What to Expect After Getting Your Chicks Home

What to Expect When You Bring Your Baby Chicks Home

Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery – Preston, MD

Your guide to a smooth, stress-free first week with your new flock!

Bringing home day-old baby chicks is one of the most exciting moments for any backyard chicken keeper. Whether you're starting your first flock or adding new breeds to your homestead, those tiny peeps are pure joy! At Chesapeake Farm & Hatchery, we want every chick to get the healthiest, happiest start — and we want you to feel confident from the moment your chicks arrive.

To explore upcoming availability, visit our Shop Day-Old Chicks page.

1. Your Baby Chicks May Be Sleepy at First

When your chicks first arrive, they may be quiet, tired, or slightly wobbly. This is completely normal! They've had a long trip and need warmth and rest.

If you ever have concerns, you can review our Live Arrival Guarantee.

Normal first-day behavior: lots of sleeping, huddling for warmth, soft peeping. Warmth and hydration are the priority right now.

2. Prepare Your Brooder Before They Arrive

Before opening the shipping box, ensure your brooder is preheated to 95°F. A warm, draft-free brooder helps chicks perk up quickly and settle in.

Brooder Setup Checklist: heat source (lamp or plate), thermometer at chick level, non-slip bedding, fresh water with electrolytes, starter feed.

For more chick-care tips, visit our Hatchery Blog.

3. Hydration Is the First Priority

As you gently place each chick into the brooder, dip its beak into the water. This teaches them where to drink. Hydration is key after travel.

Offering electrolytes for the first 24–48 hours is an excellent way to support energy and recovery.

4. Expect Lots of Exploring

After warming up, your chicks will begin exploring the brooder environment: testing their wings, pecking and scratching, chirping more, becoming more active. This is exactly what you want to see — it means they're adjusting well.

If you need help or have questions, reach out through our Contact page.

5. What Normal Chick Poop Looks Like

Healthy chick droppings should be small and soft. Variations can occur due to travel stress or electrolytes.

Watch for pasty butt, a common temporary condition. If it appears, gently clean the area with warm water and fully dry the chick.

6. They Will Grow FAST

Baby chicks grow faster than any other farm animal! Within days you'll see wing feathers appearing, more confident movement, increased appetite, and louder, happier chirping.

Stay ahead by adjusting your heat source weekly and keeping their brooder clean.

7. Bonding With Your Chicks

The first week is a wonderful chance to build trust. Try offering your hand so they learn your scent, talking softly when checking on them, and holding them for short periods once they're warm. Friendly chicks grow into calm adult hens.

8. Temperature & Behavior Cues

Too cold: huddling under heat source, loud distressed chirping. Too hot: staying far away from the heat, panting, wings held away from body. Just right: active, spread out, content peeping. Behavior is the best indicator of comfort.

9. Keep the Brooder Clean for Healthy Chicks

A clean brooder prevents respiratory issues, pasty butt, and illness. Spot-clean daily, do full bedding changes every 3–4 days, and keep feeders and waterers slightly elevated.

For more flock-raising guidance, check out more articles on our Hatchery Blog.

10. Enjoy the Experience — It Goes by Fast!

Raising baby chicks is such a special part of the backyard chicken journey. In just a few short weeks, they'll be feathered-out, energetic teenagers ready for their coop.