Did your baby chicks just hatch? Do you have any idea what to do next?
There is no doubt that baby animals are the cutest creatures in the world. They are also the most vulnerable. Therefore, it is essential to take good care of the new arrivals.
If you are a novice chicken breeder then you may have concerns about raising the baby hatchlings on your own.
What do you do after the incubation period? That is a question many people rarely ask and guides often forget to mention.
This is why we thought that our poultry farmers would love a brief guide to follow up on this article about incubating chicken eggs.
What do you do after the chicks have hatched?
You know how a human baby is instantly wrapped in a blanket to keep it warm? That is exactly the kind of environment you need to create for the baby chicks.
The hatchlings need a 6-week brooding period that allows them the time to grow their wings and gain strength to face the big bad world outside. This task can be accomplished by placing the little ones in a brooder.
Now, you can DIY the structure but we suggest that you get a top-notch well-designed product that has already been checked for safety and security for the young birds.
What is a chicken brooder?
A brooder is a war, enclosure built to keep the baby chicks for a span of six weeks. The brooders can be sued for other young poultry animals like fowls, ducks, turkey, and goslings. The pre-built brooders commonly come with a heat lamp, food tray, and water dishes. They may also be filled with pine shavings for bedding.
It is important for your brooder to have a screen enclosure that keeps the young ones hidden from naughty children and curious pets.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while using a brooder:
- Each chick requires 1 sq foot space to nestle in. So not make the mini-coop overcrowded, that will only lead to diseases and casualties.
- Place the brooder indoors away from harmful elements like the sun, rain, and harsh weather.
- The perfect spot for the brooder is a warm, dry place that is safe from intruders.
- Keep the temperature at 95°F during the first week.
- Lower the temperature as the chicks grow, the normal routine is decreasing the temperature by five degrees each week.
- Keep a thermometer at hand to regulate the temperature. This is because the slightest fluctuations can cause major harm
- Feed the chicks well and supply them with ample water
- Use a proper disinfectant to clean the brooder
In short, keep a close watch on the temperature and the nesting conditions of the little birds. They should be coveted and cherished during the first few weeks. It is essential for a healthy development that can be disrupted by the smallest negligence.
Need a suggestion?
If you want a pre-built chicken brooder then look no further than the Little Fields Farm. Their Chicktec Circular Chick Brooder is quite a sophisticated, well-designed enclosure that guarantees a risk-free brooding period for your baby chicks.
