Proper Brooder Setup

Set up a draft-free brooder using a stock tank, large plastic tote, or sectioned-off pen. Line the floor with 2-4 inches of pine shavings for absorbency and traction. Avoid cedar shavings, which contain toxic phenols, and skip newspaper for the first week since slippery surfaces cause splayed legs.

Why It Works

Turkey poults are fragile during their first 10 days. A properly prepared brooder eliminates drafts that cause chilling and respiratory stress, while absorbent bedding keeps poults dry and prevents ammonia buildup. Pine shavings provide the right grip for developing legs and feet.

Tips

• Clean and disinfect the brooder before poults arrive to eliminate pathogens
• Place feeders and waterers inside before arrival so poults find them immediately
• Lay paper towels over shavings for the first 2-3 days to prevent poults from eating bedding
• Ensure brooder walls are at least 18 inches high to prevent escapes as poults grow