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Caring for chicks.

When the chick emerges from the shell they are wet and tired from all the work they did.

There is no rush to take them from the incubator. They do not need food or water for up to 12/24 hours. (Auto turners must have been removed from incubator a day or two before so the chick is not crushed by the devise).

When all the chicks are out they should be removed from the incubator and placed in a brooder. The brooder is where they will live for the next few weeks.

The temperature of the brooder should be at 85F/95F for the first three days and reduced by 5 degrees F every few day thereafter in warm weather.

Chicks must be supplies with plenty of Chick starter feed which is small enough for them to eat and contains extra vitamins and minerals to give them a boost while growing.

Fresh clean water is needed and provided in a small container as the chicks will try to immerse themselves in the water for the first day or two. A small bowl with marbles or pebbles allows access to the water but prevents drowning.

As the chicks grow, and they will grow fast, switch the feed to chick builder. this food is larger but contains about the same ingredients as starter.

Larger water containers can be used by about 4 /6 weeks and the birds can be introduced into the main flock at about 3 months old.

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17y ago

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