SUPPLIES NEEDED

Brooder container (absolutely no glass)
Pine shavings
Thermometer
Chick waterer
Chick feeder
Heat Lamp w/ bulb (non-Teflon bulb)
Chick starter feed
Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider vinegar

BEFORE ARRIVAL

We recommend preparing a brooding area for your chicks 24–48 hours before they arrive to ensure that everything is working correctly and the temperature is regulated.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee live arrival. If any chicks appear weak or did not make the trip, please contact us immediately so we can process a refund and provide additional tips. Avoid handling the chicks too much or playing with them for the first 2 days to help them acclimate.

SPACE

On average, provide 16 square feet of space per 32 chicks to start (½ sq ft per bird). Consider the space required for the lamp, waterer, and feeder. Chicks should have room to move away from the heat if too warm. As chicks grow, increase their space. Grown birds need 3–4 square feet per bird.

BEDDING

Use only large pine shavings. Avoid sawdust, sand, cypress, or cedar shavings (cypress and cedar are toxic). Newspaper alone is too slick and causes spraddle leg but can be placed under pine shavings for easier cleanup.

HEAT

Maintain 100°F at floor level under the heat source for the first few hours. Then lower to 98°F. Use a thermometer at floor level under the lamp. Keep the thermometer in the brooder at all times. The surrounding room should be around 70°F.

Maintain 98°F under the heat source for the first week, then reduce by 5°F weekly until reaching 70°F. Adjust based on chick behavior—huddling under the lamp means too cold, staying away means too hot. Avoid heat plates until chicks are at least 2 weeks old.

WARNING

Do not use Teflon-coated bulbs as they emit toxic fumes. Always use new, uncoated bulbs to prevent burnouts.

FEED

Use chick starter feed in a feeder designed for chicks under 4 weeks old. Ensure chicks can access feed easily and keep feed available at all times.

WATERER

Use a chick-safe waterer under 4 weeks old. Warm water to 98°F on the first day. Dip each chick's beak into the water to encourage drinking. Keep water available at all times.

MEDICATION

For weak chicks, add Organic Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) to their water for 7 days. Use 1/3 cup of ACV per 1 quart of water.

PASTY BOTTOM

Shipping stress may cause manure to stick to a chick’s vent. Clean daily with warm water and cloth. Use the ACV water solution to aid recovery. This typically resolves in a few days.

PICKING

Chicks may pick at each other due to heat, overcrowding, lack of fresh air, or lighting. Try switching to a red bulb or reduce constant light exposure. If they no longer need the heat, remove the light.

Boredom can also cause picking. Provide fresh grass clippings or chunks of sod. Apply Vicks Vapor Rub to picked areas until healed.

SAFE HANDLING OF POULTRY

Live poultry may carry harmful germs (e.g., salmonella). Always supervise children and ensure hand washing after handling. Avoid contact between animals and food prep areas.

http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov

DO

Wash hands with soap and water after touching poultry or related surfaces.
Supervise handwashing for young children.
If soap is unavailable, use hand sanitizer until hands can be properly washed.
Clean equipment such as cages, feed, and water containers regularly.

DON’T

Let children under 5, elderly individuals, or immunocompromised persons handle poultry.
Allow poultry into the home, especially in kitchens or food prep areas.
Snuggle, kiss, or eat/drink near poultry.

Chick Care Info