Steps on How to grow Broiler chicks

Raising meat chickens from brooder to broiler is similar to raising layers, but meat birds have special needs during the rearing process.

If your farm’s goal is to raise your own meat for the first time, here’s what you need to know to keep your chickens healthy from the day they hatch until processing time.

Provide room to grow

Meat-breed chicks need a dry, clean, draft-free location large enough to accommodate their fast-growing bodies. The University of Kentucky Extension recommends 1½ square feet per bird, though for the first week or so, you can get by with 1/2 square foot per bird.

Minimize drafts

Until the chicks are pretty well feathered out, drafts can stress them, which can sometimes lead to death, Install a draft barrier 12 to 18 inches tall to block the cold air and help keep brooding temperature constant. This brooder guard, which can be made from cardboard, wood or other durable material, can be removed after the first week or two, depending on the weather and the feathering of your chicks.

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