How to Raise Newly Hatched Baby Chicks

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 Agric4Profits

Raising newly hatched baby chicks is a fulfilling and rewarding endeavor, one that can be a delightful experience for beginners in agriculture especially when done successfully.

With proper care and attention to detail, you can ensure the healthy growth and development of your chicks into thriving adult chickens which is why we are here to ensure that we guide you properly.

This article will be discussing about how to raise and care for your newly hatched chicks starting from the brooder preparation guide, water requirement, food requirement, proper hygiene maintenance as well as proper monitoring to ensure that the chicks remain healthy and vibrant.

Incase you prefer to watch our video presentation then kindly click on the video below to watch how to raise your newly hatched baby chicks from our YouTube channel;

Now let us proceed to explaining the different steps below;

How to Raise Newly Hatched Baby Chicks

Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly care for and raise your newly hatched chicks:

Step 1: Prepare the Brooder

A brooder serves as the initial shelter for your baby chicks. Ensure a safe and warm environment by using a cardboard box, a plastic tub, or a commercial brooder.

Line the floor with clean, absorbent materials like pine shavings or paper towels, ensuring they are thick enough to provide insulation and prevent the chicks from slipping.

A heat source, such as a heat lamp or a heating plate, should be placed in the brooder to maintain the recommended temperature of 95°F (35°C) for the first week.

Just like how we need a cozy bed and warm blankets for a good night’s sleep, baby chicks require a comfortable brooder to rest and stay warm.

Step 2: Provide Clean Water

Water is essential for the growth and development of chicks. Offer clean, fresh water in shallow containers to prevent drowning. You may use chick waterers or shallow dishes, making sure to clean and refill them daily.

Additionally, to encourage proper hydration and prevent dehydration, consider adding an electrolyte supplement to the water during the first few days.

Similar to how we need water to stay healthy and hydrated, baby chicks rely on water to stay active and grow properly.

Step 3: Offer Nutritious Feed

Choose a high-quality chick starter feed containing essential nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals. The feed should be finely ground for the delicate digestive systems of the chicks.

Scatter the feed on clean paper towels or shallow trays to prevent waste and encourage natural pecking behavior. Ensure a constant supply of feed, and monitor their consumption to guarantee they are eating enough.

Just like how we need a balanced diet to stay healthy, baby chicks require a nutritious starter feed to support their rapid growth and development.

From the first day up until between 6-8 weeks, your chicks will be feeding on chicks mash feed if they are pullets (baby layers), cockerels or noiler birds. However, if they are broilers, they should be given broiler starter mash feed which is the kind of kind specifically made for broilers.

In case you wish to formulate your own feed for your chicks, below is an example of a chicks mash feed formula for you:

Raw Materials	Quantity Required
Maize	500kg
Soya	100kg
GNC	100kg
Wheat Offals	245kg
Bone Meal	10kg
Oyster Shell	10kg
Methionine	1kg
Lysine	1kg
Salt	2.5kg
Vitamin	3kg

Here is an example of a broiler starter mash feed formula for your male broilers:

Maize = 554kg

Soya Bean Meal = 103kg

Wheat Offals = 274kg

Soya Oil = 20kg

DCP = 16kg

Limestone = 15kg

Agrar = 4kg

Broiler Premix = 3kg

Toxin Binder = 3kg

Salt = 3kg

Lysine = 2kg

Methionine = 2kg

Chlorine Chloride = 1kg

Total = 1,000kg (one ton)

Here is an example of a broiler starter mash feed formula for your female broilers:

Maize = 500kg

Soya Bean Meal = 150kg

Full Fat Soya = 76kg

Wheat Offals = 136kg

Soya Oil = 30kg

DCP = 16kg

Limestone = 75kg

Agrar = 4kg

Broiler Premix = 3kg

Toxin Binder = 3kg

Salt = 3kg

Lysine = 2kg

Methionine = 2kg

Chlorine Chloride = 1kg

Total = 1,001kg (1 ton)

Note: There are certain factors that can alter this formula provided above which include but not limited to the following: Weather, Availability of Raw-Materials, Cost of Raw-Materials, Seasons, etc. Therefore, the above provided feed formula is subject to change or adjustment which is why I often strongly recommend that you carry an expert along.

Also, always ensure to purchase your raw materials from reputable sources to ensure that the raw-materials procured are at their best nutritional state to avoid serving your birds unhealthy or contaminated feeds that will greatly affect your poultry birds.

Step 4: Maintain Hygiene

Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is crucial for the chicks’ well-being. Regularly remove soiled bedding, uneaten feed, and any other debris from the brooder.

This practice helps prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria and ensures a healthy living space for your chicks. Regularly disinfect the brooder to minimize the risk of disease and infection.

Similar to how we keep our living spaces clean to avoid getting sick, a clean brooder ensures that baby chicks remain healthy and free from diseases.

Step 5: Monitor and Socialize

Regularly monitor the behavior and health of your chicks. Look out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, reduced appetite, or abnormal droppings, and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

Encourage social interaction by spending time with your chicks and gently handling them, fostering a friendly and trusting relationship.

Just like how we need care and attention when we’re not feeling well, baby chicks require monitoring and affection to ensure they remain happy and healthy.

By following these simple steps, you can lay a strong foundation for the successful rearing of your baby chicks. Remember, patience, diligence, and a caring attitude are key to fostering a thriving and joyful environment for your young poultry.

How to Raise Newly Hatched Baby Chicks