How to care for baby chicks in Las Vegas

🐥 1. Set Up a Cozy Brooder

Think of a brooder as your chicks’ first little home. It needs to be warm, dry, and safe from drafts or predators.

What you'll need:

• A large plastic tote, kiddie pool, or stock tank

• Pine shavings (never cedar!)

• Heat source (heat lamp or brooder plate) - prefer a brooder plate

• Thermometer

• Chick feeder and waterer

Keep the temperature around 95°F the first week, and drop it by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered (usually by 6-8 weeks).

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🌡️ 2. Keep It Warm – But Not Too Warm!

Chicks will tell you what they need. If they’re huddled under the heat source, they’re cold. If they’re avoiding it and panting, it’s too hot. Spread out evenly = just right.

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💦 3. Fresh Water is a Must

Tiny chicks can dehydrate fast. Provide clean, fresh water daily, and add marbles or pebbles in the waterer the first few days to prevent drowning (yes, they’re that tiny and clumsy!).

💡 Pro Tip: Add electrolytes the first 1–3 days to help them recover from shipping stress.

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🍽️ 4. Feed Chick Starter – Not Just Any Feed!

Start with a non-medicated or medicated chick starter crumble (your call!). They need high protein (around 18-20%) to grow strong and healthy. Avoid treats for the first few weeks, or if you do give them a little snack, make sure they have grit!

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🧼 5. Clean Their Booties – Yes, Really

Watch out for “pasty butt,” a common issue where droppings stick and clog up their little vents. Gently clean with a warm, damp cloth or Q-tip as needed. It's not glamorous, but it could save their life.

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🐓 6. Socialize and Handle Gently

Cuddling baby chicks? Yes, please! Just be gentle. The more time you spend around them, the friendlier they’ll be when they grow up. Great for future lap chickens and calm egg layers!

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🧹 7. Keep Their Brooder Clean

Change bedding regularly to avoid ammonia build-up and keep those little lungs healthy. Chicks poop—a lot. You'll learn that real quick.

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⏳ 8. When Can They Go Outside?

Once fully feathered (around 6–8 weeks), they can gradually explore the outdoors during warm, dry days. But keep them safe from predators and drafty winds. Full integration into your adult flock takes time, but slow intros make all the difference.

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❤️ Raising Chicks Is Equal Parts Joy and Poop

They’ll grow fast—like, overnight fast—and before you know it, your fluffballs will be full-sized egg-laying hens clucking around your yard. Whether you’re in it for the eggs, the compost, or just the chicken therapy, raising baby chicks is such a fulfilling experience.

And trust me—there’s nothing like that first homegrown egg from a chick you raised yourself.

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Got chick questions or want to see our current hatch? Reach out to see what we have!