Brooding

Heat

Have the brooding area warm, clean and dry. In cold weather use one 250 watt bulb or two 125 watt for every 50 chicks. During warmer weather 75–100 chicks. Bottom of bulb should be 22–28 inches from the litter, depending on conditions. Have the heat source spread enough so all chicks can feel the heat on their back. Yet have room for them to get away from the heat. The temperature, 2" off the floor should be 90–95 degrees the first week and 5 degrees less per week. 75 degrees room temperature is ideal.

Water

The first hour after arrival only water should be given. Drinking is more important than eating at first. Supply a 1-gallon fount for every 50 chicks. If you add vitamins to the water, you shouldn't have to add extra sugar, but you can. At the rate of two tablespoons of sugar to a gallon. (Only for the first day.) Change water daily. Never run out of water, always add more capacity as needed.

Feed

A 20% starter should be fed all the way through for broilers. For other breeds you can drop to 17% after 5 or 6 weeks. The first day be sure that the chick is not eating litter instead of feed. However, for broilers, you do not want to cover the litter with something slippery, or they can develop spraddle leg. Having plenty of feeders is the best approach. Egg flats are good for a few days, and I have all you need for free.

Grit

After one week sprinkle grit on the feed or give free choice. This saves on feed cost. The gizzard needs grit to get the most out of the feed.

Ventilation

Very important, but not drafts. Keep the ammonia levels low.

Floor Space

First 3 weeks, 1/2 square feet per bird. After that, 1 square foot.

Draft Shield

Cardboard, straw of hay bales, something must prevent floor drafts and keep the birds from piling in the corners.

Litter

Ground corn cobs, wood chips, peat moss. Should be 2–3 " deep and stirred often to prevent crusting. Change more often around founts.

Stress

Often, when chicks are too crowded, hot ,or without proper diet, water, or ventilation, they will pick each other. Sometimes a distraction such as chunks of sod, a bale of hay, grass clippings, etc. will help. Cutting down light will help, such as covering windows. Though this helps, the birds won't eat or grow without light. So don't do it too long. Axle grease mixed with hot pepper rubbed on the areas will help give them a distaste for the picking.

Watch and Listen

If the chicks huddle and peep a loud chirp, they are cold. If too hot they will pant like a dog. If contented and warm, they will make a quiet, peaceful chirp.