Who needs a groundhog’s shadow anyway?
Around here, we know it’s officially spring when we hear that first chirp-chirp echoing through Spikes & Houles. Bringing home baby chicks is one of the surest signs warmer days are ahead, and with just a little prep, you’ll be well on your way to a happy, healthy flock.
Before your chicks arrive, set up a cozy, draft-free brooder space in a garage, barn, or spare room. Line it with pine shavings (never cedar) and have your heat source, chick feeder, and shallow waterer ready to go. For week one, keep the brooder at about 95°F, lowering the temperature by 5 degrees each week as your chicks grow and feather out.
Product Recommendations:
- Double-Tuf® Beginner Poultry Kit
- Little Giant® Plastic Flip Top Poultry Ground Feeder 4.5x20IN
- Little Giant® Plastic Poultry Drinker 3 Gallon
- Little Giant® Brooder Reflector Lamp 300 Watt
- Little Giant® Red Bulb For Brooder Lamp 250 Watt
- PINE PRODUCTS Quality Animal Bedding All Natural Wood Shavings 'Small Flake' expands to 6 cubic feet
- Little Giant® Raised Brooder Box 40x19x24IN
- Vintage Chicken Coop, Red, Medium, 50 x 76 x 50-In.
Feed a high-quality chick starter with 18–20% protein until they begin laying, usually around 18 weeks. Chicks are natural self-regulators, so keep feed available at all times. Fresh, clean water is just as important. Adding electrolytes and probiotics can give your flock a healthy head start.
Feed Recommendations:
- EJ Houle's Poultry Feed 'Chick Starter & Grower' 18% Protein 50 lb Bag
- KALMBACH® Chickhouse Reserve® Chick Starter Textured Feed 18%
- KALMBACH® Start Right® Chick Feed Crumbles 18% Protein
- Purina Start & Grow Medicated Poultry Feed
- Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Chicken and Duck Feed – Starter Mash
- Nature's Grown Organics Poultry Feed 'Organic Chicks Starter' 19% Protein 50 lb bag
- MannaPro® Duckling & Gosling Feed Starter & Grower Crumble 8 lb bag
- MannaPro® Chick Grit with ProBiotics Digestive Supplement, 5 lbs.
- Scratch and Peck Feeds Starter Grit, 7 lbs.
As you watch them settle in, keep an eye out for signs like pasty butt, lethargy, or chicks crowding under the heat source, which may mean they are too cold. Planning ahead for proper coop space, predator protection, and those unpredictable Minnesota spring nights will make the move outdoors smooth and stress-free.
With the right setup and a little daily attention, those tiny fluff balls will quickly grow into strong, productive hens. There is nothing more rewarding than collecting those first fresh eggs.
Our team loves helping customers start their flock journey. Whether you are brand new to chicks or adding to your coop, we are always happy to walk you through the setup and answer all your questions. Spring starts here, and so does your flock.
