HOW TO RAISE CHICKS | EASY Baby Chicken Care 101 | Egg Laying Hens For Beginners | Backyard Flock

Baby chick care isn't nearly as intimidating as it seems! I'm walking you through the step-by-step process I use to raise baby chickens for our backyard and rural flocks. Happy and healthy birds make delicious and nutritious eggs -- here is how we get them there!
BLOG: oakabode.com/how-to-raise-day...
INSTAGRAM: @oak_abode
PODCAST: spoti.fi/3E7ADE4
GRUBTERRA: Save 10% on GrubTerra Chicken Treats with code "OakAbode": bit.ly/3nCS2vZ​
PLASTIC TUB: amzn.to/3rJBgO0
RADIANT HEAT BROODER: amzn.to/3v7up3i
CHICK FOOD: amzn.to/3kTe3Xi
FEEDER & WATERER: amzn.to/3v4Xbl4
CHICK GRIT: amzn.to/3rx0qiQ
ELECTROLYTES: amzn.to/3rpboaa
PAPER TOWELS: amzn.to/3bt3cAo
BEDDING (AMAZON): amzn.to/38rUss2
WHITE CHICK PEN: amzn.to/2VOm5bn
CHICK PEN COVER: amzn.to/3z9Ponm
Optional...
CARRIER: amzn.to/2OeIUS4
ROOSTS & TOYS: amzn.to/3buoCg9
CHICKEN CARE 101: • BACKYARD CHICKENS FOR ... ​
TRAINING DOGS AROUND CHICKENS: • TRAIN DOGS AROUND CHIC...
HOW WE BUILT OUR COOP: • OUR DREAM CHICKEN COOP... ​
OUR CHICKEN COOP PLANS: www.etsy.com/listing/94718920...
MY VLOGGING CAMERAS + GEAR: kit.co/oakabode/film-video-gear​
AUDIBLE: Get your first month free and TWO free books by going to amzn.to/2FpTSzX
CHICK TEMPERATURE CHART: pin.it/5lpkkul
0:00-0:54 - Intro
0:55-5:55 - 1-3 Days Old
5:56-8:13 - 2 Weeks Old
8:14-9:48 - 4-5 Weeks Old
9:49-11:59 - 5 Weeks Old
12:00-13:03 - Full Integration
13:04-14:32 - Training Recall
14:33-15:26 - Summary
We're not experts, so we always recommend talking to the pros for the best advice. This post and comments below contain affiliate links, which may lead to a small commission if purchased. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

[@nicoleb5990]

We got baby chicks a week ago and when I was dipping their little beaks in the water my husband asked me horrified "Why are you waterboarding them" 😂😂 I couldn't stop laughing but once I did I was able to explain it to him. Great video!

[@katie7748]

LOL

[@lizxu322]

Strangely the most wholesome part of the whole video was the part where you said your dogs wanted to eat the chicks first but after a few years protect them...that's character development 💯 Go dogs!

[@ylmaztugrul5841]

😊ufhyu

[@chaoticthrone]

Kay

[@jonathancalderon-xq6sy]

Go chicks!

[@valnpaulvanorden]

Hi...we use a kiddie pool and a light..

[@traceymccall1512]

“As much research of your own”…. BABE, you ARE my research. I’ve watched almost all of your chick videos now

[@trishhayes4457]

I just found the channel today and I’m going to watch every video, too! 😂

[@SnackPack913]

They’re like little baby dinosaurs. I want some now

[@MirandaAltha]

Oh my gosh, the sass and bark afterwards were so cute 😂

[@blessednestbirds]

This was an amazing video; the exact thing I've been looking for. Simple, easy to understand, and still thorough - I love that you go the extra mile to make sure your chicks are safe and happy!

[@OakAbode]

Thank you! I’m so happy to hear it helped a bit!

[@yusuufibrahim530]

I second that !! Amazing video !!

[@alimajeed3570]

@@OakAbode No death without medicine or vaccination?

