If you're planning to start a backyard flock, picking up your first batch of agway chicks is probably the most exciting day of the entire year. There is something about walking into the store and hearing that constant, high-pitched "cheep-cheep" coming from the back corner that just makes you want to take them all home. I've been there more times than I care to admit, usually walking in for a bag of birdseed and walking out with a cardboard box full of fluff.
Getting Ready for Chick Days
Agway stores are legendary for their "Chick Days," which usually kick off in early spring. It's a seasonal event that draws in everyone from seasoned farmers to suburban families looking for a few fresh eggs. If you've never done it before, it's worth noting that these events can get pretty busy. Some people pre-order their specific breeds months in advance, while others just show up and see what's available in the stock tanks.
If you have your heart set on a specific breed—maybe you really want those blue eggs from an Ameraucana or the heavy production of a Rhode Island Red—it's always smarter to call ahead. The agway chicks go fast, and you don't want to be left with the "straight run" bin (which is a mix of males and females) if you're only allowed to have hens in your neighborhood.
Setting Up the Brooder Before You Bring Them Home
The biggest mistake you can make is bringing your agway chicks home before you have their "nursery" ready. You need a brooder, which is basically just a safe, warm container where they'll live for the first six weeks or so. I've used everything from heavy-duty plastic storage totes to galvanized stock tanks, and honestly, even a sturdy cardboard box can work in a pinch if it's big enough.
The most important thing is the heat. These little guys can't regulate their own body temperature yet. You'll need a heat lamp or, even better, one of those radiant heat plates. I personally prefer the plates because they're a lot safer—no fire risk—and they mimic a mother hen. If you use a traditional red heat lamp, make sure it's clamped down tighter than you think is necessary.
For bedding, stick with pine shavings. Avoid cedar at all costs because the oils can be toxic to birds. And whatever you do, don't use newspaper; it's too slippery and can cause a condition called "splay leg" where their little legs slide out to the sides and they can't stand up.
Choosing the Right Feed
When you're at the store picking out your agway chicks, you'll also need to grab a bag of chick starter. This stuff is specially formulated with a higher protein content to help them grow those feathers and bones quickly.
You'll have to decide between medicated and non-medicated feed. Medicated feed contains a small amount of Amprolium, which helps protect them from coccidiosis, a common intestinal parasite. If your chicks were vaccinated at the hatchery (which you can usually find out from the store staff), you might not need the medicated stuff. I usually go with medicated just for peace of mind during those first few vulnerable weeks, but it's a personal call.
Don't forget the waterer. Chicks are surprisingly messy drinkers. They'll poop in their water, kick shavings into it, and somehow manage to get themselves soaked if the dish is too deep. Use a shallow chick-specific waterer and maybe put it on a slightly raised brick or piece of wood to keep the shavings out.
The First Week at Home
The first few days with your agway chicks are the most critical. When you first get them out of the box, gently dip their beaks into the water dish so they know exactly where the "watering hole" is. They're smart, but they need that initial nudge.
Keep a close eye on their behavior. If they're all huddled directly under the heat source in a tight pile, they're too cold. If they're pushed up against the far edges of the brooder panting, they're way too hot. You want to see them scattered around, some sleeping, some eating, and some exploring. That's the "Goldilocks" zone of temperature.
Also, be prepared for "pasty butt." It's exactly what it sounds like—poop gets stuck to their downy feathers and can actually block their vent, which is fatal if you don't catch it. You'll need to check them daily and gently clean it off with a warm, damp paper towel if it happens. It's gross, sure, but it's part of being a chicken parent.
Watching Them Grow and Change
It's incredible how fast agway chicks transform. One day they're tiny yellow balls of fluff, and the next, they've got these weird, jagged "teenager" feathers sticking out of their wings. By week three or four, they start looking a little bit like miniature vultures. This is the "awkward phase," and it's hilarious to watch.
This is also the time when they start getting adventurous. They'll try to jump up onto the edge of the brooder or fly over any low barriers. You might want to put a screen or some hardware cloth over the top of the brooder to prevent any accidental escapes. I've definitely spent an evening chasing a three-week-old chick around my living room because I underestimated its vertical leap.
Socializing Your Flock
One of the best parts of getting agway chicks is that you can handle them from day one. If you want friendly hens that will follow you around the yard like little feathered dogs, you need to put in the time now.
I like to sit by the brooder and just let them hop onto my hand. You can even offer them tiny treats once they're a few weeks old, like a bit of chopped-up kale or some mealworms. Just remember that if they eat anything other than their starter crumbles, they need a little bit of "chick grit" (essentially tiny crushed stones) to help them grind up the food in their gizzard.
Moving to the Great Outdoors
Once your agway chicks are fully feathered—usually around six to eight weeks—they're ready to move out to the coop. This transition can be a bit stressful for them (and you). You'll want to make sure the coop is predator-proof and that the nighttime temperatures aren't dropping too low.
If it's still chilly out, I usually "harden them off" by letting them spend a few hours outside in a protected run during the day before making the permanent move. It's always a bittersweet day when they leave the house. The garage or mudroom finally gets quiet, and the dust starts to settle, but you'll miss those constant "cheeps."
Final Thoughts on Raising Agway Chicks
Raising agway chicks is honestly one of the most rewarding hobbies you can get into. There's a bit of a learning curve, and you'll definitely spend more time cleaning up wood shavings than you ever expected, but the payoff is worth it. In just a few months, those tiny fluffballs will be providing you with fresh eggs and plenty of entertainment in the backyard.
Just be warned: "Chicken Math" is a very real thing. You might go in for three chicks, but somehow, you'll walk out with six. Don't worry; it happens to the best of us. Just enjoy the process, keep them warm, and keep them fed. You're going to love having them around.