As with the food it can be a good idea to have two sources of water; one in their coop run area, and one outside (if they are free ranging). While all the chicks should be able to congregate under the warmth of the heat lamp, there must also be an unheated part of the brooder where they can eat, drink and exercise.

Hens that raise chicks naturally will eat grass and greens and encourage their babies to do the same. DISCLAIMER - I MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THE INFORMATION ON THIS SITE IS ACCURATE, MAINTAINED TO A HIGH STANDARD AND UP TO DATE. The sunflower seeds have good protein in them, and you can offer them as a treat when the chick is a little older (always offer grit when giving treats and seeds/whole grains). Feed them at least 6-8 times per day for the first week or two, then gradually reduce the number of feedings to 3-4 times per day as they get older.

A 2mm micro pellet with a unique balance of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids to promote egg production. One fancier I met told me his secret to success was sprouting wheat on a tray and feeding it to his chicks.

When keeping chickens it is important to give them a supply of grit as they may not be able to naturally find enough grit. My choice for raising chicks is to use an infra-red bulb for the first four days, which provides the most heat and 24-hour light for chicks to start feeding and then switch to a ceramic lamp that provides slightly less heat and gives them darkness overnight to rest. Although chicks need light, if a white bulb is used for heat, they have no period of darkness to rest – this can lead to pecking problems caused by stress.In this article, I look at how to feed chicks from day-old to 18 weeks or point-of-lay, when there is no Mother Hen to care for them. I usually begin to introduce growers pellets at five weeks and stop feeding chick crumbs at about six weeks, sometimes a little longer if I’m using up a bag.