[@ehanayaanrocks]

I have a pet chick and am planning to shift it to my 15 by 25ft terrace but it was 4ft tall wall,so it can fly out if desired,so should I clip it's feathers and let it roam around the rooftop as his home??

[@ChickenLORD-]

@@OakAbodequick question, should I put a lid on the box they live in for the first couple days (with holes ofc)

[@talkandeattv]

ive been researching this topic for years ! im getting my first EVER chicks this coming spring and the paper towel trick for when i first get them is my big takeaway !!!! so simple yet mind blowing. i can save my bedding for when theyre a little bit bigger. thank you

[@eatonfam]

Same, off to tractor supply now😂😂

[@DoubleQz]

​@eatonfam how are your chick's doing?

[@FloriDUH_JBot]

Agree 100% with the brooder heater! No peeping chicks during the night! If you value your sleep and prefer to not risk a house fire with a heat lamp, make the investment in one of these heaters. You won't be sorry. Also, baby chicks LOVE to empty their food out all over the bottom of the brooder ... one crumble at a time. The chickens go bezerk over the soldier flies. One shake of the bag, and they all come running. Best piece of advice I ever received - don't underestimate the time it will take to finish your chicken coop build. Great starter video, BTW

[@torireynolds4371]

I want to start building my coop so badly because I know its going to take forever. We have to move first though lol.

[@ironbomb6753]

I've got chicks inside now, 3 weeks out of the incubator. I'm doing much of what Oak Abode suggested and the chicks are doing great.

[@nexusfairy3038]

MY HEART! The baby polish omg

[@mummaandbubba66]

Thanks so much for this video was awesome and exactly what I was looking for. The Lil puffy head guy got me 🤣

[@grandmagamer7369]

I have never raised chickens and am getting ready to take the leap. Thank you for your videos they are great. Extremely helpful. I live in western SD and was wondering when would be the best time to get the chicks

[@minifarmlife1013]

Same! I just got 2 new baby bantam chicks today and have no clue how to take care of chicks but my dad is helping and I'm learning I'm also getting 2 more on Friday lol

[@grandmagamer7369]

@@minifarmlife1013 I took the plunge. They are 4.5 weeks hold and live in the bath tub.

[@ehanayaanrocks]

I have a pet chick and am planning to shift it to my 15 by 25ft terrace but it was 4ft tall wall,so it can fly out if desired,so should I clip it's feathers and let it roam around the rooftop as his home??

[@SDMacMan]

I've not owned baby chicks as an adult, but something I would probably do is give them water soaked food for the first day or two in a shallow dish, until they figure out water. I own chickens vicariously through you for the time being. :)

[@OakAbode]

I love this idea! I used to use soaked feed as treats for chicks… they go nuts for it!

[@fakecubed]

As long as you give them only a little bit at a time, so it doesn't start to get moldy, it does work quite well. Sprouts are an excellent feed for them as well.

[@sweaterdoll]

I hope you'll answer this question because we have ten chicks in the house and need some help with this one thing. We had a broody mother raise some pullets last spring so integration was easy and mama hen managed it herself from a separated dog kennel we set up for her in the enclosed pen that includes a small coop they sleep in. We have the older hens in a large yard with a "summer" coop so they can free-range protected all summer. The pullets will be moved to the "winter" coop in about 4 weeks (at 4 weeks old), a small coop inside a larger enclosed pen (where everyone goes in winter). I'm not sure I can catch 10 young chicks twice daily without freaking them out (out to the big summer yard in a pen and back again) so they can get to know each other before putting them together. I thought to just wait until the hens are moved back into the winter coop (about November). The pullets would be about 8-10 weeks old. But to keep them separate means to remove the pullets from the coop (where they would have been used to sleeping) and keep them in a cage in the enclosed pen even at night (which will be TOO COLD). If my 5 hens come back and find 10 young pullets in their coop, there's going to be an all-out war! LOL My husband is making the coop, itself, bigger with more roosts, but I'd still like to keep them separate for integration safety for a week. Any ideas? I'm STUMPED!!! Is it better to move the pullets out and into the cage kennel and just cover it with a comforter at night? I can let the older hens into a separate pen during the day (next to the enclosed pen) and keep the little ones safe inside but they wouldn't see each other much. How can I integrate them?

