Chick Care Guide
Chick Care Guide for Cornish Cross (Broiler) and Red Ranger (Broiler/Hybrid)
1. Understanding the Breeds
Cornish Cross/Cornish Cross (Broiler)
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Bred for rapid growth and meat production
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Reaches market weight in ~6-8 weeks
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High feed intake and fast metabolism
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Sensitive to heat, crowding, and poor ventilation
Red Ranger/Red Ranger (Broiler/Hybrid)
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Bred for higher protein and low fat ratio compared to other broilers
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10-12 weeks to market processing
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Hardy, active, and efficient feeders
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Best for backyard growers and pasture systems.
2. Brooding Setup (0–4 Weeks)
Temperature
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Week 1: 95°F (35°C)
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Reduce by 5°F each week until ~75°F
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Watch chick behavior:
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Huddling = too cold
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Spreading far from heat = too hot
Housing
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Draft-free brooder with good ventilation
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0.5–1 sq ft per chick initially
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Use absorbent bedding (pine shavings preferred)
Lighting
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24 hours light for first 48 hours
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Then 18–22 hours/day
3. Feeding & Nutrition
Starter Feed (0–3 weeks)
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Protein: 20–24%
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Provide fresh feed at all times
Grower Feed (3–6 weeks)
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Protein: 18–20%
Breed-Specific Feeding
Cornish Cross
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High-energy broiler feed required
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Avoid overfeeding to prevent leg issues
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Consider controlled feeding after week 3
Red Ranger
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Transition to finisher ration or corn (~16–18% protein) at 9-11 weeks
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Provide calcium (oyster shell) once laying begins
Water
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Always clean, fresh water
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Add electrolytes/vitamins in first few days if needed
4. Health Management
Common Issues
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Pasty butt (clean gently if needed)
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Coccidiosis (use medicated feed or vaccination)
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Respiratory issues (ensure airflow)
Prevention
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Keep bedding dry
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Avoid overcrowding
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Clean feeders and waterers regularly
5. Space Requirements
Cornish Cross
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1–1.5 sq ft per bird (indoor)
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Limited need for roaming
Red Ranger
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2–4 sq ft per bird (coop)
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8–10 sq ft per bird (run/free range)
6. Growth & Development
Cornish Cross
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Rapid weight gain
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Monitor for leg weakness, mostly in males
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Typically processed at 6–8 weeks
Red Ranger
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Slower, steady growth
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Higher protein feed (20%) than standard heritage
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Typically processed at 9-11 weeks
7. Week-by-Week Care Schedule
This varies farm to farm, please use this as a reference and not a guideline
Weeks 0–1 (Arrival)
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Temp: 95°F, reduce stress immediately after transport
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Dip beaks in water to teach drinking
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Use chick starter (20–24% protein)
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Add electrolytes/vitamins first 2–3 days
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Check for pasty butt daily
Week 2
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Temp: ~90°F
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Increase space slightly
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Observe uniform growth and activity
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Clean waterers daily
Week 3
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Temp: ~85°F
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Transition toward grower feed (if applicable)
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Begin short periods of lower light (not 24h)
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Cornish Cross: monitor for rapid weight gain
Week 4
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Temp: ~80°F
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Move to larger brooder or coop if weather permits
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Introduce low perches (Red Ranger only)
Week 5–6
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Temp: ~75°F or ambient
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Cornish Cross: nearing market size, watch for leg strain
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Red Ranger: continue grower feed, increase space
Week 7–8
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Cornish Cross: typical processing window
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Maintain dry bedding and ventilation
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Red Ranger: continue steady growth
Weeks 9–16 (Red Ranger focus)
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Transition to grower feed fully
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Encourage outdoor access if safe
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Maintain parasite control (if free range)
Weeks 17–22 (Red Ranger laying prep)
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Switch to layer feed (16–18% protein)
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Add calcium (oyster shell free choice)
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Increase light to 14–16 hours/day
8. Feed Brand Recommendations (US)
This is not a sponsored list, this is just what we’ve heard our customers use
Common Reliable Brands
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Purina Poultry (Start & Grow, Flock Raiser, Layena)
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Nutrena NatureWise
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Kalmbach Feeds
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Manna Pro (supplements, treats)
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Scratch and Peck (organic option)
What to Look For
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Fresh feed (check milling date)
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Correct protein % for stage
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Medicated vs non-medicated based on coccidiosis risk
Tips
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Store feed in sealed containers
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Avoid mold or damp feed
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Buy smaller quantities for freshness
