BROODER BOX:

Materials needed for brooder:

* A large cardboard box
* A goose neck lamp
* 60-70 watt bulbs
* Dirt or sand
* Water dish
* Feed dish

A simple brooding box can be used to keep a small number of chicks a short time.  Once the chicks hatch, they will need to be kept warm, fed, and watered.  Chicks must be able to get away from direct hear so having a goose neck lamp at one end of the box will allow the chicks to choose where that are comfortable.  A 60- to 75-watt bulb will normally provide enough warmth.  The neck of the lamp can be bent to move the bulb closer to the chicks, if they appear cold, or farther away if the chicks seem to be too warm.

After the chicks hatch:

 The hatching process can last from 4 to 12 hours before the chick breaks free from the shell. The chick, as it appears upon freeing itself from the shell, is wet and very tired. For the next several hours it will lie still and rest. A few hours later the chick, now dry and fluffy, will become extremely active and the egg tooth will dry and fall off.  It is then time to move the chicks together into the brooder box. 

You should have the brooder box ready on hatching day with the heat lamps keeping the temperature about 90-95˚ F (32.2-35˚ C).  Place a water dish in the box but make sure the chicks will only be able to dip their beaks into the water dish; place pebbles, marbles, or a screen in the dish so they will not drown. Chick starter with about 20 percent protein can be obtained from a feed dealer. As a temporary measure, two parts of dry dog food can be mixed with one part of dry cereal. Both should be crushed so that the particles are no bigger than one-eighth inch. Feed and water the chicks as soon as they are moved from the incubator to the brooder.

The litter in the brooder serves as insulation and as an absorptive material. Peat moss, wood shavings, sawdust, straw, or sand can be used. Never place young birds on a smooth surface, because they cannot grip a slippery surface. Their toes curl, and their legs spread out to the side. This may result in permanent leg damage called spraddle legs.