A printable worksheet for raising healthy chicks from day one
Basic details for this batch of chicks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Chick count | |
| Breed(s) | |
| Hatch / arrival date | |
| Source (hatchery / hatched / store) | |
| Brooder location | |
| Heat source | |
| Planned move-outside date |
Start at 95°F in week 1 and lower about 5°F each week until chicks are feathered and matched to outdoor temps (around 6 weeks).
| Week | Target Temp | Actual Temp | Chick Behavior (huddling / panting / content) | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 95°F | |||
| Week 2 | 90°F | |||
| Week 3 | 85°F | |||
| Week 4 | 80°F | |||
| Week 5 | 75°F | |||
| Week 6 | 70°F |
Check chicks daily, especially for pasty butt (droppings stuck to vent), which can be fatal if ignored.
| Date | Chicks OK? | Pasty Butt Check | Feed / Water Refilled | Bedding Changed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Record key developmental moments.
| Milestone | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First feathers appearing | ||
| Wing / tail feathers in | ||
| Fully feathered | ||
| First time outside (supervised) | ||
| Moved to coop full-time | ||
| Integrated with main flock | ||
| First egg (if hens) |
Losses, treatments, behavior, and reminders.
Chicks need a reliable heat source, clean water, and chick starter feed. Watch the chicks, not just the thermometer: huddling means too cold, panting and spreading out means too hot.