[@baddogcustoms7496]

I would suggest something like a chicken Tractor. If like mine, possibly two sides, vinyl siding and two sides with chicken wire, and a clear vinyl roof to let the sun in. You could possibly even put one piece of vinyl siding at the bottom on the two sides with chicken wire, which is what I did to one of my chicken Tractors for babies. To keep them safe from the elements they’ll huddle themselves up in a corner. Chicken wire sides obviously will be able to see the other chickens. The other chickens can see them, but can’t hurt them. Vinyl siding is more so to keep them safe from the elements & the wind and pecking from the bigger birds. 👍🏽 i’ve built three chicken tractors within the last month or so after some ideas and thinking things out they’re roughly 4 foot wide by 8 foot long and weigh roughly 50 pounds. You can pick up one end and move it anywhere in the yard with one hand pretty much. I put one eye screw in the end of it on the bottom and you just hook up any dog chain to it. Making it very easily manageable 💪🏽🤠🤙🏽 2x4 on the bottoms & corners & 1x4 on the top to make it lighter. Honestly has been one of the best additions that I’ve had since I’ve had chickens and I have a couple different species of couple different ages and some of them just have to be separated from others, works extremely well. Also suggest checking out @acresofadventures Good people with good tips over there 👍🏽 youtube.com/@AcresOfAdventure?si=pq_IHdZWDhFTh--u

[@wendyleibham5465]

That’s good you say that because I have a broody hen and want to raise chicks from her… I have my rooster separate right now but I’ll put them together to fertilize your eggs… Am I on the right track let me know thanks Wendy

[@bsbarksfreedom6244]

Yesterday we just got 27 meat birds from McMurray. I thought it was funny when I saw that box. Thanks for the info

[@sarahwhite3782]

I can't believe I'm actually considering buying chickens with these eggs prices. Thanks for the video.

[@edjr7676]

Still going to have to pay for food and all the stuff. The prices will go back down. Just know that having chickens isn’t necessarily cheaper than getting eggs depending on how many you eat and whatnot

[@heatherk8931]

I did it last year 4/2022. The feed is now 18.00 #40. It lasts maybe 6 weeks with 7 birds and free range. It's worth it after you get the water and coop figured out.

[@shandysgarden]

I am new to being a chicken Mama but everything I've learned I've learned from you and they love the grubterra ❤ TYSM

[@TexasRivers]

You do such a great job explaining! My first chickens are about 8 weeks old now and free ranging in the day and returning to coop in evening on their own. I have enjoyed your videos so very much. Thank you!

[@grandma6552]

I got Bamboo paper towels (had never even heard of them before) and they were AWESOME! Huge, bouncy, super absorbent and essentially tear-proof even where they get wet from the waterer!

[@Ccal488]

Great idea!!

[@shirleytice1125]

I'm going to get 6 chickens and 3 ducks so this is great 👍

[@lauratanln]

Good video which shows a lot of consideration for these sentient beings.

[@Ewakahuna]

Have raised 3 mail order broods. And now have 12 eggs hatching in the incubator. The first hatched this morning and 3 more are pipping. My granddaughter and grandson will be taking over from here under my supervision. I can't improve on your video with any advice other than saying thank you.

[@TeddyCrochet]

We just got 3 eggers and 3 dark Brahmas. We lost 1 egger and were absolutely devastated. Didn't think it was possible to be so attached so quickly. She had pasty butt (Common for new and stressed babies, I know) and we suspect got hit with coccidosis. By the time we started her on Corid she was just too small, too stressed & it was too late. We know these things can happen but still heart wrenching. The eggers are my favorite so far. So sweet and also adorable!

