There’s something exciting about knowing a new group of chicks is on the way. In just two weeks, our Cornish Cross chicks from Murray McMurray Hatchery will be arriving here at J & J Homestead—and while that might feel like plenty of time, experience has taught us otherwise.
When it comes to raising meat birds, especially fast-growing Cornish Cross, preparation is everything. These birds don’t give you much time to “figure it out as you go.” They grow quickly, eat a lot, and require a clean, well-organized setup from day one.
So over the next couple of weeks, here’s exactly what I’m doing to make sure everything is ready before those chicks arrive.
Why Early Preparation Matters
Cornish Cross chicks are not like your standard laying breeds. From the moment they arrive, they are on a fast track—growing rapidly and relying on you to meet their needs consistently.
Having everything in place before they arrive means:
- Less stress on the chicks after shipping
- Fewer mistakes during those critical first few days
- A smoother routine for you (especially if you’re balancing homesteading with a full-time job)
Those first 48 hours matter more than most people realize.
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Brooder
The first thing coming out of storage is our large brooder.
Before anything else, it gets a full clean:
- Remove old debris and dust
- Scrub surfaces thoroughly
- Disinfect and allow it to dry completely
A clean brooder sets the tone for healthy chicks. It’s one of the easiest ways to prevent early illness and ensure a strong start.
Once clean, I’ll stage it so it’s ready for bedding and equipment installation.
Step 2: Stock Feed, Grit, and Bedding
Nothing creates stress faster than realizing you’re missing feed when chicks arrive.
Ahead of time, I make sure we have:
- Chick starter feed (high protein for growth)
- Chick grit (especially important if offering anything beyond feed)
- Bedding (we use clean pine shavings or hemp bedding – less dust)
I like having more than I think I’ll need. Cornish Cross eat aggressively, and running out is not an option.
Step 3: Clean and Stage Feeders and Waterers
All feeders and waterers get cleaned and ready before chicks arrive.
This includes:
- Small chick feeders and waterers for the brooder
- Larger feeders for when they transition outside
One thing I’ve learned with Cornish Cross—they outgrow the small setup quickly. Having the next stage ready ahead of time prevents unnecessary scrambling later.
Clean water and accessible feed are critical from the moment they arrive.
Step 4: Test Heat Sources (Don’t Skip This)
Temperature control can make or break your first week.
Before chick arrival, I:
- Test radiant heat plates or lamps
- Check that everything is working properly
- Ensure safe placement and spacing
While I don’t rely heavily on heat lamps, I always keep one ready. Spring weather can be unpredictable, and having a backup heat source is simply part of being prepared.
The goal is simple: consistent warmth without risk.
Step 5: Prepare Electrolytes for Arrival Day
Shipping is stressful on chicks—it’s just part of the process.
To help them recover, I always have electrolytes on hand to add to their water on arrival day.
This helps:
- Rehydrate chicks after transit
- Reduce stress
- Encourage early drinking and activity
It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference in how quickly chicks settle in.
Looking Ahead: Setting Up for Success
Preparing for Cornish Cross chicks isn’t complicated—but it does require intention.
Over the next two weeks, it’s not about doing everything at once. It’s about steadily checking off each step so that when those chicks arrive, everything is already in place.
Because once they’re here, things move fast.
At J & J Homestead, we’ve learned that the more prepared we are on the front end, the smoother the entire grow-out process becomes—from brooder to pasture to processing day.
And honestly, there’s something incredibly satisfying about standing in a fully prepped brooder, knowing you’re ready.
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