Bringing day-old chicks to your poultry farm marks the beginning of a new flock and potentially, a successful venture. But unfortunately, many farmers unknowingly make mistakes right at this critical starting point. These early missteps often result in high chick mortality, stunted growth, disease outbreaks, and economic loss.
Here are the 8 most common mistakes farmers make when day-old chicks arrive, along with tips on how to avoid them.
1. Delaying the Heating of the Brooder
One of the most overlooked yet deadly mistakes is failing to preheat the brooder before chicks arrive. Chicks are highly sensitive to temperature changes and cannot regulate their body heat in the first days of life.
Recommended Practice:
Start heating the brooder 2 to 3 hours before the chicks arrive. This helps establish the ideal temperature range of 32–35°C (90–95°F) for day-old chicks. Ensure even distribution of heat across the brooder to prevent cold spots. Use a thermometer or observe chick behavior; huddling means they’re cold, while spreading away from the heat source suggests overheating.
2. Feeding Before Hydration
It’s tempting to provide feed immediately after placing chicks in the brooder, but that’s a mistake. Newly hatched chicks are dehydrated and need water first to activate their digestive systems.
Best Practice:
Offer clean, lukewarm water mixed with glucose and soluble vitamins (like Vitamin A, D, and E) for at least 2 hours before introducing feed. This helps rehydrate the chicks, boosts their immunity, and prepares their gastrointestinal tract (GIT) for proper digestion.
3. Using Oversized Feeders in the First Week
Using large feeders from day one prevents chicks from accessing feed easily. Their small size and underdeveloped coordination make it difficult to reach feeds in deep containers.
What You Should Do:
Use shallow feeding trays during the first 7 days. These trays ensure that chicks can easily reach and consume their feed. From week two, gradually transition to baby feeders, then to larger feeders as the birds grow.
4. Using Tarpaulin Instead of Brooder Paper
Covering the brooder floor with tarpaulin instead of brooder paper may seem cost-effective, but it creates serious health risks. Tarpaulin doesn’t absorb moisture, and when combined with droppings, it becomes a breeding ground for coccidiosis and other bacterial infections.
Recommended Alternative:
Always use brooder paper or clean, absorbent materials like plain newsprint during the first week. Brooder paper helps absorb moisture, keeps the brooder dry, and minimizes pathogen growth.
5. Feeding Chicks Large Particle Feed
Starter feed with large or coarse particles is difficult for chicks to pick and digest. This can lead to underfeeding, poor digestion, and low weight gain.
Best Feed Option:
Choose finely milled mash or crumble feed specifically designed for starter chicks. Particles should be small enough for chicks to consume comfortably and efficiently. A well-balanced chick starter should contain 18–20% protein and essential vitamins.
6. Not Covering Litter Material (e.g., Husk) with Brooder Paper
Day-old chicks often mistake litter materials like rice husks or wood shavings for feed, especially if they’re not covered properly. This can lead to impaction of the crop or esophagus, as the material is indigestible.
Preventive Measure:
Cover the litter with brooder paper for the first 3–5 days. This not only prevents chicks from eating the bedding but also makes it easier for them to locate the feed. After this period, once they learn to feed, you can gradually remove the brooder paper.
7. Overheating the Brooder
While warmth is critical, too much heat can be just as harmful as too little. Excessive heat causes dehydration, panting, and constipation in chicks, which may lead to early mortality.
How to Monitor:
Keep a thermometer at chick level and maintain the right temperature range. Observe chick behavior if they are all panting or clustered away from the heat source; the brooder is too hot. Adjust your heating setup accordingly to maintain a stable and comfortable environment.
8. Overcrowding the Brooder
Inadequate spacing is a recipe for stress, competition, and disease. Chicks in overcrowded brooders are more likely to fight over feed and water, and disease spreads faster due to close contact.
Space Requirement:
Ensure at least 6 to 8 chicks per square foot in the first week. As they grow, increase the space accordingly. Adequate space not only improves comfort but also boosts feed intake, growth rate, and overall flock performance.
Conclusion: Starting Strong Leads to Lasting Success
The first 7 days of a chick’s life are the most critical to its survival and performance. Every decision from heating to feeding has lasting effects on your flock’s productivity. Avoiding the mistakes listed above can drastically reduce chick mortality, improve feed conversion, and set your birds up for strong growth and profitability.
Whether you’re a new poultry farmer or a seasoned one, remember that success begins at day one.
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