How to Raise Chicks? A Detailed Guide to Scientific Rearing Methods
Many people may have raised baby chicks, but the survival rate of chicks is relatively low, and many people may end up raising them to death. So how do you raise chicks? Let's take a look below.
1. Temperature
Generally, the method of higher first and lower later is adopted. When the chicks move normally, are lively and energetic, have a good appetite, and drink a moderate amount of water, it indicates that the temperature is normal; when the temperature is too low, the chicks make sharp cries and move close to the heat source, huddling together; when the temperature is too high, the chicks move away from the heat source, gasp with their mouths open, and drink more water.
In general, the temperature tends to be on the low side, which can easily cause the flock to pile up and die, so close observation is essential. Suitable temperature is the guarantee of improving the survival rate; make sure the temperature is uniform and constant, and do not let it fluctuate up and down.
2. Humidity
Before 10 days of age, it should be controlled at 60%-70%, and after 10 days of age, it should be controlled at 50%-60%. Keeping water constantly available in the drinkers is the main measure for controlling humidity in the brooding room. Excessive humidity easily inhibits the body's water metabolism and induces coccidiosis and fungal diseases. Too low humidity will cause dehydration in the chicks, leading to brittle and falling downy feathers, thin bodies with dry toes, poor digestion, and increased dust in the room, inducing respiratory diseases.
3. Drinking water and food
The chicks brought back can be given plenty of water to drink right away. Once the chicks have drunk enough water, they can start feeding, with a complete nutritional compound feed. Start feeding means the first feeding should be carried out 2-4 h after the flock has drunk water. Add a little water to the feed, mix it evenly, and spread the feed evenly on a previously disinfected dark-colored plastic sheet, letting the chicks feed freely, feeding small amounts frequently.
4. Air and light
Light is an indispensable condition for the skeletal development of chicks and for promoting digestion. Within 3 days of age, light should be maintained for 23-24 h; from 4 days to 3 weeks of age, maintain 12-16 h of light per day; from 4 to 6 weeks of age, maintaining 10-12 h of light per day is appropriate.
Fresh air is one of the necessary conditions for the growth and development of chicks. The brooding room must have ventilation equipment, and in particular, it is necessary to prevent excessive concentrations of harmful gases in the brooding room due to poor ventilation, which directly harms the health and development of the chicks and may even cause poisoning and death.
5. Rearing density
Some chicks have reduced resistance after long-distance transport, so some vitamins and antibacterial drugs (such as enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, etc.) can be added to the drinking water. A reasonable density should be based on whether the chicks can move, feed, drink, and rest freely and comfortably. For floor brooding, the density should be 30-40 birds/sq m in the first 2 weeks of age, and 20 birds/sq m in the following 2 weeks of age.
When raising chicks, pay careful attention to whether there are any abnormalities, and determine whether they are healthy based on their mental state, breathing, feather condition, and other aspects.