Caring For One-Month-Old Chicks: A Quick Guide

Raising a one-month-old chicken requires dedication and care. Before the chicks arrive, the chicken coop must be cleaned and pre-warmed to a temperature of 35-37°C. The first few weeks are crucial to the chicks' health and safety, as they are vulnerable to weather, predators, and a lack of food and water. Chicks need warmth in a draft-free environment, and they should be placed under a brooder with a constant light source to maintain a temperature of 92°F (33°C) at 2 inches above the floor. It is important to provide them with absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings, and a constant supply of fresh water. Chicks should be fed starter feeds, and you can choose between medicated or non-medicated versions.

Provide a draft-free brooder pen with a red brooder lamp

One-month-old chickens, or chicks, require a draft-free brooder pen with a red brooder lamp. This is essential for maintaining a comfortable environment for the chicks' health and safety. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve this:

Set Up a Draft-Free Brooder Pen

Firstly, it is important to understand what a brooder pen is and why it is necessary. A brooder pen, also known as a brooder box, is an enclosed space that provides young chicks with a warm, safe, and draft-free environment. It serves as their living area during their first few weeks of life, offering protection from predators and extreme temperatures.

To create a draft-free brooder pen, consider the following steps:

• Choose an Appropriate Container: Brooder pens can be made from various materials, such as plastic containers or cardboard boxes. Ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate the number of chicks you plan to keep and that it has proper ventilation.
• Maintain Optimal Temperature: Before introducing the chicks, pre-warm the brooder pen to a temperature of around 35-37°C (95°F for the first week, lowering to 90°F for the second week, and then decreasing by 5°F each subsequent week). You can use a thermometer to monitor the temperature, adjusting it as needed.
• Provide Absorbent Bedding: Line the bottom of the brooder pen with absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings spread to a thickness of about 1 inch. Avoid using materials like cedar shavings, fine sawdust, or newspaper, as they can be harmful to chicks.
• Ensure Proper Ventilation: While maintaining a draft-free environment, it is also crucial to provide adequate ventilation. Ventilate the brooder pen 3 to 5 times a day, and consider increasing the temperature by about 2°C before ventilating.
• Prevent Drafts: Expand the draft guard as the chicks grow to give them more space and accommodate additional equipment. This will help block any drafts from entering the brooder pen.

Install a Red Brooder Lamp

A red brooder lamp is an essential component of the brooder pen, providing heat and creating a comfortable environment for the chicks. Here's how to set it up:

• Choose the Right Type of Lamp: A 250-watt, red infrared head lamp is commonly used. Red lights are preferred over white lights as they are less stressful for the chicks.
• Position the Lamp: Suspend the lamp 18-24 inches above the floor of the brooder pen, ideally near the center. This allows the heat to radiate evenly and provides a comfortable temperature for the chicks.
• Adjust the Height as Needed: Place thermometers inside the brooder pen to monitor the temperature at different heights. Adjust the height of the lamp if necessary to maintain the desired temperature.
• Provide Choices: Consider placing one lamp near the center and another at the edge of the brooder pen. This allows the chicks to choose their preferred temperature and move between warmer and cooler areas.

By following these instructions, you can create a draft-free brooder pen with a red brooder lamp, providing your one-month-old chickens with a comfortable and safe environment to grow and thrive.

Maintain a temperature of 92°F (33°C) at 2 inches above the floor

When raising one-month-old chickens, maintaining a comfortable temperature is crucial for their health and well-being. Here are some detailed instructions to achieve and maintain the ideal temperature of 92°F (33°C) at 2 inches above the floor:

Prepare the Brooder Area

Firstly, ensure you have a draft-free brooder pen or brooder box. This can be made from plastic containers or cardboard boxes, but make sure it meets the necessary size requirements. It should be large enough to accommodate the chicks and provide adequate ventilation. Place the brooder in a warm area, away from drafts, to maintain a consistent temperature.

Use a Heat Source

Use a red brooder lamp, also known as a heat lamp, to create a warm and comfortable environment for the chicks. The lamp should be kept on at all times during the first month. A 250-watt, red infrared head lamp is commonly used, and it should be suspended at a specific height to achieve the desired temperature. In this case, for one-month-old chickens, adjust the lamp to be 18-24 inches above the brooder floor. This setup will provide enough heat to maintain the target temperature of 92°F (33°C) at 2 inches above the floor.

Monitor the Temperature

Place a thermometer inside the brooder to closely monitor the temperature. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to the heat lamp's height or intensity. Ensure that the thermometer is placed near the centre of the brooder, as well as at the edge, to get readings for different areas. The ideal temperature range for one-month-old chicks is 90-95°F (32-35°C).

Adjust the Temperature Gradually

As your chicks grow, you will need to gradually reduce the temperature by about 5°F each week. This process of lowering the temperature should begin after the chicks have feathered out, which usually occurs around six weeks of age. During the first month, however, maintain the target temperature of 92°F (33°C) to ensure the chicks' comfort and well-being.

Prevent Overheating

While maintaining the desired temperature is important, be cautious not to let the brooder area become too hot. Ensure there is proper ventilation in the brooder and the surrounding area. Additionally, provide absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings, to help regulate the environment and absorb any excess moisture that may contribute to overheating.

