Chick temperatures should be assessed after delivery. The preferred temperature range is 103–105 °F (39.5–40.5 °C). An ear thermometer at the vent can be used to take a chick’s temperature. At the same time, the general health of the chicks can be assessed – beak, eyes, legs, navel healing, and good colour.

As chicks will not be able to thermoregulate until approximately day four, assessing bird temperature and managing the barn temperature is crucial to the brooding process. Chick temperatures should be monitored throughout the first three or four days.