reduce the chances of ending up with an unexpected rooster, which is especially important for backyard flocks in San Diego County.
- Vaccinated and Supported Early On – All of our chicks are vaccinated and started on Chick Boost, a probiotic supplement unique to Elston’s that supports digestion, immunity, and overall strength during those critical early days.
- Started on Organic Feed – Our chicks begin life on Modesto Milling Organic Chick Starter, so if you choose to feed organic, you can feel confident knowing they’ve had a healthy foundation from the start.
Most importantly, our team is here in-store to answer questions, troubleshoot concerns, and help you feel confident every step of the way. You’re not just buying chicks, you’re gaining local support.
How to Pick Your Chicks
Choosing your chicks is exciting, and a little know-how helps you start with the healthiest birds possible. When selecting chicks, look for:
- Bright, open eyes
- Clean vents (no droppings stuck to feathers)
- Active movement and alert behavior
- Fluffy, dry down feathers
- Strong legs and steady standing
Healthy chicks are curious and energetic. Avoid chicks that seem lethargic, have labored breathing, or are isolated from the group.
If you’re unsure, ask an Elston’s team member. We’re happy to help you choose chicks that are a good fit for your goals, whether that’s egg production, temperament, or flock size.
Feeding Your Chicks
Nutrition is one of the most important factors for healthy, happy chicks.
For the first 6-8 weeks, they need a starter feed with high protein (around 18–20%) to support rapid growth. Adult chicken feed won’t give them the nutrients they need yet.
Clean, fresh water should always be available, and after the first week, adding chick grit helps their tiny digestive systems process food efficiently. These simple steps ensure your chicks grow strong and healthy from day one.
Feeding essentials:
- High-protein starter feed to give them the energy they need for healthy growth
- Clean, refillable waterer
- Chick grit
These basics set the foundation for strong bones, healthy feathers, and steady growth.
Caring for Your Chicks
Chicks are delicate little creatures, and daily attention goes a long way. Temperature is the first thing to monitor. If they huddle under the heat source, they’re too cold. If they scatter and pant, they’re too hot. Space is also important; give each chick about half a square foot initially and increase as they grow.
Regular health checks are key. Bright eyes, clean vents, and active movement are good signs.
During stressful periods, such as heat waves or transitions, vitamins or electrolytes can support immune health.
Transitioning to the Coop
Around 6-8 weeks, your chicks are ready to explore life outside the brooder. Introducing them to the coop should be gradual. Make sure it’s predator-proof and filled with familiar bedding. Adding a chicken nesting box gives them a safe, comfortable spot when they start laying eggs, and keeping food and water inside helps them learn where to go.
Start with short outdoor visits during the day and gradually increase time outside. Keep food and water in the coop so they learn where to return.
This gradual approach reduces stress and helps chicks adjust confidently to their new home.
Advanced Tips for Healthy Chicks
As your chicks grow, their needs change.
- Switch to grower feed after 6–8 weeks
- Transition to layer feed once egg laying begins
- Offer oyster shell for calcium and strong eggs
- Use probiotic or electrolytes during stress or hot weather
- A dewormer can help keep your flock healthy, especially in outdoor or mixed-age environments.
- Handle chicks gently and often to encourage calm, friendly adults
If you’re hatching your own eggs, tools like an incubator egg tray help ensure proper spacing and safe development from day one.
Common Challenges and How to Handle Them
Even with great care, challenges can happen.
- Pasty butt: Gently clean the vent area with warm water if droppings stick
- Feather pecking: Often caused by overcrowding or nutritional gaps
- Losses: While sometimes unavoidable, clean housing and proper nutrition greatly reduce risk
Good space, quality feed, and attentive care prevent most common issues.
Enjoying the Journey
Raising chicks isn’t just about feeding schedules and cleaning brooders. It’s about watching life unfold, learning as you go, and enjoying the small moments, from curious chirps to those first feathers. With thoughtful preparation and daily care, you’ll be well on your way to raising healthy chickens and, before you know it, collecting fresh, nutrition-packed eggs of your own.
A Note from Elston Hay & Grain
At Elston’s, we know how special those first weeks with chicks can be. That’s why we focus on more than just feed and supplies. We’re here to offer trusted products, local expertise, and real support for San Diego County backyard chicken keepers. Whether you’re raising your very first flock or adding a few more birds, we’re proud to help you raise healthy chicks with confidence, from day one onward.
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Elston Hay & Grain
For over 56 years, Elston’s has been San Diego’s go-to for animal care and rural living. We proudly support generations of horse lovers, livestock caretakers, pet owners, and home growers with top-notch hay, feed, and supplies. Rooted in ranching and built on friendly know-how, we’re here to help you care for your animals with confidence. Whether you’re raising chickens, feeding a stable, or spoiling your pup, here at Elston’s we’ve got what you need.
Shop online or visit us at our locations in Ramona and Poway. We proudly deliver to all of San Diego County, including Escondido, Lakeside, Warner Springs, Julian, Ranchita, Bonita and the rest of South County. https://shop.elstonhayandgrain.com/