Clean and disinfect all equipment, including feeders, waterers and brooders. Repair windows, doors, ventilators or any part of the brooder house needing attention. Eliminate any drafts, especially those caused by cracks in the walls or poorly fitting doors and windows. Cover the floors with 3 to 4 inches of dry litter. Use wood shavings, chopped corn cobs, chopped oat straw, sawdust, or any other material that is readily available, economical and has good moisture absorbency.
Some people cover the litter for the first few days of brooding.
Rough, crinkled paper should be used for this purpose as smooth paper causes chicks to slip and develop spraddled legs. Molds will develop if the paper is left on the litter for more than three or four days. The chick guard can be removed after seven to 10 days. Check all equipment to see that it is working properly. Operate brooder stoves for at least 24 hours before the chicks arrive.