The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FLEDGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
L
E
D
G
E
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Raise and care for chick" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case raise and care for chick = fledge.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FLEDGE mean?
FLEDGE verb- To care for a young bird until it is capable of flight.
- To grow, cover or be covered with feathers.
- To decorate with feathers.
- To complete the last moult and become a winged adult insect.
- Feathered; furnished with feathers or wings; able to fly.