What do Expect After Getting Your Chicks Home

What to Expect After Getting Your Chicks Home by Chad Sims, Preston, MD

Bringing home day-old chicks is an exciting moment, whether you’re starting your first flock or adding new birds. Those first few days are important, and with a little preparation, your chicks will settle in quickly and begin to thrive.

Your chicks may be sleepy at first
When your chicks arrive, it’s completely normal for them to be quiet, tired, or a little wobbly. They’ve just hatched and traveled, so they need warmth and rest. You may notice them sleeping often, huddling together, and softly peeping. This is all normal. Right now, warmth and hydration are the priority.

Have your brooder ready before they arrive
Your brooder should be fully set up and preheated to 95°F before opening the box. A warm, draft-free space helps chicks recover quickly and adjust. Make sure you have a heat source, thermometer at chick level, non-slip bedding, fresh water, and chick starter feed ready to go.

Hydration comes first
As you place each chick into the brooder, gently dip its beak into the water so it learns where to drink. This is one of the most important first steps. Offering electrolytes for the first 24–48 hours can help support energy and recovery after travel.

Expect them to start exploring
Once warmed up, your chicks will begin to explore their new space. You’ll see them pecking, scratching, chirping more, and becoming more active. This is a great sign that they are adjusting well.

Watch for normal droppings and pasty butt
Chick droppings should be small and soft. Some variation is normal, especially after travel. Check daily for pasty butt, which can happen in the first week. If needed, gently clean the area with warm water and dry the chick before returning it to the brooder.

They grow quickly
Chicks grow fast, and you’ll notice changes within just a few days. Wing feathers begin to appear, they move more confidently, and their appetite increases. Be sure to adjust your heat source each week and keep their environment clean as they grow.

Start bonding early
The first week is a great time to build trust. Speak softly, move slowly, and gently handle your chicks once they are warm and settled. Early handling helps create calm, friendly birds as they mature.

Use behavior to guide temperature
Your chicks will tell you how they feel. If they are huddled tightly under the heat, they are too cold. If they are avoiding the heat or panting, they are too hot. When they are spread out, active, and content, the temperature is just right.

Keep the brooder clean
A clean brooder is key to healthy chicks. Remove wet bedding daily and fully replace bedding every few days. Keeping feeders and waterers slightly elevated helps reduce mess and contamination.

Enjoy the experience
Raising baby chicks is a special and rewarding experience. In just a few weeks, they’ll be fully feathered and ready for the next stage. With proper care in these early days, you’re setting the foundation for a healthy, productive flock.