By following these detailed instructions, you can effectively maintain the ideal temperature of 92°F (33°C) at 2 inches above the floor for your one-month-old chickens, contributing to their healthy development.

Supply fresh water and starter feed

When it comes to supplying fresh water and starter feed to one-month-old chickens, here are some detailed guidelines:

Water

Fresh and clean water should always be readily available for your chickens. It is recommended to have one waterer for every 15 to 25 chicks, and these waterers should be placed on stands to prevent litter from getting into the water. The waterers should be adjusted to a height that encourages the chicks to stretch slightly to reach the water. It is important to maintain a clean water supply by disinfecting the waterers weekly and ensuring that the water is neither too warm nor too cold.

Starter Feed

Young chicks require a "starter feed" that provides essential nutrients for their growth. It is recommended to continue using the same starter feed from day one until the chicks reach 18 weeks of age. You may choose between medicated and non-medicated starter feeds. If you start with a medicated feed, it is crucial to consistently provide the same medicated feed until the chicks mature. The frequency of feeding can be adjusted to three times a day, and it is advised to use chick troughs or small hanging tube feeders. Tube feeders should initially have their feed pans placed flat on the ground, and troughs should be filled to the top. Ensure that the feeders are large enough for all the chicks to feed at once.

Brooder Environment

Maintaining a comfortable brooder environment is crucial for the health and growth of one-month-old chicks. The brooder should be draft-free, with a temperature set at around 90°F (33°C) for one-month-old chicks. This temperature can be gradually reduced by 5°F each week as the chicks get older. The humidity should be controlled between 65% and 70%. It is also important to provide absorbent bedding, such as pine shavings, to manage the waste produced by the growing chicks.

Debeak to prevent pecking feathers, toes, and anus

Chickens will always peck at each other a little bit, and this is almost an essential part of establishing a 'pecking order' or hierarchy among the flock. However, feather pecking can become a serious issue, causing distress to the birds and, in some cases, drawing blood. Open wounds can lead to cannibalism and require immediate attention.

To prevent feather pecking, you can ensure that your chickens are getting enough calcium sulfate and other necessary nutrients. For instance, if feather pecking is caused by insufficient calcium sulfate in the feed, natural gypsum can be ground into powder and added to the feed (0.5 to 3 grams per chicken per day).

In addition, chickens need to be kept clean. They often dig a shallow hole, loosen up all the dirt, and then cover themselves in it. This process is called a dust bath, and it's an instinct that helps keep birds clean. You can make dust baths for your chickens by finding a container that is at least 12 inches deep, 15 inches wide, and 24 inches long, and then combining an equal blend of sand, wood ash, and natural soil.

If your chickens are kept in an enclosed run, simply running away might not be an option for the bird at the bottom of the pecking order. In this case, you may need to separate the chickens and feed them in different locations. The chicken flock should not be too crowded, and the chicken house should be cleaned frequently.

Debeaking is another option to prevent pecking. Debeaking is a procedure that involves trimming or removing part of a chicken's beak to prevent them from pecking at themselves, other chickens, or their surroundings. However, it is important to note that this procedure is controversial and may be painful for the chicken. Some people view it as a cruel practice, and it is banned in some countries. If you are considering debeaking your chickens, it is important to consult an expert or veterinarian for advice.

Clean and sanitise the coop regularly

Keeping the chicken coop clean and sanitised is essential for maintaining the health and safety of your one-month-old chicks. Here are some detailed instructions to help you with this important task:

Daily Maintenance:

• Remove manure, wet litter, and old feed waste from the coop daily. Use a dustpan and brush to collect and dispose of the waste in a compost bin or trash receptacle.
• Check the feeders and waterers for any spillage or contamination. Refill them with fresh feed and water if needed, ensuring they are always accessible to the chicks.

Weekly Disinfection:

• Disinfect the feeders and waterers weekly using a mild detergent or disinfectant solution. Soak them in a diluted solution of vinegar or a specialised poultry disinfectant, then rinse them thoroughly with clean water before refilling.
• Use this opportunity to inspect the feeders and waterers for any signs of damage or wear and replace them if necessary.

Periodic Coop Cleaning:

• Clean and sanitise the entire coop periodically, aiming for at least once every two weeks. Move the chicks to a temporary holding area or a separate section of the coop if possible.
• Sweep or vacuum the coop to remove any built-up dirt, debris, and feathers. Pay close attention to corners and hard-to-reach areas.
• Use warm water and an appropriate cleanser to scrub and sanitise the coop's interior, including perches and nesting boxes. Ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and rinsed.
• Allow the coop to air dry or use clean towels to dry all surfaces. Reintroduce the chicks to their clean coop, providing them with fresh feed and water.

Biosecurity Measures:

• Implement biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of illness or disease. This includes regularly cleaning and disinfecting footwear, equipment, and tools used in the coop.
• Monitor your chicks closely for any signs of illness and separate any chick that appears unwell to prevent the spread of disease. Consult a veterinarian if you have concerns about the health of your flock.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your one-month-old chicks have a clean, sanitised, and healthy living environment. Remember to adjust the frequency of cleaning and disinfection as needed, depending on the size of your flock and the specific conditions of your coop.

Frequently asked questions