8 Supplies for Hatching and Raising Backyard Chicks

Watching a clutch of eggs transform into a flock of vibrant, egg-laying hens is one of the most rewarding experiences a backyard farmer can have. However, success in hatching and brooding requires more than just enthusiasm; it demands the right tools to mimic a mother hen’s natural care. Equipping your homestead with reliable, task-specific gear ensures high hatch rates and healthy, thriving chicks from day one.

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Preparation: Setting Up Your Hatching Space

Before a single egg goes into an incubator, the physical environment must be carefully prepared. Hatching requires absolute stability in both temperature and humidity, meaning the chosen room must be draft-free and shielded from direct sunlight. A spare bedroom, a climate-controlled utility room, or a quiet office works best, while drafty barns or uninsulated garages should be avoided.

Setting up your equipment a full 24 to 48 hours before the eggs arrive is a non-negotiable step. This trial run allows the incubator to stabilize its internal climate and lets you calibrate any secondary thermometers. It also ensures that any mechanical issues can be resolved without risking the lives of developing embryos.

Keep the workspace clean and sanitized. Young chicks have highly vulnerable immune systems, and the warm, humid environment of an incubator is a breeding ground for bacteria. Wipe down all surfaces with a mild, non-toxic disinfectant before starting the process.

Egg Incubator – Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance Digital

An incubator acts as the surrogate mother hen, maintaining a precise microclimate of warmth and humidity necessary for embryonic development. Without highly consistent temperature control, embryos will fail to develop or hatch with severe deformities. This tool is the single most critical investment in the entire hatching process.

The Brinsea Maxi 24 Advance Digital stands out for its exceptional temperature stability and automated features. It features a high-visibility countdown timer, automatic turning with programmable intervals, and an autostop feature that halts turning three days before hatch day. Its circular design ensures even airflow, eliminating the cold spots that plague cheaper, square models.

• Capacity: Up to 24 chicken eggs (with the standard turning countdown)
• Controls: Digital temperature display with high/low alarms
• Turning: Fully automatic with adjustable angles and intervals
• Visibility: Clear dome for 360-degree viewing of the hatch

While this unit is incredibly user-friendly, beginners must remember to monitor humidity manually by adding water to the internal reservoirs. It is ideal for small-scale hobbyists who want high hatch rates without constant manual intervention. However, it may be too small for those looking to hatch large heritage breeds in massive quantities.

Egg Candler – Magicfly Bright Cool LED Light

An egg candler allows you to peer inside the shell to monitor embryo development and identify non-viable eggs. Removing "quitters" or unfertilized eggs early prevents them from rotting and potentially exploding, which can contaminate the entire incubator with deadly bacteria. Candling is typically done on days 7, 14, and 18 of the incubation cycle.

The Magicfly Bright Cool LED Light is engineered specifically for this delicate task, utilizing a high-output LED that generates almost no heat. Heat from traditional bulbs can easily damage a developing embryo during inspection. This unit comes with two different-sized rubber nozzles, ensuring a tight, light-blocking seal on both tiny quail eggs and large heritage chicken eggs.

• Light Source: Cool-burning, high-efficiency LED
• Power Options: Battery-operated or wall-plug adapter for flexibility
• Accessories: Dual rubber adapter rings for varying egg sizes

Using this tool requires a completely dark room for the best visibility. It is an indispensable tool for any backyard breeder, though those working with dark, thick-shelled eggs like Marans will need to be patient, as these shells require careful angling to see through clearly.

Brooder Pen – RentACoop Chick Brooder Playpen

Once chicks hatch and dry off, they need a secure, draft-free home called a brooder. This space keeps them contained, protects them from household pets, and prevents them from wandering away from their heat source. A good brooder must balance ventilation with security.

The RentACoop Chick Brooder Playpen offers a highly practical alternative to heavy wooden boxes or flimsy cardboard setups. Made from durable, lightweight fabric with mesh windows, it provides excellent ventilation while keeping drafts out. The zippered mesh top is crucial, as chicks become surprisingly agile jumpers by week two and will easily escape open-topped containers.