[@melissavaldez4177]

I'm getting bantam chicks at tractor supply this is what I've been looking for😊

[@michelemarie885]

I always love your videos! So well done and informative. I got all of my chick raising tips from your first getting ready for chicks video, so I have nothing to add. 😉

[@gardencitychickens9564]

I love your mixed flock! Great video too!

[@roxweinzel7436]

I love this channel

[@garyvee6023]

I made a light plywood frame that goes around the outer edge of the heatplate. Mine is now 3 years old and still looks as brand new (and its seen hundreds of chicks) this way they can't get on top and poo on it. I have a special "chick" raising coop that the chicks go out to at about 3 weeks old (which still has a heat plate) and I have never lost one.

[@angeledwards780]

This was one of the best videos I've seen on chick care! Great job and now I can't wait until my chicks get here! Thank you for your hard work.

[@kayea6078]

Super glad I watched this. Great tip on the brooder plate. I am relieved I don't have to use heat lamps.

[@erniehd1940]

Best starter video! Thank you so so much for quality videos!

[@yvonnehoward8515]

Thank you for your videos. This is our first time with chicks and I’m learning a lot from you.

[@colinward3160]

Great video,simple quick to the point without lack of details or over detailed.

[@sofia-mu3rv]

Very informational, i’m getting chickens next week and i needed to know what to do. I love your channel!

[@VLove2005]

The is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much for documenting this. Gave me a boost of confidence.

[@soujrnr]

I cracked up seeing that Don Johnson chick (black with the huge plume of white on it's head). We are new to having chickens. In fact, we don't have them yet since I have a few more days of building before I'm done with our chicken coop. This is wonderfully informative!! Thank you very much!

[@richardwalker7252]

Awesome video! Very informative and loved seeing the progress

[@benjamindavidson6067]

Wow thanks for the information we are about to go get baby chicks tomorrow 2/3/2023 I live in south Louisiana this video helps a lot 😊 PS: The chicken getting sassy at the dog was hilarious 😂

[@heatherk8931]

Benjamin, congratulations!! I got mine 4/12/22, so now have fertilized eggs, going to try to hatch some and get a few more chicks. They are so interesting and fun to have. And no more store bought eggs!

[@IrisRanelle1328]

That’s so awesome I just got mine yesterday 3/1/2023 And I’m so happy

[@katherinecornette5315]

Great video 👍it is intimidating when bringing those little guys home.

[@andydundas2443]

Thank you for an excellent video! We have chicks, coming in few weeks and with this video we should be all set up when they get here. This will definitely be our "go to" video for info, start to finish.

[@angelasbusybeesgardenandho4627]

I wish we had those variety of figs in my zone 7. Thanks for sharing.

[@andycast_com]

This video was so well done! Great job!

[@ajos538]

This video was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

[@madelynellisss]

This is an amazing simple video and I’m gonna be getting chicks soon so thank you you’re helping me a lot!!

[@littlestrawberry7029]

Thank you so much for your help! I have chickens too and with your help I am going to improve. I love chickens so much!!

[@mystica8788]

@OakAbode if you buy chicks in the summer, what temperature should you not exceed to keep the chicks safe? Like, what temperature should you keep the heat below? I've heard of people setting up a brooder in the garage in early spring while their chicks are growing big enough to put out in the coop. But can you do that safely in the summer or would the temperature be too high in the garage?

[@amritasuresh8158]

Just watching this video was soothing!! I liked how you went about this in such a calm and orderly manner! 🌈

[@saltlifegull4091]

Just an outstanding training video. You're the best! Thank you.

[@92boostedh22]

Awesome video! I just took ownership of some producing hens and an happy to see how I can expand the family with baby chicks! Thank you so much

[@Bodhioflight444]

This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much

[@jillschmidt6695]

Love this video. Love the pens you use. Thank you!

