Chick First Feeding Time and Key Points of Brooding Technology

Chicks are newly hatched baby chickens, very small in size with light yellow down all over, extremely cute. However, since they have just emerged from the shell, there is no need to rush to feed them. Wait a few hours before feeding. So when do chicks start eating? What are the key points of brooding technology?

1. When do chicks start eating?

1. Chicks generally are best started on feed within 12 to 24 hours after hatching, and it is best to let them drink water for two to three hours before first feeding, as this can reduce the mortality rate. This is because newly hatched chicks lose a relatively large amount of body moisture, and the nutrients from the heavy yolk inside their bodies can sustain them through their most vulnerable period. Therefore, before first feeding, it is best to give them enough water first before eating.

2. Before chicks start eating, try to feed them warm water above 16 degrees, and a low-concentration vitamin or glucose solution can be added to the warm water to provide them with nutrients. After they have had enough water, some special feed can be given, with some antibiotics or vitamins added to the feed, which can effectively prevent digestive tract diseases. In addition, if they hatch in summer, when feeding them food, it is best to feed some steamed millet to promote digestion, and then give a certain amount of feed on the second day. Do not feed too much, to avoid waste.

2. What are the key points of brooding technology for chicks?

1. Temperature requirements: What is the best temperature to control it at?

For chicks aged 1 to 3 days, the best temperature is 35 to 40 degrees. For chicks aged 4 to 5 days, the best room temperature is 33 to 34 degrees. For chicks aged 6 to 8 days, the best temperature is 32 to 33 degrees. For chicks aged 9 to 12 days, the best temperature is 30 to 32 degrees. For chicks aged 13 to 20 days, the best temperature is 28 to 30 degrees. After they grow to one month old, the temperature can be controlled at normal room temperature.

2. Humidity requirements: What humidity level is more suitable?

Two hours before the chicks hatch, a high-pressure water gun can be used to raise the temperature inside the chicken house to 36 degrees. After it dries, the humidity should be controlled at around 70% to promote yolk absorption. Then, from 2 to 7 days after entering the chicken house, the humidity can be controlled at around 60%.

3. Lighting requirements: How long should they be exposed to light each day?

After chicks hatch, they should be given all-day lighting on the first day, 23 hours on the second day, and then reduced by half an hour each day thereafter until, after two weeks, normal natural lighting can be given. Generally, the stronger the lighting given during the first two or three days, the better, as it helps chicks eat and drink, so 24 hours of lighting can be given each day during the first three days.

4. Feeding requirements: How should they be fed?

After chicks hatch, they should first be given enough water before food. Generally, giving a certain amount of food within 12 to 24 hours after hatching is sufficient. Cornmeal, cooked egg yolk and similar items can generally be chosen, or special feed can be used. When starting to feed, some low-concentration glucose or brown sugar water can be added to the food to provide them with nutrients.

In general, after chicks hatch, do not rush to feed them. Give them enough water first, and then begin feeding after 12 hours. In addition, during the rearing period, management requirements for lighting, temperature, humidity and other aspects should be handled well, so that the chicks can grow well. Generally, after raising them for 1 month, they can be managed normally.