Raising Baby Chicks: What’s Your Go-To Method?

[Windy Wings]

Raised our first chicks from the store 9 months ago. They got pasty butt, and thanks to BackYard Chickens, I was able to see what the problem was and address it. We gave the chicks some chick-grit, and that seemed to clear up the pasty-butt, along with spraying lukewarm water. BYC saved my chicks

 

[Silkie fluff butts]

Few things bring as much joy (and chaos!) to a backyard flock as raising baby chicks. From their first tiny peeps to those awkward teenage weeks, every stage is an adventure. But with that cuteness comes plenty of decisions and sometimes a few challenges!

Do you prefer using a broody hen or raising chicks with a brooder setup?
What’s your favorite bedding for keeping things clean and safe?
Have you tried different heat sources like lamps, heating plates, or even natural methods?
How do you transition your chicks from brooder to coop life?
And of course… what’s your secret to keeping pasty butt at bay?

Everyone has their own tried-and-true tricks, and new chick parents are always eager to learn. Share your experiences, tips, funny stories, and even mistakes (we’ve all been there!).

Let’s help each other raise happy, healthy chicks because those little fluffballs grow fast, and before we know it, they’re ruling the roost!

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We have let our wonderful broody mama hen do her thing. And we have raised chicks in our houses, using a large plastic dog crate, in my daughter's bedroom.
Our favorite: In the house with us!
While our mama did a superb job, and it was super easy for us, we couldn't handle them nearly as much, and they were very skittish. In the house was a lot more work, but tons of fun!

 

[akroberts1085]

We have let our wonderful broody mama hen do her thing. And we have raised chicks in our houses, using a large plastic dog crate, in my daughter's bedroom.
Our favorite: In the house with us!
While our mama did a superb job, and it was super easy for us, we couldn't handle them nearly as much, and they were very skittish. In the house was a lot more work, but tons of fun!

I love being able to raise my babies in the house. It's so much more fun than letting a mama hen do it.

 

[gimmie birdies]

In the beginning I use second hand cloth place matts rather than wood shavings, I put food right on the matt. first couple days, When the matts get soiled I throw them away. Wood is too hard for chicks to know the difference between food, and if I get chicks at the feed store and they always come with a belly full of wood chips some don't make it.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I put a pie plate under the water dish. It helps with splashes.

 

[gimmie birdies]

And they like stuffies.