Before arrival
Prepare the Brooder
Clean and disinfect the area, check heating equipment, reduce draughts and make sure the environment is stable before chicks arrive.
Midlands Hatchery · Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal
Poultry Guides
Practical starting points for preparing your brooder and receiving day-old chicks. These guides are general information and should be adapted to your breed, housing and local conditions.
First hours
Water Comes First
Provide easy access to clean drinking water immediately. Position drinkers so chicks can find them without overcrowding.
Feeding
Use the Correct Starter Feed
Use an appropriate chick starter feed and make it easy to access during the first days when feeding behaviour is being established.
Comfort
Watch Chick Behaviour
Chicks spreading evenly through the brooder generally indicates better comfort than chicks crowding tightly under heat or avoiding it completely.
Hygiene
Keep Litter Dry
Wet litter can quickly create hygiene and welfare problems. Repair leaks and replace heavily soiled material promptly.
Planning
Start With the Right Capacity
Plan housing, feeder and drinker capacity before increasing bird numbers. Space and equipment needs grow quickly with the flock.
Important: These guides are general husbandry information, not veterinary advice. For illness, unusual mortality or disease concerns, consult a qualified poultry veterinarian or animal-health professional.