carguyschicago

Starting your backyard flock is an exciting journey, and raising baby chicks the right way is key to healthy, happy hens. At Chicken Guys Chicago, we not only deliver rare, naturally raised baby chicks across Illinois — we also want to make sure you’re fully prepared to raise them with confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned poultry keeper, this guide will cover everything you need to know about caring for baby chicks and what to feed them from day one. 1. Set Up a Safe & Warm Brooder A brooder is the warm, cozy space where your chicks will live for the first few weeks. You can use a large bin, a kiddie pool, or a dedicated brooder box — just make sure it’s draft-free and easy to clean. Brooder Essentials: 2. Feed High-Quality Starter Feed From hatch day until around 6–8 weeks of age, your baby chicks need medicated or non-medicated chick starter feed with 18–20% protein. Top Feed Tips: Want to keep it natural? At Chicken Guys Chicago, our chicks are raised hormone-free and naturally — so we recommend choosing our organic or non-GMO chick feed whenever possible. 3. Keep Water Clean & Accessible Chicks are tiny but messy! Use a shallow waterer to prevent drowning and check it multiple times a day. Add small pebbles to the base to keep them safe. 4. Gradually Transition to Grower Feed At around 6–8 weeks, start introducing grower feed (16–18% protein) as they prepare for adulthood. Also, start offering chick grit if you’re feeding treats like mealworms or greens. 5. Monitor Health & Behavior Healthy chicks are alert, chirpy, and active. Look out for: Final Thoughts Raising healthy baby chicks is all about warmth, clean water, the right feed, and lots of love. Whether you’re hatching rare beauties like Ayam Cemani, Silkies, or friendly Olive Eggers, Chicken Guys Chicago is here to help you every step of the way.

Founded in 2022, Chicken Guys Chicago started with one big dream—to build a poultry farm families could truly trust. What began as a small backyard venture in Illinois quickly grew into a community favorite for sourcing healthy, ethically raised, and truly rare poultry breeds. We’re not your average hatchery—we’re poultry lovers through and through. At Chicken Guys Chicago, we specialize in rare baby chicks, exotic poultry, and farm-ready companions including Olive Eggers, Blue Eggers, Ayam Cemani (aka the all-black Lamborghini of chickens), Silkie fluffballs, Polish pom-poms, Silver Spitzhaubens from Switzerland, Guinea chicks, White Crested Ducks, and more. Whether you’re starting a backyard flock or expanding your coop, you’ll find breeds here you won’t find at your local feed store. Why Families Choose Us ✅ Hormone-Free & Naturally Raised: Every chick is hatched and raised the way nature intended—no artificial chemicals, no shortcuts. ✅ Live Photos, Real Birds: What you see is exactly what you get. Our site features real images straight from our Illinois coops. ✅ 1–2 Day Shipping in Illinois: We partner with trusted carriers like USPS to ensure your chicks arrive healthy and happy. All chicks are double-checked before they leave. ✅ Vaccinated & Vet-Checked: Our poultry is raised with care, kept disease-free, and vaccinated for peace of mind and long-term health. From homesteaders to urban farmers, Chicken Guys Chicago is the go-to shop for those who want beautiful birds, vibrant egg colors, and gentle temperaments—all backed by ethical care and quality you can see.