Brooding Basics: Feeding & Care for Healthy Chicks

Brooding Basics: Feeding & Care for Healthy Chicks

Raising chicks is one of the most rewarding experiences for backyard poultry keepers, but the first few weeks are also the most critical. During the brooding stage, chicks rely entirely on their environment and nutrition to support growth, immunity, and long-term performance. With the right setup and feeding program, poultry keepers can set their flock up for success from day one. 

The Mill’s poultry experts help customers every season prepare for chick season with trusted products, practical advice, and proven nutrition programs. Understanding brooding basics is the first step toward healthy, productive birds. 

Setting Up the Brooder

Before chicks arrive home, the brooder should be fully prepared. A clean, warm, draft-free environment helps reduce stress and supports early development. 

Key brooder components include:

Cleanliness matters from the start. The brooder should be disinfected before chicks arrive, and bedding should be kept dry and refreshed regularly to prevent disease and respiratory issues. 

Temperature and Heat Management

Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature during the first weeks of life, making supplemental heat essential. 

General temperature guidelines:

Behavior is the best indicator of comfort. Chicks huddled tightly under the heat source are too cold, while chicks avoiding the heat may be too warm. Evenly spread, active chicks signal the brooder temperature is just right. 

Feeding Chicks for Strong Growth

Nutrition plays a major role in early development. Chicks need a balanced starter feed that supports muscle growth, bone development, and immune health. 

A quality chick starter feed typically provides:

The Mill carries trusted chick starter feeds from leading brands, including medicated and non-medicated options. Medicated feeds can help reduce the risk of coccidiosis, while non-medicated feeds are often chosen for organic or alternative management programs. 

Feed should be available at all times during the brooding phase. Fresh feed encourages consistent intake and reduces waste. 

Water Access and Hydration

Clean, fresh water is just as important as feed. Chicks should have access to water immediately upon arrival. 

Best practices include:

Electrolytes or vitamin supplements, available at The Mill, may be added during the first few days or times of stress to support hydration and recovery. 

Lighting and Day Length

Chicks benefit from consistent lighting during brooding. Adequate light encourages eating and drinking, especially during the first week. 

Many poultry keepers provide 16 to 18 hours of light per day during early growth. Heat lamps often supply enough light, but supplemental lighting may be helpful in darker brooders. 

Health Monitoring and Daily Care

Daily observation helps catch small issues before they become major problems. Poultry keepers should watch for: 

Handling chicks gently and frequently also helps socialize birds and makes future flock management easier. 

Transitioning Beyond the Brooder

As chicks grow and develop feathers, they gradually become more resilient. Once fully feathered and outdoor temperatures are appropriate, chicks can transition to a coop or outdoor space. 

Feed should also transition from chick starter to layer feed according to age and breed. The Mill offers layer feeds and transition guidance to ensure birds continue receiving balanced nutrition at every life stage. 

Support for Every Stage of Chick Care

From brooder supplies and chick starter feed to expert advice, The Mill is a trusted resource for poultry keepers across the region. Whether raising a few backyard hens or managing a larger flock, having the right foundation during brooding makes all the difference. 

Visit www.themillstores.com or stop into a local Mill store to find everything needed for a healthy, successful chick season.