• Material: Water-resistant, easy-to-wipe Oxford fabric
• Access: Top and side zippered doors for easy feeding and cleaning
• Portability: Collapsible design for flat storage between hatches

This playpen is perfect for raising up to 15 to 20 chicks for their first four weeks. However, keep in mind that as chicks grow, they produce more dust and dander. Placing a plastic tarp or heavy cardboard underneath the playpen will protect your flooring from any accidental spills or fine dust.

Brooder Heater – Brinsea EcoGlow Safety 600

Chicks cannot regulate their own body temperature for the first few weeks of life and require an external heat source. Traditional red heat lamps are notorious fire hazards and can cause sleep disruption due to constant light. A radiant heater mimics the physical warmth of a mother hen’s underside, promoting natural sleep cycles.

The Brinsea EcoGlow Safety 600 is a premium radiant heating plate that uses only a fraction of the electricity of a standard heat lamp. It heats the chicks directly through contact rather than heating the air around them, which is far more energy-efficient and safer. The height is easily adjustable to accommodate growing chicks as they require less heat.

• Power Consumption: Safe 12V operation using only 22 watts
• Capacity: Suitable for up to 20 newly hatched chicks
• Height Adjustment: Four adjustable legs for customizable clearance

Because this unit relies on contact warmth, the ambient air in the brooder will feel cool to your touch. Do not panic; as long as the chicks can snuggle underneath the plate, they are perfectly warm. This heater is not suited for unheated outdoor sheds in freezing winter temperatures, as it works best in rooms where the ambient temperature is at least 50°F.

Essential Rules for Brooder Temperature Safety

Managing brooder temperature is a balancing act that requires close observation of chick behavior. While a thermometer is a helpful guide, the chicks themselves are the ultimate indicators of comfort. If they are huddled tightly directly under the heat source and chirping loudly, they are too cold; if they are pressed against the outer walls of the brooder panting, they are too hot.

The standard rule of thumb is to start the brooder at 95°F for the first week, then decrease the temperature by 5°F each subsequent week until it matches the ambient outdoor temperature. When using a radiant heater like the EcoGlow, simply raise the plate slightly every week so the chicks can stand comfortably beneath it without having to crouch.

Never heat the entire brooder uniformly. There must always be a "cool zone" away from the heater where chicks can eat, drink, and regulate their temperatures. This thermal gradient is vital for their physical development and prevents heat stress.

Chick Feeder – Harris Farms Baby Chick Feeder

Chicks are notorious scratchers and will instinctively scratch at their food, scattering it across the brooder floor where it gets soiled. A proper feeder must keep the feed clean, dry, and easily accessible while preventing the chicks from standing or defecating in it.

The Harris Farms Baby Chick Feeder features a classic mason-jar style design with a red plastic base containing individual feeding holes. The red color is highly attractive to young chicks, drawing them to the food source immediately after hatch. The narrow feeding ports prevent chicks from climbing inside and scratching the feed out onto the bedding.

• Material: Heavy-duty, BPA-free plastic
• Design: Twist-lock base compatible with standard wide-mouth mason jars
• Ports: 8 individual feeding holes to reduce competition

While this feeder is excellent for the first two to three weeks, its small capacity means you will need to refill it multiple times a day as the chicks grow. It is perfect for small broods of 6 to 12 chicks, but larger flocks will quickly outgrow it and require a larger trough-style feeder.

Chick Waterer – Harris Farms Easy Fill Waterer

Clean water is the most critical nutrient for a growing chick, but open water dishes are a recipe for disaster. Chicks can easily drown in shallow water, or wet their down feathers, leading to rapid, fatal chilling. A specialized waterer delivers clean water while keeping the chicks dry and safe.

The Harris Farms Easy Fill Waterer features a narrow drinking trough that prevents chicks from stepping into the water. Its top-fill design with a silicone seal makes refilling simple without having to flip the entire unit upside down, minimizing messy spills in the brooder. The bright red base catches the chicks’ attention, encouraging them to drink early.

• Capacity: 1 quart, ideal for small broods
• Design: Top-fill reservoir with a gasket-sealed lid
• Safety: Narrow lip prevents wading and accidental drowning

To keep the water clean, elevate the waterer slightly on a flat wood block or plastic stand once the chicks are a few days old. This prevents them from scratching bedding into the drinking trough. This size is ideal for the first few weeks, after which you will need to transition to a larger-capacity hanging waterer.

