If life could remain that simple. Oh what a day. Unfortunately the woman all to late in the scenario realizes the mistake that was made. Upon arriving home, the questions come to mind. "Geesh. I should have asked that clerk more questions. What do I feed you guys? You're just the cutest things. I better call the store." Luckily for the woman the store was still open and her questions answered. There are many others that have not been so lucky.

There are countless tales where all to often there is no one to answer the questions or to offer assistance. As heartbreaking as it is, the precious little babies that wanted so much to be rescued suffer a tragic death brought about from inexperience and lack of preparedness. Before rushing to the rescue of any animal, it is far better to do the research on the caretaking needs and habits of the particular animal beforehand. If time is of the essence in an emergency situation, call your local animal shelter and allow them to respond. For those of you who are in the process of researching, the following will help with the caretaking needs of baby chickens from day old until grown.

Baby chicks have special requirements for their development into adulthood. They have specific requirements for temperature setting, daylight exposure, and feed. Most baby chicks are lost early due to the novice not providing the correct caretaking needs for the young. There are many decisions that should be made even before obtaining a baby chick. Coop design and roaming area should be preplanned for the type of chicken raised. Adult chickens can weigh anywhere from a couple of pounds to over ten pounds. Will your chickens be free ranging or fenced in? Will they be egg layers, meat production, or both? Will some of the eggs be hatched, or sold? How cold/long are the winters in your area? This answer relates to whether your coop will need to have electricity for heating and lighting. There is also the question of vaccination. At the birth of the chick it has become a personal choice as to whether the chick should be vaccinated. If vaccination is chosen, it should be administered within the first forty-eight hours of life. All these questions should have answers before contemplating the acquirement of a baby chick. Once these questions have been answered and the deed done, taking care of a new baby chick will seem like child's play.

Day 1 to Day 7

Chickens at this age need a brooder house. The brooder should allow enough room for growth and free walking space. It should have a heat source set at a constant temperature of 95, and at least twelve hours of light. The flooring of the brooder should be covered in a small holed hardware cloth. The cloth helps the new chick develop its walk, and also helps prevent splayed leg and curled toes. There should be food and water available at all times. Until the chicks are about five months old, they will need specialized starter mash for baby chicks. This feed should be available at the local feed store. The water feeder should be specially designed for the chicks size with no possible way of drowning. A small pickle jar lid filled with marbles works well. Depending on the size and ventilation of the brooder house, it may have to be cleaned every day to prevent ammonia buildup. Whenever the chicks have to be moved for cleaning there should be another brooder completely set up at the correct temperature and lighting for the transfer.

Day 8 to 14

The above directions remain the same except for the following: Temperature set at 90; Lighting for 10-12 hours; Adjust feed and water for growth.

Day 15 to 21

The above directions remain the same except for the following: Temperature set at 80-85; Lighting for 8-10 hours; Adjust feed and water for growth.

Day 22-28

The above directions remain the same except for the following: Temperature set at 70-80; Adjust feed and water for growth.
It is now the time to prepare the coop area for the chicks arrival. If there are already hens and/or roosters in the main coop area, a smaller area should be prepared separate from the main coop area for the chicks protection. The baby chick coop area should be close enough to any other chickens as to allow viewing, but separated to provide protection for the small chicks from the adults and from any predators. The chick coop should also provide protection from heavy winds and rain, and it must have a heat and light source if temperatures are not above 65 daily.

Day 29-35

By now the chicks should be feathering out nicely. Wing feathers should be complete, and tail and neck feathers should be close to complete. During this week the chicks should be allowed time to adjust to the outside coop. They should be brought out on days when the temp is above 65 and no rain, then brought back in at night. Food and water should be available for the chicks in the coop area at all times. If it is winter time, the chick coop must have a heat and light source to provide a temperature of 70 with 8-10 hours of light.

Day 36-5months

When there are no adult chickens and temperatures average above 65, the chicks having adjusted to the coop can now remain outdoors. If temperatures average above 65, and there are adult chickens, the chicks can slowly be integrated into the main coop area. The chicks should only be let into the main coop area when someone can be present to watch. If the coop and range area was designed properly, there should be more than enough room for the chicks to avoid any confrontation with an adult chicken. If an attack (not a pecking order confrontation) occurs, immediately remove the chicks from the area and assess the medical condition of the chick. Continue with the integration daily until chicks and adults can coexist for 8 hours without attacks. When the 8 hour mark is reached, it can be assumed that full integration can be accomplished. If there is an adult chicken that continually attacks the chicks, it may be advised to cull the adult, or to make a permanent separate coop area for the chicks. After months of age the chicks, now pullets or cockerels, can be given adult chicken feed.

Raising baby chickens should not be jumped into. A chick, like a child, can not survive in a home without the proper living conditions being supplied. Watching a small baby chick develop into the hen or rooster it will become can be very fascinating and provide hours of relaxing amusement, but it is after all a living creature that relies upon you for its survival. Research and prepare your home with loving care before making the decision to purchase. By taking the steps necessary to provide the baby chicks with their caretaking needs beforehand, the chicks will provide for you. "Chirp, chirp. Rescue me, rescue me."