Initially you need
1)something to keep them in...a large tub or box will work okay for just a few chicks.
2)waterer - they need something that's low enough to drink out of, but that they can't fall into and drown. small dish with marbled in it will work for a few chicks...or you can purchase a "chick waterer" which is a dish with a rind that has a quart "jar" on it for water. they drink a LOT of water
3)feeder. Anything will work here. long and shallow dish/pan. They'll walk in it, they'll poop in it probably. chickens like to have their feed at the level of their backs...so with new chicks, something that's floor level or a few inches up.
4)bedding. For the first week, do NOT use newspaper or anything that is smooth. They can't grip it, and feet slip easily..leading to "splay leg". Shredded paper works. Straw. hay. I use shavings (the large type) but some people find that the chicks eat the smaller pieces. (I've never had the problem)
Feed: buy chick starter. It's formulated for the little critters, and they do well on it. Keep feed in front of them all the time. And water.
5)Heat lamp. They need to start off at about 100F. Place the lamp about 18inches above the floor. They'll huddle under the lamp if they're too cold, and try to get as far away from it as they can if they're too warm. (they will pant and look dazed if over heated). first week at 98ish to 100; week 2 at 90-95F (raise the lamp a few inches to reduce heat); 3rd week at 85 to90; then reduce to room temp, with heat lamp at one end so they can go bake themselves when they're cold.
Actually...a rabbit cage will work well ifyou put a wind break around it. NO DRAFTS. A draft will kill them quickly because of heat loss. Put a layer of straw on the floor of the cage..you should be golden.
hmm..what else....They can go outside as soon as they're feathered out. As chicks, they don't really NEED a roost, but if you put something in the brooder for them to roost on, they'll use it. And they'll know how to roost when they get to the hen house. I use a branch. just dump it in the brooder and they climb all over it...learning balance and how to close the talons on it.
oh yes. you'll need a camera so you can photograph them and share with us