Day-old chicks (DOCs) are poultry that are less than 72 hours old and have not yet been fed. Healthy chicks are the foundation for good poultry performance. Here are some things to consider when procuring DOCs: Storage: Long storage can reduce hatchability and impair the animal's future growth rate. Egg separation: Separate small eggs from bigger eggs by donor flock age. Pathogens and mycotoxin contamination: These can cause real harm whose effects multiply in the presence of both. Modern management practices that support strong gut performance and mycotoxin risk management are the foundation for success in all stages of poultry production.