eFowl Baby Chick Care Guide

Key Reminder

Always observe chick behavior—it's the best indicator of comfort. Happy chicks are active, spread out, and chirping softly. Huddled chicks are cold; panting or avoiding heat means too hot.

Brooder Setup (Prepare 24–48 Hours Before Arrival)

• Location: Draft-free indoor space (60–80°F), away from pets and living areas.
• Container: Large box, stock tank, or kiddie pool. Avoid totes/aquariums.
• Bedding: 2–3" pine shavings. Avoid cedar, sawdust, sand, newspaper.
• Brooder Guard: 12" high cardboard or wire ring to prevent piling.
• Heat Source: 125–250W red heat lamp, 18–24" above floor. No heat plates first 2 weeks.
• Thermometer: Place at chick height. Warm zone: 100–105°F; cool zone: 80–90°F.
• Light: 24/7 initially; dim to 15W at night after week 1.
• Feeders/Waterers: 1–2 ft feeder space and 1 gal waterer per 25–50 chicks.
• Checklist: Thermometer, starter feed, electrolytes, apple cider vinegar, grit, anti-pick ointment.

Upon Arrival (First 24–48 Hours)

• Call your post office ahead. Be flexible with pickup.
• Unbox gently. No handling—let them rest.
• Water first: warm water + electrolytes or sugar. Dip beaks.
• Feed: sprinkle starter on paper towels. Add boiled egg yolk.
• Monitor warmth and behavior. Be patient.

Heating Schedule

• Days 1–2: 100–105°F
• Days 3–7: 95–100°F
• Week 2: 90–95°F
• Reduce 5°F weekly until 70°F
• Adjust for breed size and growth rate

After week 2, switch to heat plate if desired. Watch for piling. Secure lamps to prevent fires.

Feeding and Watering

• Feed: 18–20% protein starter. No treats until week 5–6.
• Water: Clean, fresh, warm first 2–3 days. Add vinegar for stress.
• Grit: Start day 3. Free-choice after week 4.
• Medicated Feed: Optional for coccidiosis prevention.

Space and Litter Management

• Start: 0.5–1 sq ft/chick
• After 4 weeks: 3–4 sq ft/bird + roosts
• Keep litter dry. Move waterers to prevent puddles.

Common Issues and Solutions

• Pasty Butt: Clean vent daily. Caused by stress.
• Lethargy: Vinegar water + egg yolk boost.
• Picking: Reduce heat/light. Add enrichment.
• Piling: Adjust heat/light/space.
• Health: Wash hands. Quarantine new birds.
• Mortality: Normal <5%. Contact us if concerned.

After 4–6 Weeks: Transitioning

• Outdoors: Fully feathered + temps >65°F
• Feed Switch: Grower at 8–16 weeks; layer at 17+ weeks
• Coop Integration: Quarantine 1–2 weeks

Species-Specific Tips

• Turkeys/Guineas: Higher heat; marbles in water
• Ducks/Goslings: Less heat; no swimming until feathered
• Quail/Pheasants: Higher temp; colored bulbs; marbles in water

Resources and Support

Visit efowl.com/care or hatchery sites like cacklehatchery.com for videos and resources.

Questions? Contact eFowl support at support@efowl.com. Save our number and your post office’s for shipment alerts.

Safe Handling

Wash hands with soap and water after contact. Supervise children. Keep poultry out of living spaces.