Experts offer tips to set baby chicks up for success Spring represents rebirth, renewal and new beginnings, and it is especially heartwarming on the farm or ranch, where producers begin welcoming new members to the flock or herd. This is also true for individuals in rural and urban areas with backyard hobby flocks, which have recently surged in popularity, as eggs start to hatch and chicks make their way to feed stores nationwide. Whether one is expanding their flock or starting it from scratch, experts offer reminders on best care practices for raising baby chicks. Preparing the brooder Multiple sources note the best way to set chicks up for success is to be prepared before they even arrive. The brooder should be prepared 24 to 48 hours in advance to allow time for bedding and equipment to dry out and the temperature to settle. Options for brooders include anything from a cardboard box or metal stock tank to a plastic tote or pop-up playpen, although it is recommended to use something appropriately sized for the number of chicks an individual plans on getting. A basic chick care guide published by Scratch and Peck Feeds recommends three-fourths to one square foot per chick, noting the space will need to last for about six to eight weeks and chicks will grow fast. The brooder should be set up in a warm, draft-free environment where chicks can live for at least two weeks or until temperatures reach 60-plus degrees Fahrenheit. Brooders should be furnished with a good source of heat, dry bedding, roosts, feeders, waterers and a lot of light. Experts note it is essential to fill brooders with two to three inches of dry, absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings, hemp bedding, chopped straw, oat hulls or ground cobs. Some also recommend laying down newspaper or puppy pee pads under the bedding for easier cleanup. It is important to note, cedar shavings or other strong-smelling materials should be avoided, as they have been proven to negatively affect chicks’ longterm health. Regardless of the material, bedding should be changed at least every other day, and wet bedding should be removed daily, especially around waterers. It is also important to provide a place for baby chicks to practice roosting and give them something to do when they start to get active in the brooder. Roosts can be anything from pre-made roosting poles, stacks of bricks, thick sticks or pieces of wood, among
other things. Heat and light Heat is another crucial element when caring for baby chicks. Sources like Purina Animal Nutrition LLC and Tractor Supply Company recommend using red-light heat lamps hung about 20 inches above the litter and 2.5 to three feet from the guard walls. The comfort zone beneath the light should remain at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. After one week, heat should be reduced by five degrees Fahrenheit each subsequent week until reaching a minimum of 55 degrees. “If chicks are crowded together directly under the heat source, then they are cold. If they are around the edges of the brooding area, they are likely to hot. Adjust the height of the lamp accordingly and give them enough room to move in and out of the light to regulate their body temperatures,” comment the experts at Tractor Supply. Other sources like Scratch and Peck Feeds note the dangers of using heat lamps and urge individuals to opt for alternative heat sources instead, such as a brooder plate. “This is a heated plate with legs chicks can crawl under when they are cold, then come out to eat, drink and play. It should be started fairly close to the ground and raised as chicks grow,” Scratch and Peck Feeds explains. “This setup is much more similar to the way a mother hen raises her chicks.” “Besides not being a fire hazard, brooder plates allow chicks to wean themselves off of heat naturally. It will be easy to tell when they are done using the heat and ready for the coop because they will stop going underneath it,” the feed company adds. Feed and water As with all animals, food and water are also important considerations. Multiple sources agree providing chicks room temperature water upon arrival is critical to ensure they rehydrate as they settle in. “For every 25 chicks, fill two one-quart waterers with room temperature water and place in the brooder,” Purina states. “To help water stay at room temperature, place waterers in the brooder, outside of the comfort zone, 24 hours prior to chicks’ arrival.” Once chicks arrive, they should be introduced to their new water source. However, feed should be withheld for the first couple of hours. “Dip the beaks of several chicks into the water to help them locate it,” says Purina. “These chicks will then teach the rest of the group to drink. Monitor the group to ensure all chicks
are drinking within the first couple of hours.” Some experts recommend adding electrolytes and vitamins to water during the first week, and others suggest using a chick fountain instead of saucers or make-shift containers that spill easily, leading to messy, wet and unsanitary brooder conditions. After chicks have a chance to hydrate, they
Adobe Stock photo
should be offered a complete chick starter ration with 20 percent protein for needed energy; prebiotics, probiotics and yeast for immune health and vitamins and minerals for bone health. To teach chicks to eat, experts advise placing feed on clean egg flats, shallow pans or sheets of paper when they first arrive. Then on the Continued on next page
MccLUN’S
LAZY JM RANcH
ANGUS AND POLLED HEREFORDS | APRIL 10, 2025
SELLING AT TORRINGTON LIVESTOCK • TORRINGTON, WY • SALE: 1 P.M. SELLING:
LOT 12 - PAP 39
MC DYNAMIC L47 DTM DOB: 08/31/23 CED: 8 • BW: -0.4 • WW: 90 YW: 154 • $B: 167 • $C: 268
SELLING 90 BULLS AND 25 ELITE REGISTERED ANGUS AND POLLED HEREFORD HEIFERS
ANGUS A.I. SIRES: K C F BENNETT SUMMATION
LOT 5
MC ARCHITECT M9 DTM DOB: 01/28/24 CED: 4 • BW: 1.7 • WW: 95 YW: 147 • $B: 148 • $C: 281
S ARCHITECT 9501 B A R DYNAMIC BJ SURPASS LOT 14 - PAP 46
MC EXPONENTIAL 213L DOB: 08/31/23 CED: 9 • BW: -1.4 • WW: 57 YW: 99 • $B: 159 • $C: 290
VIRGINIA TECH STATESMAN KCF BENNETT EXPONENTIAL
HEREFORD A.I. SIRES: GO KING E33 INNISFAIL TRADEMARK 1939 ET
LOT 22 HOMOZYGOUS POLLED
MC TRADEMARK 67M DOB: 02/04/24 CED: -1.6 • BW: 3.5 • WW: 78 YW: 122 • CHB: 167
EXR GENERATOR 0333 ET BG LCC 11B PERFECTO 84F LOT 10 - PAP 44
MC EXPONENTIAL L34 DTM DOB: 08/24/23 CED: 14 • BW: -0.7 • WW: 81 YW: 143 •$B: 164 • $C: 292
KBCR 49B FEDERAL 634D CHURCHILL KINGDOM 128J
FIRST YEAR BREEDING GUARANTEE
LOT 37 HOMOZYGOUS POLLED
MC PERFECTO 209L
DOB: 08/30/23 CED: 9.2 • BW: 0.4 • WW: 67 YW: 101 • CHB: 123
FREE DELIVERY SIGHT UNSEEN PURCHASE GUARANTEE
LOT 109
LOT 92
MC KHLOE 17M
DOB: 01/11/24 CED: 9 • BW: 1.4 • WW: 102 YW: 180 • $B: 205 • $C: 343
MC JOSEPHINE 60M DOB: 01/30/24 CED: 2 • BW: 2.8 • WW: 57 YW: 98 • CHB: 132
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kody: 307-575-3519 • Jeff: 307-575-2113 • Jim: 307-534-5141
www.McClunRanch.com • mccluncattle@gmail.com