What are the methods to improve the survival rate of young chicks?
Once the eggs hatch and the shells break open, a new batch of young chicks arrives. However, newborn chicks are very fragile, and if management is not up to standard, it can easily lead to mass deaths, causing many chicken farmers to worry constantly during the chick-rearing stage. Sohow do you improve the survival rate of young chicks?
1. Self-breeding and self-rearing
It is recommended that you hatch and raise chicks yourself as much as possible, as this is safer. Generally speaking, self-breeding and self-rearing achieves a higher survival rate and reduces the possibility of young chicks carrying pathogens. Young chicks bought directly from the market may have health problems and can easily carry bacteria that infect other young chicks.
Chicks you hatch yourself ensures that the overall growing environment differs little among them. Young chicks bought from the market still need to adapt to the environment during the early rearing period, and situations of environmental discomfort may occur, causing unnecessary losses.
2. Environmental control
The environment during the brooding period has a great impact on young chicks. Temperature, lighting and ventilation conditions can all seriously affect the healthy growth of young chicks. The temperature in the first week after hatching needs to be kept above 30°C, then gradually decreased over time, and after one month it is enough to keep the temperature at around 20°C.
The lighting time during the brooding period should not be too long. Most of the time, maintaining a relatively dim environment is beneficial for the young chicks' feeding and rest. Long lighting time will make young chicks restless, which is not conducive to later growth. The ventilation conditions of the chicken coop must be good, but you need to try to avoid the incoming wind blowing directly onto the young chicks, as this will cause them to catch colds and diarrhea.
3. Feeding management
In the early stage of the brooding period, it is recommended to feed more concentrated feed, mainly high-protein and high-energy foods, and pay attention to timely supplementation of trace elements to lay a good foundation for later fattening.
For initial feeding, adhere to the “multiple times, small amounts” method. Young chicks digest food very slowly in the early stage, and they need to be fed at least 5 times a day. Each feeding must maintain a supply of clean water, which helps young chicks digest their food.
4. Hygiene and disease management
During the brooding period, be sure to maintain the hygiene of the chicken coop and prevent and treat diseases. Young chick droppings should be cleaned every 3-4 hours, or once after each feeding.
Use necessary vaccines as early as possible. You can use feed-based or spray-type vaccines, and generally do not choose injection-type ones, as this can reduce workload. Once a young chick in an abnormal state is found, do not hesitate; it must be isolated immediately. Young chicks have very weak immunity, so avoid infecting other young chicks.
The above are the four simple methods introduced by Tuliu.com for how to improve the survival rate of young chicks. It is best to achieve self-breeding and self-rearing of young chicks, control the environmental temperature, do a good job in feeding management, and carry out the indispensable hygiene and disease management. Raising young chicks is all about meticulous and comprehensive management. Spend more time in the early stage, and you will have a better harvest later!