Light the brooders 24 hours before the chicks hatch or arrive. In time of stress or vaccination reactions, increase brooder temperatures about 5 above the recommended temperature until the chicks recover. Locate the guard 3 to 4 feet from the edge of the brooder. The guard prevents floor drafts and keeps chicks near the heat. In summer, enlarge the ring to keep chicks from getting too hot.
Corrugated cardboard makes an excellent brooder guard and can be discarded when it becomes soiled.
In hot weather, hardware cloth or similar mesh material may be used instead of solid guard. Most of these guards are cleaned, disinfected, and reused. Place an adequate number of feeders and waterers around each brooder. Feed placed on a few feeder lids or egg flats under each brooder encourages the chicks to start eating sooner. Sprinkle a pile of feed on each lid before placing chicks under brooder.