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Search
Horse
Dairy
Cattle
Flock
Swine
Goat
Sheep
Commercial Poultry
Rabbit
Show
Game Bird
Fish
Deer
Milk Replacer

Search
Horse
Dairy
Cattle
Flock
Swine
Goat
Sheep
Commercial Poultry
Rabbit
Show
Game Bird
Fish
Deer
Milk Replacer

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Feed Greatness

Bringing home baby birds? You got this! (but we’re here to help)

First, congrats on bringing home your new fuzzy flock members! Whether you’re raising chicks, ducklings, turkeys or geese, these popular guides and tips will help you raise them up happy and healthy. Soon you will be rewarded with your very own fresh eggs.

Let’s get started with how to care for these little peeps.

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Get Answers to Your Flock Questions

You’re not a mother hen, so it’s natural to have questions about raising chicks, ducklings, goslings or other poultry. We’ve been raising a backyard flock at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center for decades and have written dozens of articles on this subject. We’ve highlighted a few of our most popular ones.

Raising Ducks and Geese: Breeds, Feed and Fun Facts
Questions to Ask When Picking Up New Chicks
Caring for Baby Chicks: What to Do Once They Arrive
Six Milestones of Chicken Growth Stages
How to Feed Laying Hens for Organic Eggs

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Find the Right Feed for Your Baby Birds

Whether you’re raising chicks, ducklings, goslings or other poultry, lifetime success starts the day your little ones arrive.

Bringing home chicks? Look for a Purina^® complete chick starter feed, like Purina^® Start & Grow (medicated or non-medicated) or Purina^® Organic Starter feed. These feeds are formulated to provide all the nutrition your chicks need in one convenient bag. You’ll feed the complete chick starter feed on day 1 of bringing your chicks home through week 18.

Bringing home other baby birds? We’ve still got you covered.

For ducklings: Purina® Duck Feed
For broiler chicks: Purina^® Meat Bird feed
For your mixed flock: Purina^® Flock Raiser^® feed
For peafowl chicks and gamebird chicks (including quail, pheasants and guineas): Purina^® Game Bird 30% Protein Starter feed

Purina^® Start
& Grow (medicated)

Purina^® Start & Grow (non-medicated)

Purina^® Organic
Starter feed

Purina^®
Duck Feed

Purina^®
Meat Bird

Purina^®
Flock Raiser^®

Purina^® Game
Bird 30% Protein Starter feed

Need help finding or choosing the right feed for your chicks? Visit your local Purina retailer and chat with their experienced team for suggestions.

Find a Local Retailer

Watch: Flock Videos to Answer Your Most Common Questions

How to build a chicken coop

When your chicks are about 6 weeks old, they are ready to head to the coop. Though you won’t need a coop right away, it’s always good to plan ahead. Watch this video to learn which type of Coopitecture^™ is best for you.

Can I raise chickens in my area?

So, you’re ready to get chickens? Awesome! Before you bring chicks home: make sure they’re allowed where you live. Talk with your city representatives to find out your chicken ordinances and local laws. Then, share the good news with your neighbors!

Choosing a chicken breed

There are dozens of different chicken breeds – from fancy feathers to productive egg-layers and from heat-tolerant birds to family-friendly breeds. In this video, we give you tips for picking your perfect poultry pal.

Setting up your chicks’ first home

Once you decide to raise chickens, the next step is a lot of fun: Setting up your chicks’ new home! Arrange your brooder in advance so your chicks have a comfortable, clean and safe place to call their own.
Welcoming home your new chicks

After bringing your chicks home, focus on three core elements: warmth, water and feed. In this video, we tell you everything you need to help your new feathered friends start off strong.
What to feed baby chicks

Early nutrition sets the stage for long-term health and happiness, so be sure to start your chicks strong. Choose a complete starter feed that matches your flock goals. For a mixed flock, feed Purina^® Flock Raiser. For layer chicks, feed Purina^® Start & Grow. For organic chicks, choose Purina^® Organic Starter-Grower.
How to build a chicken coop

When your chicks are about 6 weeks old, they are ready to head to the coop. Though you won’t need a coop right away, it’s always good to plan ahead. Watch this video to learn which type of Coopitecture^™ is best for you.