Chick season is adorable… and also the fastest way to discover you’re missing exactly one crucial thing (usually after the store is closed).
If you’re getting chicks this year (first time or fiftieth), the secret to a smooth start is simple: prep the brooder before chick day. Because nothing says “welcome home” like scrambling to rig a heat lamp while a box of tiny dinosaurs yell at you.
Here’s how to do it right, without making it weird.
Build the brooder first.
Then pick your chicks.
Then enjoy the fluff chaos like a prepared adult human.
Here’s the friendly guide to making chick day smooth.
Step 1: Build the Brooder Like You Mean It
Your brooder does not need to be Pinterest-perfect. It needs to be safe, warm, dry, and easy to clean. That’s it. That’s the standard.
The essentials checklist
Brooder space
- A tub/tote/stock tank or enclosed area that’s draft-free
- Somewhere you can clean without crying
- Protected from pets, kids, and anyone who thinks “just one more cuddle” is a lifestyle
Heat
- Heat plate or a securely mounted heat lamp (Secure = not “balanced on hopes and dreams.”)
Bedding
- Absorbent bedding + extra for changes
- Keep it dry. Wet bedding turns into problems fast.
Feed + water
- Chick starter feed
- Chick feeder + chick waterer (less mess, fewer “how did you even do that?” moments)
- A clean-water routine (fresh water isn’t a suggestion)
The “Is my temp right?” cheat code
Chicks will tell you immediately:
- Huddled tightly under heat = too cold
- Avoiding heat / panting = too hot
- Spread out, active, peeping like they own the place = just right
Step 2: Choose Breeds That Match Your Goals (Not Just Your Vibes)
We fully support picking a chicken because it’s pretty. We just want you to also like living with it.
Before you decide, think about:
- Egg goals: quantity, color, consistency
- Temperament: calm and friendly vs. “I choose chaos”
- Cold hardiness: yes, it matters here
- Space: coop/run size and flock dynamics
- Family/4-H: if you want birds that are easier to handle
Tell us what you’re aiming for and we’ll help you choose breeds that make sense. Not just ones that look like they have a personal stylist.
2026 Planned Chick Breed Lineup
Last updated: Feb 1, 2026
(Planned breeds are subject to availability. Hatchery schedules can shift and quantities can be limited. For weekly breed arrival updates, follow us on Instagram or Facebook.)
Here’s what we’re planning to bring in:
- Americana
- Appenzeller Spitzhauben
- Barred Rocks
- Bielefelders
- Black Australorp
- Blue Laced Gold Wyandotte
- Buff Brahma
- California Grey
- Chocolate Orpington
- Columbian Wyandotte
- Cream Legbar
- Crevecoeur
- Cuckoo Marans
- Dark Brahma
- Easter Eggers
- French Black Copper Marans
- French Wheaten Marans
- Lavender Orpington
- Lavender Wyandotte
- Light Brahma
- Midnight Majesty Marans
- Mystic Onyx
- Mottled Houdan
- Partridge Plymouth Rock
- Pearl Onyx
- Prairie Bluebell Egger
- Rhode Island Red
- Russian Orloff
- Sapphire Olive Eggers
- Sapphire Splash
- Silver Leghorn
- Speckled Sussex
- Starlight Green Egger
- Welsummer
Yes, that list is dangerously cute.
Looking for a different breed or a specific combination?
If you’ve got your heart set on something specific, ask us about a special order—we’ll walk you through timing and what’s realistic.
Special orders: the quick reality check
Special orders depend on hatchery availability, but generally:
- Some breeds require lead time
- There may be minimum quantities
- Timing can depend on hatch dates and shipping windows
Translation: the sooner you ask, the smoother it goes.
Step 3: Make Chick Day Easy (Because It Should Be Fun)
If you want chick day to feel like “new flock joy” instead of “panicked hardware store speedrun,” do this:
- Get your brooder set up
- Test your heat + temp stability
- Stock bedding, feed, and clean water supplies
- Then bring home your chicks like the calm legend you were meant to be
If you want help, tell us:
- How many chicks you’re getting
- Heat plate or heat lamp
- Your coop plan (space, run, and whether you already have older birds)
We’ll help you build a simple list—and we can set items aside so you’re not trying to remember everything while you’re staring at baby chicks and making emotional decisions.
Quick note
This is general setup guidance. If chicks seem lethargic, aren’t eating/drinking, or something looks off, getting help early (and looping in a professional when needed) is always the right move.
