The goal of management during the first hours after placement on the farm is to achieve as much intake of both feed and water in as many chicks as possible. If chicks do not readily eat or drink, their performance will be irreversibly compromised. This results in poor growth, poor feed conversion and poor flock uniformity.
Sample 100 chicks per brooding area for best results.
- Place chick’s feet against your neck or cheek to feel how warm or cold the chick is. Chick feet temperature is an excellent indicator of floor temperature and the chick’s internal temperature. If feet are cold, re-evaluate the preheating temperature and process to ensure chicks stay warm enough.
- Look for cold chicks signaled by low activity and huddling. Cold chicks can result in reduced feed and water intake, and therefore reduced growth rate. Chicks should be evenly and actively moving around the brooding area.
- Check chick's crops eight hours after placement. A minimum of 85% of the examined chicks should have both feed and water present. A minimum of 95% of the bird's crops should be filled upon examination the morning after placement.
By using these key indicators to monitor your chicks' progress, you can maximize their long-term genetic potential.
