The chicks’ behavior will tell you if the temperature is correct. Start with a temperature of 90°-95☏ and reduce by 5 degrees each week until the temperature is balanced with the temperature in the space where they will live. You can adjust the heat by lowering or raising the lamp, or switching to lower or higher wattage bulbs. Place it in a corner of the brooder at chick level to help determine the temperature of the brooder. Photo by Dee HawksleyĪ non-mercury indoor thermometer is best. Also, the newly developed electric flat panel heater that works best when mounted to an insulated wall in the poultry coop. Safer alternative heat sources include a heating pad or mat that is used to keep baby pigs warm or to start plant seedlings. Begin with a distance of 18” – 20” above the bedding material, but never any closer than 15”. Attaching it to a chain and hanging it from a 2X2, 2X4, or a metal rod that is laid across the top of the brooder works well. If you use a heat lamp, be sure to choose one with a porcelain fixture and attach it securely so that it cannot become dislodged by curious children, pets, or even active growing chicks. Heat Lamp / Heat SourceĪ safe, reliable heat source is essential to keep the chicks warm and to regulate their temperature since they can’t do it themselves. As they grow, they become more active and need more room for sanitary reasons and to be able to move away from the heat if necessary. Like all babies, chicks eat and sleep a lot. SpaceĪllow adequate space for your chicks to grow. It is not recommended to have brooders in your living area for fire safety reasons. Test heating and lighting connections to be sure they are in good working order and properly secured. Have your brooder ready to use the day before your chicks arrive.Ĭheck to be sure all equipment is clean and water and feeders full.
This usually takes About 5-6 weeks Equipment BrooderĪ brooder isn’t expensive or difficult to design, it is simply an enclosed area that will keep the hatchlings warm, dry, away from drafts, and safe from harm until they are larger and have grown enough feathers to keep themselves warm. This is vital information to help prevent you, your flock, and others from disease. Be sure to wash your hands after handling chicks. Also, chicks with Marek’s Disease vaccination and Coccivac vaccine will be protected from Marek’s Disease and Coccidia.Ĭhicks can also carry Salmonella and may pose a risk to your family. Order your chicks or check with your seller to ensure your chicks come from a National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) certified salmonella, avian influenza, and mycoplasma-free source. Separate new birds from any other birds for at least 30 days to prevent any exposure to disease. Do not start your chicks in an environment where you are already raising other birds. Start new hatchlings in a clean, disinfected brooder. This means doing everything you can to keep disease out of your flock and off your premises.
Bulletin #2221, Simple Steps to Starting Healthy Chicks in Maine (PDF)Īdapted by Donna Coffin, Extension Professor, from a flyer originally developed for a SARE ENE14-131 Applied poultry science professional development project – phase II by Linda Trickey, Extension Agriculture Assistant and Cindy Kilgore, MDACF Livestock Specialist.įor information about UMaine Extension programs and resources, visit .įind more of our publications and books at /publications/.īe prepared before the chicks arrive! Once you have ordered your chicks, you should start planning your brooder and coop.