Before the chicks arrive:

After the chicks arrive:

Put down a 1 inch layer of pine shavings

Dip the chicks’ beaks in water

Put brooder guard in place

Check temperature 3 or 4 times daily

• after week one, lower the temperature 5 degrees per week until you reach the outside temperature

Fill jugs with water, mix in molasses

(1 teaspoon per gallon)

Fill jugs with fresh water daily

• Molasses water can be used as long as necessary
• Wash waters weekly
• Increase water area as the birds demand more water and space

Fill feeders with starter crumbles

Add fresh feed daily, by the end of week one, move to a tube feeder

Offer free choice starter grit after the first week

Turn on heat source

(If using heat lamps, use red bulbs)

• Regulate heat to 95 degrees at chick height at the edge of the heat source
• Start heat at least 24 hours prior to chicks arrival

When the heat source is removed, be sure to offer a light source for 24 hour lighting to stimulate growth and increase rate of gain.

Be sure brooding area is draft free

Increase brooder area as the chicks grow and fill the existing space, usually beginning at about 10 days, you will need to expand the brooding area

Be sure brooding area is rodent free

Always keep your bedding dry

• Rule of Thumb: add 1 inch of

 shavings for each week of age in market birds, allow the litter to build up, only remove hard or wet bedding