You have already placed your order for day old layer chicks, and now you must prepare before they reach your farm. Many farmers forget one or two crucial steps, and that mistake can be dangerous. Even if you think you know everything, skipping a small detail can put your beautiful chicks at risk.
This guide gives you the complete list of things you need to have ready before your chicks arrive. Make sure you follow it carefully so that you do not miss anything. Brooding is the most sensitive stage of a chick’s life, and it is also when the highest mortality rates happen. Imagine losing 70% of your birds on the very first day just because you were not ready.
As the saying goes: “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”
1. Delivery date
First, know the delivery date. It is important to confirm and know the exact delivery date. Most hatcheries supply only on order, and some may take weeks or even months before delivery. By knowing the date, you can prepare in advance and avoid being caught off guard. Being unprepared on delivery day can decide whether your chicks survive or die.
2. Biosecurity
Disinfect your chicken house and brooder area at least two weeks before the chicks arrive. Clean every part of the house—floor, roof, windows, and even the space around the house. This reduces early disease risks and helps ensure brooder cleanliness. Without this step, chicks may face infections that cause high mortality.
Next, prepare a footbath for everyone entering the poultry house on the day your chicks arrive. This simple measure protects your chicks from harmful germs.
3. Heat Source
Temperature control is key for brooding. Therefore, make sure your source of heat is working before the chicks arrive. If you plan to use charcoal or firewood, store enough to last the entire brooding period, which usually runs between three to eight weeks. Running out of fuel can leave your chicks cold and weak.
4. Light Source
During the first week, your layer chicks need at least 20 hours of light daily. This is not optional. Without enough light, their feeding and growth will suffer. If you depend on electricity, plan for backup power. If you have no electricity, get solar lights ready and tested in advance.
5. Brooder Setup
Because you will brood your chicks, you must set up a proper brooder. A future post will explain this in detail, but here is what you need for now:
A round brooding structure
Brooder paper (you can use alternatives if necessary)
Litter at least 4 inches thick
Proper ventilation for fresh air
A good brooder keeps chicks warm, safe, and comfortable.
6. Equipment
Clean and disinfect feeders and drinkers at least two days before the chicks arrive. Then leave them out to dry completely. Using dirty or damp equipment can spread diseases to your flock.
Here’s the list of 28 equipment you’ll need for your layer farm.
7. Food And Water
Have enough starter mash ready to last through the brooding period. Chicks cannot wait for you to buy feed later.
In addition, prepare a source of clean water. Water is even more critical than feed. Whether you use municipal water, well water, or stored water, make sure it is safe for human drinking. If you cannot drink it, do not give it to your birds.
8. Medicines and Vaccines
Chicks often face stress in the first days. Supplements such as glucose help them recover. From day seven, vaccines become necessary. While vaccines must be bought and used the same day, you should know in advance where to get them. Do not wait until vaccination day to start looking.
Now you know how to prepare for day old layer chicks. With the right planning, you can give them the best care and reduce losses.
Receive them right and they’ll serve you well – you know, with eggs 😅
If you have any questions about any of the 8 things – amount, timing, effort or anything, type in the comments and I’ll answer it.
See you next Friday!
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secretlayerske@gmail.com