Chick Care in the First 24 Hours for Healthy Baby Chicks

You can give your chicks a strong, healthy start with a few simple steps. The first 24 hours matter most for chick care.

1. Keep the brooder warm, around 95°F, so your chicks stay comfortable and safe.

2. Use clean bedding, like paper towels, to help prevent health problems.

3. Show chicks where to find water first, then introduce them to food.
   When you focus on these basics, you set the stage for healthy growth and happy chicks.

Key Takeaways

• Keep the brooder at 95°F so chicks stay warm and safe.

• Use clean bedding like paper towels to stop health problems and help chicks feel good.

• Give chicks water before food so they drink and get used to their new home.

• Check the brooder temperature often and change it if needed to keep chicks healthy.

• Look for signs like huddling or loud chirping so you can fix problems fast.

Brooder Setup

Safe Environment

You want your chicks to feel safe and secure from the moment they arrive. Start by choosing a brooder that is sturdy and tall enough to keep chicks inside. The walls should be at least 12 inches high for the first few weeks. As chicks grow, they may try to jump out, so taller sides—about 3 feet—help prevent escapes. Use a large box or a plastic tub, and make sure it is strong and stable. Secure the corners with duct tape if needed. Place the brooder in a draft-free area, away from pets and small children.

Tip: Puppy training pads can line the bottom of the brooder to keep it waterproof and easy to clean.

Chicks need enough space to move around. For the first four weeks, give each chick at least 6 inches of space. As they grow, increase the space to 1 square foot per chick.

Bedding Choice

The right bedding keeps chicks comfortable and healthy. Bedding should absorb waste and help control odor. Avoid slippery materials like newspaper, which can cause leg problems and do not absorb moisture well. Instead, choose absorbent bedding such as paper, hemp, or aspen shavings. Paper bedding feels soft and encourages chicks to rest and forage. Hemp bedding is great for foraging and keeps the brooder dry. Sand works for dust bathing but is harder to manage. Chopped straw is expensive and not ideal for walking.

Proper bedding helps prevent health issues by keeping the brooder clean and dry.

Heat Lamp vs. Brooder Plate

Chicks cannot regulate their body temperature, so you must provide a reliable heat source. Preheat the brooder before chicks arrive. Place a thermometer at chick level to monitor the temperature. For the first few days, keep the temperature between 100°F and 105°F under the heat source. After that, lower it to 100°F for the rest of the week.

You can choose between a heat lamp and a brooder plate. Heat lamps cover a large area but can get dangerously hot and may cause fires if they fall. They also use more electricity and can disrupt chicks’ sleep cycles. Brooder plates mimic a mother hen, letting chicks snuggle underneath when they need warmth. They use less electricity, reduce fire risk, and do not disturb sleep. Always check your heat source for safety and adjust as needed to keep chicks comfortable.

Chick Care Basics

Unpacking Chicks

When your chicks arrive, you want to make their first moments as calm as possible. Choose a quiet, dimly lit room for unpacking. This helps reduce sudden movements and loud noises that can scare them. Gently open the box and lift each chick with both hands. Support their bodies and avoid squeezing. Place each chick directly into the brooder, making sure they have enough space to move around.

• Train yourself or anyone helping you to handle chicks gently.

• Keep the room warm and free from drafts.

• Use soft voices and slow movements.

• Check that the brooder is ready before you start.

Tip: If you notice any chicks looking weak or tired, place them near the heat source and offer warm water right away.

A calm start helps prevent injuries and sets the stage for good chick care.

Reducing Stress

Chicks feel stress from new sights, sounds, and smells. You can lower their stress by controlling the environment and your actions. Limit how much you handle them during the first few hours. Too much handling can make them nervous, but gentle contact helps them get used to you over time. Chick care means finding the right balance.

Follow these steps to reduce stress:

1. Give chicks fresh water and feed right away.

2. Make sure they have enough space and places to hide.

3. Keep the brooder clean and safe from pets or loud noises.

4. Let chicks explore and forage in the brooder.

5. Spend short, calm periods near the chicks so they get used to your presence.

Chick care in the first 24 hours shapes how your chicks grow and adapt. When you focus on gentle handling and a calm environment, you help your chicks feel safe and ready to thrive.

Immediate Needs

Warm Water

When chicks arrive, they need water first. Always give them lukewarm water between 90°F and 105°F. Cold water can make chicks cold and stressed. Warm water helps them feel better after travel and makes them want to drink.

• Give lukewarm water right when chicks go in the brooder.

• Gently dip each chick’s beak in the water dish to show them how to drink.

• Use shallow waterers so chicks do not drown.

• Change the water often to keep it clean.

Water temperature affects how much chicks drink and their health. If chicks stay at the right temperature, they lose only a little water—about 1 to 2 grams each day. If they get too hot, they lose more water and can get dehydrated. You can stop this by keeping the brooder at the right temperature and making sure chicks can reach water easily.

