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Baby chicks are easy to raise but you must be prepared and have your brooder set up correctly. This is a must need quick checklist for raising baby chicks!

♦If you just need the Quick Printable Checklist, scroll down to the bottom of this post.

QUICK CHECKLIST for RAISING BABY CHICKS

1. Set up your brooder area a day or two before your baby chicks are scheduled to arrive. For further information head on over to Top Tips for Raising Baby Chicks
2. Make sure to block any corners by simply taping pieces of cardboard in the corners to round them out. Chicks will pile in corners and suffocate the ones on the bottom
3. Adjust Reflective Heat Lamp or RentACoop Chick Heating Plate so the temperature is 95 degrees directly under and around the heat source 
4. Check the temperature with Thermometer to regulate the heat
5. Make sure chicks can get away from heat to prevent overheating
6. Place Wood Chips, shavings or newspapers in the bottom of the brooder.
7. Cover shavings with newspaper and textured rubber shelving to reduce slippery surface
8. Fill baby chick water founts with fresh water  
9. Set up chick feeders with fresh Chick Starter and plan on feeding this for 8 weeks. I like this Starter Feed. 
10. Sprinkle the bottom of the brooder with your Chick Starter Feed. This will encourage chicks to start eating immediately.
11. Be prepared for cold, hungry chicks when they arrive. (Have 1/4 warm canned evaporated milk + 1 teaspoon sugar on hand)
12. When your chicks arrive, begin by doing a headcount for all live chicks
13. Remove any dead chicks  (hatcheries will usually send 1 additional chick for every 25, just to help ensure 100% live arrival)
14. Take care of all the live chicks first 
15. Give any weakened chicks extra sugar water or evaporated milk sugar mixture 
16. If you have many dead and weak chicks contact your hatchery immediately for a possible solution
17. Chick Comfort is your criteria for happy content chicks. Soft cheeps is good. Loud peeping is bad as something is wrong.
18. If loud peeping, double-check temperature, drafts, dampness, feed, and water.
19. If they have everything they need, the chicks should settle down.
20. Enjoy your chicks.
21. Check on them often.
22. Watch for diarrhea such as Coccidiosis which is caused by a parasite. Treat with a coccidiostat like Corid
23. Watch for weak chicks, pasty butts, and muddy toes; find out how to take care of these at Top Tips for Raising Baby Chicks
24. Keep the brooder clean with feeders and water founts full
25. Make sure to wash & really clean the water founts as the inside of the fount can get slimy & bacteria can build-up
26. Chicks grow fast: Start thinking about the next stage: more floor space, larger water founts & feeders, small roosts & Chick Grower Feed
27. At 8 weeks, you will need to switch to a good Chick Grower & consider adding Chick Grit as they grow
28. When you see your first pullet egg, then it is time to switch to a good fresh Laying Mash or Pellets for your new Laying Flock!

You May Also Enjoy:

• TIPS for RAISING BABY CHICKS | Raising Chicks for Beginners
• Chicken Coop Ideas for Raising the Best Chickens & Eggs
• TIPS for CLEANING YOUR CHICKEN COOP
• Best Egg Laying Chickens & What They Have to Offer

Scroll to the bottom of this post for your Printable Quick Chick Checklist!

NOTES: watch for potential health issues

• Consider adding an electrolyte mineral supplement to the baby chicks water in their waterer for the first 3 to 4 weeks. Make sure to also have plain fresh water available at all times.
• Coccidioisis can be a problem.  This parasite causes diarrhea in baby chicks which can be life-threatening. Having a coccidiostat like Corid on hand is helpful to be on the safe side.

THIS IS A PRINTABLE QUICK CHECKLIST for RAISING BABY CHICKS

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