Brooder Set-Up

1. Temperature

• Day 1–7: 95°F
• Reduce 5°F each week
• By week 5: no heat needed
• Piling under heat → too cold
• Far from heat → too hot

2. Heat Source

• Use heat lamp or brooder plate
• Keep lamp secure and not touching bedding
• Provide warm and cool zones so chicks self-regulate

3. Bedding

• First 3–5 days: paper towels
• After day 5: wire floor or large pine shavings
• No cedar, no slippery surfaces

4. Water

• Warm water for first 24 hours
• Electrolytes for first 48 hours
• Shallow drinkers to prevent drowning
• Change water twice daily

5. Feed

• Starter feed 30% protein
• Crumbles only — no seeds or corn
• Fresh feed daily
• Scatter a little feed on paper towels first days

6. Space

• Week 1: ½ sq ft per 10 chicks
• Increase space at week 3
• Ensure good ventilation without drafts

7. Cleanliness

• Remove wet bedding immediately
• No ammonia smell — indicates poor ventilation
• Keep feeders and drinkers clean

8. Lighting

• First 48 hours: continuous light
• Afterwards: 16 hours light / 8 hours dark
• Avoid bright or direct lights

9. Safety

• Secure brooder from pets
• No gaps where chicks can escape
• Keep electrical cords away from bedding

10. Warning Signs

• Piling → cold
• Scattered and panting → hot
• Droopy wings → dehydration
• Weak legs → slippery floor or low protein
• Noisy breathing → dust or humidity issues

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