Tip: If chicks are panting or seem weak, check the water and brooder temperature. Acting fast can stop dehydration.

First Feed

After chicks drink, you can give them their first feed. Wait about two hours after they arrive before giving food. This lets them rest and get hydrated after travel. Use a complete chick starter feed with at least 18% protein. High protein helps chicks grow fast and strong. The feed should also have important vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and probiotics for healthy bones and a strong immune system.

Chicks like fresh feed and clean bedding. Take away old or moldy feed right away. Fresh feed helps chicks scratch and dustbathe. Chicks sleep better in clean litter, which helps them grow strong.

• Put feed in shallow trays or on paper towels so chicks can reach it.

• Check trays often and remove dirty or wet feed.

• Add fresh starter feed when needed.

Note: Keeping feed and bedding clean helps chicks stay healthy and lowers the chance of disease.

Temperature Check

Chicks cannot control their body temperature at first. You need to watch the brooder temperature closely. Use a thermometer at chick level and check every few hours. The best temperature is 100°F to 105°F for the first day, then lower it to 95°F as chicks settle in.

• Put the thermometer where chicks gather, not right under the heat source.

• Look for signs of overheating, like panting or chicks moving away from the heat.

• If chicks huddle together, the brooder may be too cold.

• Change the heat source or ventilation to keep the temperature steady.

You must keep checking the temperature. Big changes in temperature can hurt chicks and make them sick. Chicks that get cold may have weak immune systems and stomach problems. Keeping them warm helps them grow and stay healthy.

Tip: Good ventilation keeps air fresh but do not let in drafts. Change ventilation as needed to keep the brooder comfy.

By focusing on these needs—warm water, fresh feed, and checking temperature—you help your chicks start strong. Watch your chicks and act quickly. You will see them get stronger every day.

Health Checks

Signs of Distress

You need to watch your chicks closely during the first 24 hours. Early signs of distress can help you catch problems before they get worse. Look for these warning signs:

• Chicks huddling tightly together may feel too cold.

• Chicks spreading out across the brooder may feel too warm.

• Constant, loud chirping often means chicks are stressed or uncomfortable.

• A chick that stands still while others move, with droopy wings and half-closed eyes, may be sick.

• Chicks that look withdrawn, droopy, or eat less than others need extra attention.

If you notice any of these signs, act quickly to adjust the temperature, check water and feed, and separate any chick that looks unwell.

Common Issues

Some health problems show up often in the first day. Pasty butt is one of the most common. You may see a white, sticky substance around the vent area. Feathers may look dirty and matted. Chicks with pasty butt often act tired, refuse to eat, or lose weight. Stress, poor hygiene, and wrong temperatures can cause this problem. Dehydration and coccidiosis also threaten young chicks. Check each chick daily for these issues.

• Gently clean any caked droppings from the vent with a warm, wet cloth.

• Make sure chicks have clean water, good feed, and a calm environment.

Behavior Monitoring

You should observe chick behavior often, especially during the first four days. Listen for distress calls and watch for changes in activity. Healthy chicks move around, eat, and drink. Signs like lethargy, not eating, self-isolating, or hunching can mean trouble. Keep a close eye on vocalizations, as these can signal health or comfort problems.

Emergency Troubleshooting

If a chick declines quickly, you must act fast. Move the chick away from others to reduce stress. Warm the chick before offering food or water. Give electrolytes or a nutritional supplement like gro gel or egg yolk. You can use a syringe to offer diluted supplements if needed. Always keep the chick warm during care. Quick action can save a chick’s life.

Daily health checks and fast response are key parts of good chick care. Early action helps prevent bigger problems and keeps your chicks healthy.

You can give your chicks the best start by following these proven steps:

1. Prepare the brooder with the right temperature and clean bedding.

2. Offer high-quality starter feed and fresh water right away.

3. Keep the brooding area warm, clean, and draft-free.

4. Check chicks often for signs of distress or illness.

Quick action helps prevent problems and supports healthy growth.
Here are some benefits you will see with proper care:

Stay alert and proactive. Most issues can be managed if you act quickly.

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FAQ

How often should you check on your chicks in the first 24 hours?

You should check on your chicks every 1 to 2 hours. Watch for signs of distress, such as loud chirping or huddling. Quick checks help you catch problems early.

What temperature should the brooder stay at for new chicks?

Keep the brooder between 100°F and 105°F for the first day. Use a thermometer at chick level. Adjust the heat source if you see chicks crowding or spreading out.

Can you use newspaper as bedding for chicks?

Avoid using newspaper. It gets slippery and can cause leg problems. Choose paper towels, pine shavings, or hemp bedding for better comfort and safety.

What should you do if a chick looks weak or is not eating?

Move the chick closer to the heat source. Offer warm water with electrolytes. Use a dropper if needed. Keep the chick separate until it looks stronger.

When can you start handling chicks more often?

Wait until chicks settle in and eat well. After the first 24 hours, you can handle them for short periods. Gentle handling helps chicks get used to you.

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