How to Prepare for New Chicks in 4 Easy Steps

Bringing home baby chicks is one of the most exciting parts of raising chickens, but getting everything set up ahead of time is key to making sure they grow up to strong, healthy chickens.

When we first started raising chicks, we learned the hard way that a good setup can mean the difference between healthy, happy chicks and unnecessary losses. Now, we follow a simple system to make sure every batch of chicks gets the best possible start.

Here’s your ultimate guide to setting up for chick arrival, whether you’re hatching them yourself or picking them up from a local hatchery!

Step 1: Set Up a Warm & Safe Brooder

New chicks need warmth—they don’t have full feathers yet, so they rely on external heat to stay comfortable.

✔️ Brooder Box – A large plastic tote, stock tank, or even a repurposed playpen can work!
✔️ Bedding – Pine shavings (avoid cedar) or paper towels for easy cleanup.
✔️ Heat Source – A heat plate is safer than heat lamps, which can be a fire hazard.

💡 Off-Grid Tip: If you don’t have power, you can use hot water bottles wrapped in towels and deep bedding to help chicks stay warm.

Step 2: Fresh Water & High-Quality Chick Starter Feed

🐤 Fresh, clean water is essential – New chicks can get pasty butt (a life-threatening condition) if they don’t drink enough water.

🐤 Use a chick waterer – Open bowls can lead to drowning hazards and dirty water.

🐤 Start them on a high-quality chick starter – Look for non-medicated feed with at least 18–20% protein for healthy growth.

Step 3: Check for Pasty Butt & Monitor Behavior

Pasty butt happens when poop sticks to a chick’s vent, blocking them from passing waste. If not caught early, it can be fatal.

🚨 How to Fix It:

1. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently clean the vent.

2. Apply a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent further sticking.

Watch your chicks closely—if they’re huddled under the heat source, they might be too cold. If they’re avoiding it, they might be too hot.

Step 4: Slowly Introduce Them to Their Coop

At about 6–8 weeks old, when chicks are fully feathered, they’re ready to move out of the brooder and into their permanent home.

✔️ Start with short outdoor visits on warm days.
✔️ Introduce them gradually to your existing flock.
✔️ Make sure the coop is predator-proof before the first night.

Setting up for chick arrival doesn’t have to be complicated—it just takes the right prep and a little patience. A warm, clean brooder, fresh water, and high-quality feed are the foundation for strong, thriving chicks.

💡 Want to make sure you’re prepared? Grab my FREE Chick Arrival Guide for a complete checklist and step-by-step instructions for raising happy, healthy chicks!