The Top 5 Things You Need to Raise Baby Chicks

Spring is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to start your backyard flock! If you’ve been thinking about raising chickens, now is the perfect opportunity—Manning’s Feed and Seed will have baby chicks available for sale in just a couple of weeks! Whether you're new to raising chickens or looking to expand your flock, we’ve got everything you need to get started.

Why Raise Chickens?

Raising backyard chickens is rewarding in so many ways. Not only will you get fresh eggs daily, but chickens also provide natural pest control, help with composting, and can be great pets for the family. Plus, there’s nothing cuter than watching baby chicks grow!

How to Prepare for Your Baby Chicks

Bringing home baby chicks is exciting, but they do require some preparation. Here’s what you’ll need before they arrive:

✅ A Brooder: Baby chicks need a warm, safe space to grow. A brooder can be a large plastic bin, a stock tank, or a DIY setup with tall cardboard walls.

✅ Heat Source: Chicks need warmth! A heat lamp or a safer alternative like a radiant heat plate will keep them cozy. Start at 95°F and decrease by 5°F each week until they’re fully feathered.

✅ Bedding: Pine shavings are a great option for keeping the brooder clean and absorbent. Avoid using cedar, as it can be harmful to chicks.

✅ Chick Starter Feed: High-quality chick starter feed is crucial for their growth and development. We carry Kalmbach Feeds Chick Starter, specially formulated with the right nutrients for strong, healthy chicks.

✅ Water and Feeders: Chicks need fresh water at all times. A chick-sized waterer will prevent spills and keep them hydrated.

At Manning’s Feed and Seed, we have everything you need to set up your brooder and care for your new chicks. From feeders and waterers to heat lamps, pine shavings, and premium chick feed, we’re your one-stop shop for raising happy, healthy chickens. Stop by and let us help you get started!

What to Expect as Your Chicks Grow

The first few weeks are all about keeping your chicks warm, well-fed, and safe. As they grow, they’ll begin to feather out and become more active. By 6-8 weeks, they’ll be ready to move to an outdoor coop, where they can explore and start foraging. To keep your flock strong and productive, it’s important to transition them to the right feed as they grow. At Manning’s Feed and Seed, we offer over 40 varieties of chicken feed, including options for layers, broilers, and specialty blends tailored to different breeds and nutritional needs. Whether you're looking for organic, non-GMO, or high-protein feeds, we have the perfect option to keep your chickens happy and healthy.

Ready to Start Your Flock?

Our baby chicks will be arriving in just a couple of weeks! Stop by Manning’s Feed and Seed to check out the different breeds we’ll have available and pick up all your chick-raising essentials. Whether you're a first-time chicken keeper or a seasoned pro, we’re here to help every step of the way.

📍 Visit us at Manning’s Feed and Seed or call us for more details!