The ultimate goal during unloading is to get the chicks placed on the floor and into the brooding chamber as quickly and calmly as possible. One way to assess if chicks are settling into the barn environment well is to observe their behaviour two hours after chicks have been placed in the barn. Ideally, at that point in the brooding process, 25% should be eating, 25% should be drinking, 25% resting, and 25% playing.

Checking the chicks on a frequent basis to adjust barn equipment as necessary will help to ensure chicks are comfortable and finding the food and water they need – which will help to attain the desired crop fill goal.