Many companies grow broilers separately by sex where customers desire a wide range of sizes. Sexing is by color or speed of feather growth. After processing in the hatchery, chicks are placed in plastic chick boxes at the rate of 100 per box. Chicks are transported to the house in specially designed chick buses. Buses must maintain comfortable temperatures inside while providing good ventilation.
Backup systems are essential in case the bus engine fails during delivery.
The broiler house should be made ready to receive the chicks long before their delivery. The house must be brought to brooding conditions at least 12-18 hours before the chicks arrive. The best time to place chicks is in the morning. Chicks can be observed during their entire first day in the house. During delivery, the bus is backed into the house and chick boxes are initially stacked around the brooders.