Brooding is a critical stage in the life cycle of chickens, and getting it right can make all the difference in the health and productivity of your flock.
Many farmers struggle with brooding, resulting in significant losses of precious chicks between day 1 and day 7.
In this article, we will share expert tips and tricks to help you master the art of brooding and give your birds the best possible start in life.
Preparation
Before the arrival of your chicks, it’s essential to prepare the brooder and the house.
Clean and disinfect the house three weeks before the arrival of the chicks, and prepare the brooder two days before.
Six hours before they arrive, put on the heat source, and ensure that the chick feed and water are in place.
Don’t forget to add glucose and liquid paraffin to the water to give your chicks a healthy start.
Receiving the Chicks
When the chicks arrive, count them and check their condition.
They should be uniform, alert, and active.
Give them water and fill the feeders for the first two days or put feed in a shallow pan or carton to make it easy for them to find the food.
As they get older, provide them with bigger feeders and reduce the level of feed as they get older.
Brooder Management
To ensure the health and well-being of your chicks, it’s crucial to manage the brooder effectively.
Distribute drinkers evenly throughout the house, alternating them with the feeders so that they are easily accessible.
Provide enough feeder space, and make sure the birds have enough room to move around comfortably.
Lighting
Provide light round the clock for the first week to give the birds time to find feeders and waterers.
After the first week, provide the number of hours of light per day that is appropriate for that type of bird.
A 15-watt light bulb should be sufficient for every 200 square feet of floor area.
Brooder Guard
For the first seven to 10 days, use a circular barrier called a brooder guard to confine the chicks.
This prevents them from wandering too far from the heat source and reduces drafts of cold air.
The brooder guard should be about 15 to 16 inches high and large enough for chicks to move towards or away from the heat source.
Heat Source
Chicks need warmth until they are well-feathered, as they are not able to regulate their own body temperature for the first few weeks of life.
If the heat is removed too early, they can develop respiratory problems.
If the chicks crowd under the brooder, it means that they are cold, and you should increase the heat.
If they try to get far away from the brooder, the heat should be reduced.
Conclusion
Brooding is a critical stage in the life cycle of chickens, and getting it right can make all the difference in the health and productivity of your flock.
By following these expert tips and tricks, you can reduce chick losses and give your birds the best possible start in life.
Remember to prepare the brooder and house, manage the brooder effectively, provide adequate lighting and heat, and use a brooder guard to confine the chicks.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to raising a healthy and productive flock.