[@MacehuaAtStonehaven]

Thank you... have been looking for info on how to integrate chicks that are a month and a few days younger. And finally hit your video. So helpful.

[@jewchi83]

You are awesome for sharing this! Love it!

[@dianekulback2430]

Such a great video. Informative and well presented! Thank you!

[@therouchqween]

Me and my dad have been wanting to do this for a while and this really helped ty

[@saraloehwing7909]

I can't wait to get my chickens.

[@GlowBean_Studios]

quick little thing to say, if you can't afford or don't want to get a brooder (those heating plates I think they're called?) because they're too expensive you can go to a dollar general store or just other stores, and you can get a feather duster and here are the pros and cons about the feather duster. Pros: The chicks love it and works pretty well + has a hanger on it so you can hang the feather duster Cons: The chicks hide underneath it and be scared for their lives + when your able to hang it, it does need to be a cage or something like a cage in order to work! Note that this works for me and my family, so these are my opinions! Stay safe, comrades!

[@velvet5922]

Excellent video! Definitely the best one I've seen so far. Great job. Thank you so much! I'll be coming back for more :)

[@jenyfursmith8413]

I love it here! Thank you for this amazing video.

[@tivakudzemagunda23]

wow you take care of little chicks🤗God bless you always

[@ArtAdventurewithTasha]

We just hatched out baby chicks in an incubator,didn’t have a great success rate but do have 2 that are doing great! Onto our second round , just trying to save from buying any as the price for them has gone up..I enjoy watching baby chicks and chicken videos, I’ve learned a lot , thank you for sharing 😊

[@Ana_reads]

Great video! So much great advice . Thank you!

[@kevinmartin4787]

Thank you so much watching from Central, Texas

[@mayochupenjoyer]

14:06 what a smart doggie! my heart 🥺❤️

[@247ChickenCam]

Thank you for this video!! I’m getting my first little baby chicks this weekend and I’m nervous but this helps me feel so much better

[@247ChickenCam]

@@tootsie5593 thank you so much! They’re doing great so far!

[@junemunoz2253]

This helped me so much! Thank you

[@sirmileshendon]

Thank you so much! We're getting ready for our first batch of chicks and this is so helpful!

[@cultureal9544]

how is the process going now for you? any update?

[@bradparry5641]

Thanks for the in depth explanation I was really worried u really helped to put my mind to ease

[@chazdenross7230]

The dog herding the chicken into the pen was great!

[@eatonfam]

Aaaaand.... I'm off to tractor supply for some chicks😂😂❤

[@zoeniaraiela]

This is a great video for beginners. Thank you.

[@bradc2662]

Great video, thanks!

[@THEJONESFAMILYCHANNEL]

My greatest reservations when getting hens!

[@SophiaHorner1]

Mine hatch tomorrow, thanks for the advice 😁😁❤❤❤.

[@ayeshaaltaf7954]

Thank youuuuu your my third helper that's maybe gonna work! Bc I'm getting them tomorrow hopefully I can do this! 🤗

[@Maggieluvspotatoes]

Thank you for letting me know how to take care of chicks because I just brought 4 chicks (3 days old) and now I know how to take care of them.thank you!

[@brookelahr5396]

Thanks! Very clear and helpful 😁

[@sissysimpson792]

Love watching babies

[@amritasuresh8158]

This is Amazing!!! 🌈

[@j.b.4340]

Just got some TS chicks. Just found your channel. Your content is awesome, and helpful.

[@junaidahhamid8278]

I enjoyed watching

[@OakAbode]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@desertrainfrog6639]

Tysm for teaching me how to take care of chicks because I’m getting chicks which is super exciting

[@LeoTheYuty]

Great video!

[@josequins9099]

OMG, one of them has a hat!! So cute!! I'd love to raise a few chickens, but I only have a concrete courtyard, no grass or dirt.

[@Itsbri6]

This was awesome it really helped! Thank you so much!

