| 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
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Fill jugs with water, mix in molasses
(1 teaspoon per gallon)
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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
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| 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
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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
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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
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