Brooder Bedding – Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding

The choice of brooder bedding directly impacts chick health, specifically respiratory wellness and joint development. Flimsy newspaper is too slippery and can cause permanent leg deformities like "spraddle leg," while dusty wood shavings can irritate delicate avian lungs. High-quality bedding must absorb moisture quickly and control ammonia odors.

Eaton Pet and Pasture Hemp Bedding is a premium, sustainable alternative to traditional pine shavings. It is virtually dust-free, highly absorbent, and naturally odor-resistant, keeping the brooder dry and fresh for longer periods. Hemp fibers do not break down into fine airborne dust, which protects both your chicks and your indoor living spaces from respiratory irritation.

• Material: 100% natural, renewably sourced hemp hurd
• Absorbency: Up to four times more absorbent than pine shavings
• Dust Level: Ultra-low dust profile to protect respiratory tracts

For the first 24 to 48 hours of a chick’s life, place paper towels over the bedding so they do not mistake the small hemp pieces for food. Once they have learned to identify their actual feed, the paper towels can be removed, allowing the hemp bedding to do its job. It is slightly more expensive upfront than pine, but its longevity and odor control make it highly cost-effective.

Starter Feed – Manna Pro Organic Chick Starter

A chick’s nutritional needs during the first eight weeks are vastly different from those of an adult laying hen. They require a high-protein, easily digestible diet to support rapid bone, muscle, and feather development. Feeding them adult layer feed too early can cause kidney damage due to excessive calcium.

Manna Pro Organic Chick Starter is a USDA Certified Organic, non-GMO crumble formulated specifically for young chicks. With 19% protein, it provides the optimal nutritional foundation for strong skeletal growth and robust immune systems. It is free from artificial colors and preservatives, ensuring your future laying hens start life on the cleanest possible diet.

• Protein Content: 19% crude protein for optimal growth
• Form: Small, easily consumable crumbles
• Certifications: USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified

This feed is unmedicated, which is excellent for keepers who prefer a natural approach. However, if your chicks have not been vaccinated against coccidiosis, you must maintain immaculate brooder hygiene to prevent this common intestinal parasite. Ensure they have access to clean feed at all times, as chicks eat continuously throughout the day.

Daily Care Routine for Your Growing Chicks

Raising healthy chicks requires a consistent daily routine that focuses on hygiene and keen observation. Every morning, check that the waterer is clean and free of bedding, as dirty water can harbor harmful bacteria. Refill the feeder, ensuring the crumbles are dry and free of mold or droppings.

Spend a few minutes observing the chicks’ behavior and physical appearance. Check each chick’s vent area for "pasty butt," a condition where droppings dry and clog the vent, which can be fatal if left untreated. Gently clean any blockages with a warm, damp paper towel, taking care not to tear their delicate skin.

Spot-clean the brooder daily by removing damp patches of bedding around the waterer and adding a fresh layer of hemp. A clean, dry brooder is the absolute best defense against respiratory illnesses and coccidiosis.

Transitioning Your Young Pullets to the Coop

By week six, your chicks will be fully feathered and ready to begin their transition to the outdoor coop. This process must be gradual to prevent shock from temperature fluctuations. Start by turning off their brooder heater during the day, then eventually at night, to help them adjust to ambient temperatures.

Before moving them permanently, introduce them to the coop environment for a few hours on warm, sunny afternoons. This "hardening off" period allows them to explore their new home and get used to the sights and sounds of the outdoors while remaining safe from predators. Ensure the coop is completely secure, with fine hardware cloth covering all vents and openings.

If you are integrating these young pullets into an existing flock, do so slowly. Use a temporary wire barrier inside the run so the older birds and the pullets can see each other without physical contact for at least a week. This minimizes aggression and helps establish a peaceful pecking order.

Successfully hatching and raising your own backyard chicks is a deeply satisfying step toward self-sufficiency. By investing in reliable, high-quality equipment and maintaining a disciplined daily care routine, you set your flock up for a lifetime of health and productivity. With patience and the right tools in hand, your backyard will soon be filled with the lively sounds of happy, thriving hens.