How to Raise Chicks Without Them Dying? Master the Key Points of Brooding

SummarySelf-breeding and self-raising: It is recommended that farmers hatch and raise chicks themselves. Temperature control: The temperature needs to be kept above 30°C for one week after hatching, and after one month it can be kept at around 20°C. Light control: Choose a relatively dim environment, and also avoid wind blowing directly onto the chicks. Feeding management: Feed high-protein, energy-type feed in small amounts and multiple times. Hygiene and disease handling: Clean the chicken coop manure in a timely manner, and if abnormal chicks are found, they must be isolated immediately.

1. Self-breeding and Self-raising

1. It is generally recommended that farmers hatch and raise chicks themselves, as this is safer, helps improve the survival rate, and also reduces the possibility of chicks carrying pathogens.

2. Chicks bought directly from the market have unknown maternal conditions and may have health problems, so they are likely to carry bacteria and infect other chicks.

3. Chicks hatched at home can ensure an overall suitable growth environment, while chicks bought from the market still need to adapt to the environment in the early stage of raising, which may cause discomfort and unnecessary losses.

2. Temperature Control

The brooding environment has a great impact on the growth of chicks, and poor temperature can seriously affect their healthy growth. Generally, the temperature needs to be kept above 30°C for one week after hatching, then gradually decrease over time, and after one month the temperature can be kept at around 20°C.

3. Light Control

1. The lighting time during the brooding period should not be too long. Most of the time, a relatively dim environment should be maintained, which is good for the chicks' feeding and rest. Too long lighting time will keep the chicks in a restless state for a long time, which is not good for later growth.

2. At the same time, the ventilation conditions of the chicken coop must be good, but try to avoid incoming wind blowing directly onto the chicks, as this can easily cause colds and diarrhea in chicks.

4. Feeding Management

1. In the early brooding period, it is recommended to feed more concentrated feed. Generally, the food should mainly be high-protein and energy-type feed. During this period, attention should also be paid to timely supplementation of trace elements to lay a good foundation for later fattening.

2. Early feeding should follow the “small amount, multiple times” method. Chicks digest food very slowly in the early stage, so they need to be fed at least 5 times a day. Each time they are fed, clean water must be provided, which helps the chicks digest food.

5. Hygiene and Disease Handling

1. During the brooding stage, be sure to keep the chicken coop hygienic and prevent and treat diseases. Chick droppings need to be cleaned every 3-4 hours, or once after each feeding.

2. During the raising process, vaccines that must be given should be used as early as possible. They can be administered through feed or as spray-type vaccines. Generally, injection-type vaccines should not be chosen, as this can reduce workload.

3. If abnormal chicks are found, do not hesitate and isolate them immediately. Chicks have relatively weak immunity, so they must be prevented from infecting other chicks.