As many of you know, I have 40 chickens (and counting)! This wasn’t the plan—I was supposed to stop at six chickens, but here we are! And yes, I’m adding to the flock again this spring from Hoover’s Hatchery! Raising baby chicks is one of my favorite parts of chicken keeping, and each spring brings new excitement as I welcome these little ones into the coop.
In the past, I’ve ordered chicks online, bought them from our local farm supply store and even hatched my own eggs. No matter how you get your chicks, it’s important to give them some extra care during their first few weeks, especially if they’ve been shipped.
How Do Chicks Survive Shipping?
Have you ever wondered how baby chicks survive being shipped without food or water? Right before a chick hatches, it absorbs all the remaining nutrients from the egg. These nutrients give the chick enough energy to survive 2-3 days without food or water, which is why they can handle overnight or 2-day shipping just fine!
However, chicks can still get stressed during the shipping process. That’s why it’s crucial to have everything ready before they arrive, including a warm brooder, fresh food, clean water and a secure environment. You can read about setting up your brooder or watch my short video below.
Best Products for Baby Chicks
I always use Strong Animals Chicken Essentials products, and their Baby Chick Care Kit has made the transition for my chicks so much easier! These products provide the building blocks for healthy chicks, and I’ve seen great results—our chicks have grown into healthy, happy birds!
The Baby Chick Care Kit includes:
Coop Recuperate
First Peep
Chick E-lixir
These products are specially formulated to support the health and well-being of your flock from day one.
First Peep: Supporting Digestive Health
First Peep is a non-medicated feed supplement that naturally supports digestive health and gets baby chicks eating in their first few weeks of life.
Benefits:
Sprinkle on feed to build a strong foundation
Encourages baby chicks to eat
Supports early digestive health with kelp, essential oils, and prebiotics
Comes in a 2 lb. resealable pouch
My chicks absolutely love First Peep—they go wild for it!
Coop Recuperate: Keeping Your Coop Fresh
Coop Recuperate is the natural way to care for your coop, using organic eucalyptus and lemongrass essential oils to reduce odor and moisture. It also helps improve the quality of your compost!
Benefits:
Reduces ammonia odor and absorbs moisture
Lengthens bedding life
Comes in a 2.5 lb. box
I love how we can walk into the coop and leave smelling like essential oils—it’s amazing!
Chick E-lixir: Immune and Bone Support
Chick E-lixir is added to drinking water and helps keep chicks healthy by supporting their immune systems and promoting bone growth.
Benefits:
Hydrates and supports growth
Boosts immunity and bone development
Promotes digestive health
Comes in a 16 fl. oz. bottle with a 1 oz. measuring cap
Story Time: How These Products Saved My Chick's Life
Let me tell you about one of my Silkies, Nugget. I bought Nugget from our local farm supply store, and when she came home, we noticed something wasn’t right. She kept looking up and off to the side. Nugget was battling Wry Neck, a condition that can be deadly if left untreated.
I started giving Nugget Chick E-lixir and First Peep by hand, and within 24 hours, she was running around the brooder with the others! Watching her transform was amazing—these products literally saved her life.
Nugget is now thriving in the coop and is such a silly chicken to watch!
Why You Should Try the Baby Chick Care Kit
Whether you’re new to raising chickens or adding to your flock for the fifth time (like me!), the Baby Chick Care Kit is a valuable staple for your backyard flock. You can find it at your local farm supply store or online at the link below!
Until next time,
–The Wing Lady
Baby Chick Care Kit
Whether you are a first-time chicken owner or a seasoned veteran, the Baby Chick Care Kit is the easy and natural way to get your baby chicks off to the best start. Kit includes - First Peep, Chick E-lixir, Coop Recuperate and baby chick success guide.
First Peep - Chick Feed Supplement
First Peep is a non-medicated chick feed supplement that naturally supports digestive health in baby chicks the first few weeks of life.