AKA How to Raise Baby Chicks at Home (Without the Long-Term Commitment)
Kids love fluffy baby chicks—but raising full-grown chickens requires space, time, and ongoing care. Families can experience the fun of raising chicks without the long-term commitment through the chick-raising program at Great Country Farms which is about 2.5 hours from Richmond near Winchester.
This unique spring program allows families to take home four baby chicks, raise them for a few weeks, and then return them to the farm’s flock once they are ready to live outdoors. It’s a hands-on way for kids to learn about farm life, responsibility, and caring for animals while enjoying the excitement of watching their chicks grow.
🐣 How the Chick Raising Program Works
Reserve your chicks
Chicks are on sale now, and are available while supplies last. Families purchase four chicks and choose a pick-up date. This popular program typically sells out quickly, so joining the waitlist early is a great idea.
Pick up your chicks
Families can pick up their chicks at the Farm Market at Great Country Farms between March 21 and April 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On your selected pick-up day, you’ll receive:
- Four baby chicks
- A bag of starter feed for their first week
Learn the Basics at Peep Parenting Class
New to raising chicks? Join the 20-minute Peep Parenting Class at 11 a.m. on your pick-up day. Hosted by a farmhand, this quick class covers everything you need to know to get started, including how to set up your chick space, how to feed and water them, and how to keep their home clean.
Prepare a cozy chick space
Before bringing your chicks home, choose a warm indoor spot such as a laundry room, bathroom, or mudroom. Set up a sturdy box or brooder to serve as their temporary home.
Raise your chicks at home
Enjoy caring for your little peeps as they grow! Kids can help feed them, check their water, and watch them develop from fuzzy chicks into feathered young hens. Chicks should stay indoors or in a heated brooder for about 5–8 weeks, until their feathers fully come in.
Return them to the farm (optional)
If you don’t plan to keep chickens long-term, simply bring the chicks back to the farm anytime after a few days or weeks so they can join the farm’s flock of egg-laying hens.
🐥 What You Need to Raise Chicks
Chicks are surprisingly simple to care for during their first couple of months. The main things to focus on are:
- Housing: A safe box or brooder with bedding
- Temperature: A heat source to keep them warm
- Food and Water: Chick starter feed and fresh water daily
- Cleanliness: Regularly cleaning bedding and containers
Families who don’t already have supplies can add an equipment package when reserving chicks. The kit includes a feeder, a mason jar poultry water dish, and a heat mat to help keep chicks at a healthy temperature.
💲 Pricing
- 4 chicks + one week of starter feed: $49.99 (plus tax and fees)
- Extra feed: Available if you plan to keep the chicks a few weeks longer
- Optional equipment package: Includes feeder, water dish, and heat mat
Raising baby chicks is a fun way to welcome spring, teach kids about caring for animals, and experience a little farm life at home—all without the long-term commitment of raising chickens.
For more information, visit the Great Country Farms’ Spring Chick Program webpage.
Remember – Pre-registration is required, and spots typically fill quickly!
