Hatching & Raising Chicks: A Homesteader’s Guide

There’s something magical about witnessing new life emerge, especially when you’re hatching and raising chicks on your homestead. Whether you’re starting small or expanding your flock, this guide will walk you through the essentials—from incubation to brooding and beyond.

Hatching Chicks: Getting Started

Hatching chicks can be done using two main methods—letting a broody hen do the work or incubating eggs yourself. While both methods have their benefits, incubating gives you more control over the process.

Choosing the Right Eggs

• Source fertilized eggs from a trusted breeder or your own flock.

• Check for even shape and strong shells—avoid cracked or misshapen eggs.

Using an Incubator: Step-by-Step

When relying on an incubator, consistency is key to ensuring healthy chick development.

1. Choosing the Right Incubator

• Forced-air incubators circulate air evenly, maintaining stable temperatures.

• Still-air incubators require careful monitoring due to uneven heat distribution.

• Make sure your incubator has a reliable thermostat and humidity control.

2. Setting It Up

• Place the incubator in a stable, draft-free environment to prevent temperature fluctuations.

• Set the temperature to 99.5°F (37.5°C) for forced-air models and 100-101°F (38°C) for still-air models.

• Maintain humidity at 50-55% for the first 18 days, then increase to 65-70% during lockdown.

3. Egg Management

• Turn eggs 3-5 times daily to mimic a broody hen’s care (some incubators do this automatically).

• Candle eggs around days 7 and 14 to check for development—remove any non-viable eggs.

4. Lockdown & Hatching

• Stop turning eggs on day 18—this is called lockdown.

• Increase humidity and avoid opening the incubator unnecessarily.

• Chicks will start pipping (breaking through the shell) around day 21.

• Allow chicks to dry in the incubator before moving them to the brooder.

Raising Baby Chicks: The Basics

Once hatched, chicks need careful attention in their first few weeks.

Setting Up the Brooder

• Use a large, ventilated container with solid sides to prevent drafts.

• Line with pine shavings (not cedar, which can be toxic).

• Provide a heat source—a heat lamp or brooder plate—set to 95°F for week one, decreasing 5°F each week.

Nutrition & Hydration

• Start chicks on high-protein chick starter feed (crumbles work best).

• Provide fresh, clean water at all times—avoid deep dishes to prevent drowning.

• Introduce grit once they begin eating anything beyond starter feed.

Socializing & Safety

• Handle chicks gently to build trust.

• Watch for common issues like pasty butt (a clogged vent) and splayed legs (which can be corrected early).

• Move chicks outside around 5-6 weeks, once they’re feathered and temperatures are mild.

Final Thoughts

Raising chicks is one of the most rewarding homestead experiences—you get to nurture new life while expanding your flock. Whether you're hatching eggs for the first time or refining your process, each season brings new learning moments.