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!

INSTAGRAM: @oak_abode

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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!

[lizxu]

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!

[nicoleb]

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!

[thwfytret]

I love how everyone in the comments is so positive and supportive!

[MirandaAltha]

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

[SnackPack]

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

[blessednestpets]

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!

[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

[ironbomb]

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.

[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

[traceymccall]

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

[bradparry]

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

[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!

[grandma]

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!

[RichBarschdorf]

I’ve been raising pigeons and chickens for over 50 years now
And out of all the other videos out there you’ve been the most honest and helpful
I thank you for your information. Yeah I was one of those guys who put shavings in the brooder the minute I got them home, but I’m going to try the paper towels this time.

I have chicks coming this end of the month.

😎

[kayea]

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

[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

[chazdenross]

The dog herding the chicken into the pen was great!

[pittbullcustomleather]

I’ve watched several different videos, since it’s been such a long time since I’ve raised chicks. Your video is the best yet & very helpful/informative. One thing that has helped me with the wood shavings in the food is using a plastic, dollar store kitchen strainer. I pour the leftover food full of wood shavings into the strainer while it’s over a 5 gallon bucket. Then I gently shake the strainer. Most of the shavings & poop stay in the strainer, so I dump them in the bag for compost/trash. The water is still problematic, but I’ll be switching them over to a bucket with the water nipples underneath as they get bigger & stay outside. Hope that helps & thanks again for your video.

[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. :)

[lauratanln]

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