While caring for chickens is quite easy because they are so self-sufficient, caring for baby chicks is anything but. Keep them at the wrong temperature and they will die. Keep them in a brooder that is not predator proof and they will die. The list goes on and on. All chicks require a lot of care, especially during the first four weeks of life.

When you receive your mail-order shipment of chicks, there are three essential chick care tips to keep in mind or your chicks may die. The three things you need to worry about are bonding, access to water, and umbilical cords.

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When you pick up your chicks at the post office or wherever they’ve been delivered, take them straight home. The first step in proper chick care is to remove them from the container one at a time and check their bottoms for a condition called “stuck.” It is very easy to identify because you will notice a blackish poop that is stuck to his butt. Dried poop covers their vents and prevents them from pooping more.

This is a serious condition and must be treated immediately. I use a warm, wet cloth and soak this area to make it soft enough to remove. In some of the really bad cases, I’ve had to soak the chicks’ bottoms in water to get them off. You can use a toothpick or anything else that is disposable to help remove the dirt. I dry the chick with my hair dryer on low so I don’t burn the baby and then place it in the brooder. Keep a close eye on all chicks because this problem can recur.

Provide water immediately
The second essential chick care tip is that your new babies will need water as soon as you have inspected them and cleaned any sticking issues that have occurred in transit. I don’t risk my chicks not knowing what to do with the water. When I place the easy chick in the brooder for the first time, I gently dip their beaks into the water source. They always get the idea very quickly and start drinking. Watch them carefully and make sure all the chicks know how to eat and drink. Never try to force them to drink with a syringe because you will empty them.

Umbilical cord
The third essential chick care tip is don’t be surprised if you notice that some of your chicks still have their umbilical cord attached. You will notice what looks like a black rope tied to their bottoms. It is very common and will go away on its own. Under no circumstances tear it off or cut it yourself. You can seriously insult your girl by doing this.