Chick Care Guide
Raising chickens is easier when you know what comes next. This guide follows the path most families take with us, from deciding whether a flock is right for you, to bringing chicks home, to collecting your first eggs. Pick the stage you are in and start reading.
Stage 1
Is a flock right for me?
Start here if you are still deciding. These guides cover how many birds to get, how much room they need, how long they live and when to place your order.
Stage 2
My chicks just arrived
Your chicks are on the way or already peeping in the brooder. Here is how to pick them up, keep them warm and feed them through the first weeks.
Stage 3
Keep the eggs coming
Your pullets are growing up. Learn when they will start laying, how many eggs to expect and which breeds give you which egg colors.
- When do chickens start laying eggs?
- How many eggs does a hen lay?
- What color eggs does each chicken breed lay?
- Chicken egg color chart
- Best breeds for Maryland, Virginia and Delaware weather
Shop by egg color: Brown | Dark brown and chocolate | Blue, green and olive | White
Ready to start your flock? Shop day-old chicks from our NPIP-certified hatchery on Maryland's Eastern Shore, with shipping to your local post office or Free local pickup.
