Care of Baby Poultry
Medium to large wood shavings are best. If using a wire 
brooding system use wire no larger than 1/2 inch. Cover 
the wire with a non slick material such as burlap, cheesecloth 
or paper towel for the first two days. Using newspaper or 
other paper products may cause spraddle leg.  
Liter/Bedding
Hatchlings to 10 Weeks-
1/2  to 1 Square Foot per Bird
10 Weeks or More-
3 to 4 Square Foot per Bird 
Space Requirements
Pre-heat the brooder or brooding area 24 hours prior to your chicks arrival.  Proper brooding temperature 
is 95°F for the first week, decreasing 5°F each week.  Red 250 watt heat lamps are preferred to help reduce 
pecking.  Have a draft shield in place approximately 12-18 inches high to reduce draft over the chicks.  If 
your chicks are crowding or completely away from your heat lamp the temperature is too hot or cold. 
Temperature
Start chicks using a feeder with sides no higher than one inch in height so they can reach the feed.  
Commercial chick starter containing 20% protein is recommended for layer type chicks.  Meat birds 
should be started on a high protein/high energy ration to produce rapid growth.  Provide grit in the 
chicks feed to help line the gizzard.
Provide clean water to your chicks, refreshing the water 2—3 times per day.  Keep water available 24 
hours a day.
Feeding 
Watering 
5 Mot Common Predatos
RACOON
FOX
COYOTE
OWL
OPOSSUM
TOO HOT 
TOO COLD
PERFECT
1-800-243-3257   |  IDEALPOULTRY.COM
54

View this content as a flipbook by clicking here.