How to Care for Day-Old Chicks

Caring for day-old chicks is a critical step in ensuring the success of your poultry farm. In Pakistan, where the broiler industry is a significant part of agriculture, understanding the proper care for these fragile chicks can mean the difference between a thriving flock and a struggling one. This article will guide you through the essential steps to care for day-old chicks, with tips tailored to the Pakistani environment and suggestions for medicines that can support their early development.

1. Preparing the Brooding Area

Before your chicks arrive, it’s crucial to have the brooding area ready. The brooding area is a warm, safe space where the chicks can grow during their first few weeks of life. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Temperature Control: Day-old chicks are very sensitive to temperature. The brooding area should be preheated to around 32-35°C. You can use heat lamps or electric brooders to maintain this temperature. Gradually lower the temperature by 2-3°C each week until it reaches around 21°C.
• Ventilation: While warmth is essential, so is fresh air. Ensure the brooding area has good ventilation without causing drafts, as drafts can chill the chicks and make them sick.
• Litter: Use dry, absorbent litter like wood shavings or rice husks to cover the floor. The litter should be about 5-7 cm deep to provide insulation and comfort. Change it regularly to keep the environment clean and reduce the risk of disease.
• Space: Give each chick about 0.05 square meters of space. Overcrowding can lead to stress, aggression, and disease.

2. Feeding and Watering

Nutrition plays a vital role in the healthy growth of day-old chicks. Here’s how to ensure they get off to a good start:

• Feed: Start with a high-quality starter feed specifically formulated for broilers. This feed should have 21-23% protein content to support rapid growth. Place the feed in shallow trays or feeder pans so the chicks can easily access it. It’s important to ensure that feed is always available, as chicks eat frequently.
• Water: Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Use shallow waterers to prevent drowning and ensure that the water is at room temperature. Adding vitamins and electrolytes to the water for the first few days can help boost the chicks’ immune systems and energy levels. You can use products like MEGA ARAFAL, which is rich in vitamins C and E, to support the chicks’ early development.
• Medication: In addition to good nutrition, certain medications can help protect your chicks from common diseases. For example, OXYJIN is effective in preventing respiratory issues, which are common in broiler chicks, especially in regions with fluctuating temperatures like Pakistan. Administer as directed to help keep your chicks healthy.

3. Monitoring Health

Keeping a close eye on the health of your day-old chicks is crucial. Early detection of any issues can prevent outbreaks and losses:

• Check Daily: Look for signs of illness such as lethargy, huddling under the heat source, lack of appetite, or irregular breathing. Remove any sick chicks immediately to prevent the spread of disease.
• Vaccination: Ensure your chicks are vaccinated according to local recommendations. In Pakistan, vaccines for diseases like Newcastle Disease and Infectious Bronchitis are commonly administered within the first few days of life.
• Cleanliness: Maintain a clean environment by regularly changing the litter and cleaning feeders and waterers. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.

4. Gradual Acclimatization

As your chicks grow, they need to acclimatize to the outdoor environment gradually:

• Temperature Adjustment: Slowly reduce the temperature in the brooding area by a few degrees each week as the chicks develop feathers and can better regulate their body temperature.
• Introducing Outdoors: After about 4-6 weeks, when the chicks are fully feathered, you can start introducing them to the outdoor environment. Begin with short periods during the warmest part of the day and gradually increase the time they spend outside.

5. Protecting from Predators and Pests

In Pakistan, common predators like dogs, cats, and even large birds can pose a threat to your chicks. Additionally, pests like mites and lice can cause serious health issues:

• Fencing: Use secure fencing around the brooding area to keep out predators. Ensure there are no gaps where predators could enter.
• Pest Control: Regularly check for signs of pests in the brooding area. If you notice any, take immediate action to control them using appropriate treatments. DIUREL SB is an excellent product that can be used to manage and prevent pest infestations.

6. Managing Stress

Day-old chicks are highly susceptible to stress, which can weaken their immune system and make them more prone to disease:

• Minimize Handling: Handle chicks as little as possible to reduce stress. When handling is necessary, do so gently and calmly.
• Stable Environment: Keep the brooding environment stable with consistent lighting, temperature, and noise levels. Sudden changes can stress the chicks.
• Socialization: Chicks are social animals and need to interact with others. Ensure they are not isolated and have enough space to move around and interact with each other.

Conclusion

Caring for day-old chicks in Pakistan’s broiler industry requires attention to detail and a commitment to providing the best possible environment. By following these guidelines—preparing a proper brooding area, providing balanced nutrition, monitoring health, and protecting against stress and predators—you can ensure that your chicks grow into healthy, productive birds.

Incorporating the use of effective medicines like MEGA ARAFAL and OXYJIN can further support their growth and immunity, leading to better outcomes for your poultry farm. With the right care, your chicks will thrive, contributing to the success of your poultry business in Pakistan’s competitive market.

Note: Please do not use any medicine without consulting a qualified veterinary doctor. Always follow professional advice to ensure the safety and health of your poultry.