[@shainatilley4291]

This was perfect for a beginner. Thank you for making it simple and understandable. There's so many tips out there it's hard to know what to believe and try. I'm saving this video for when I'm closer to getting my chicks!

[@makelo1923]

I should be getting my chicks any day now thanks for the advice!

[@nikkitobin8356]

Ahhhhhhhh this video just warms my ❤

[@teambasicvlogs1296]

Great information to those who wants to raise chicks. Nice sharing my friend

[@tinamut6516]

Great video...thank you for doing this! You mentioned linking a chart to when it is okay to put the chicks outside during the day...age/temperature outside chart...I am not able to find that in your find that chart. I also checked your blog. Thanks again!

[@LifeWithElizabeth]

Super helpful and informative, thank you! I've low-key wanted chickens my whole life and the other day my husband commented that maybe we should get some, so here I am. My 4 year old loves chickens and birds too, so I think they would be fantastic for him.

[@ethanastorga6439]

This was a big help thankyou

[@leslielelaind4997]

Hello🙋🏽‍♀️I just got my first set of chickens ever. I’m a lil green so I really appreciate your detailed information and I look forward to learning more from you👏🏽

[@nesramirez9592]

How is it going??

[@adalonejohannessen2723]

me too🥚🐣🐥🇳🇴👋🏾

[@clairebarron2743]

Thankyou so much for this video, it was so helpful

[@blkmjcwmn61]

Thanks for the video! I am considering getting my first baby chicks and appreciate all the great information!!

[@cultureal9544]

if the chirping are too noisy, you cover the cage, the chicks will go to sleep, ahhh PEACE and quiet

[@blkmjcwmn61]

@Cultureal thanks! That's gonna be a lifesaver!!

[@tmc1373]

THIS WAS AN EXCELLENT TEACHING VIDEO!! I'M SUBBING JUST FOR THIS VIDEO ALONE. YOU'RE A GREAT TEACHER!! THANK YOU SO000 MUCH!

[@richardwells8954]

Thank you for a great video.

[@shibibi1]

Love your little outdoor setup! I hope I can get the in my country. My current setup is no where near as secure.

[@ronshook5194]

Hi, Great video, Great advice. I am a retired zoo keeper, have had poultry ETC. Most of my life,.... I'm 72. I basically have been doing ever that you mention.... THANKS

[@FlourishingLove]

Thank you. We have wild chickens in our neighborhood. One hen has frequented our yard for about a year. We put out a waterer for her, and I have given her millet and wheat berries as treats, when she comes to the yard. She disappears when she is laying eggs and is raising her babies. However, about a month ago, she showed up in our yard with a single chick. It looked very newly hatched. Tiny, yellow and fuzzy. It has been four weeks and she was doing ok here until a rooster found her. Not only that, but the four cockerels from her former set of babies has also found her. Yesterday, the 5 roosters separated the mama from the baby, and the baby was running for its life and hid. The mama hen was surrounded and was panting. She tried to chase the bully boys away, (her offspring!). She was unsuccessful, as was I when I tried to help chase them. Useless effort. The day went on and baby was by herself in the bushes. At dusk, mama hen left to go to her nighttime roost without baby! We caught the baby and now have her in a cockatiel cage in our office. We couldn't let her stay out there to be vulnerable to predators. I could really use some advice as to what to feed this little one, please, as well as to when will it be safe to let her out to be a wild chicken, again. Keeping her is not an option bc our city has a no live-stock ordinance. Not even as pets are they allowed. So, we hope to know when is good to let her go. I will be going to the feed store in about an hour. I will get some chick starter feed, and some chick grit. I don't know what else to do. We already have the waterer in the cage with her. I'm thinking that because she was used to scratching the dirt with her mom, that she will be ok to go outside in an enclosure for part of the day, (as soon as my husband puts together the enclosure!). Any advice will be appreciated! Thank you!

[@leesmith5419]

Good information I’m going to try and start my chickens next spring

[@OakAbode]

That’s awesome! Good luck!