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Brooding is the provision of artificial heat to help the chicks in temperature regulation. The heat can be provided by gas or electricity. The brooder area should be ready at least 24 hours before the chicks arrive. Below is a checklist of the things that need to be done before the chicks arrive:
On arrival at the farm unload and place chicks quickly. Ensure feed and water is available immediately. Allow chicks to settle for 1-2 hours then check behavior. During brooding emphasis should be on the following:
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1. TEMPERATURE During brooding it is important to maintain the proper temperature in the brooder. Below are the guidelines of the temperature to be maintained:
The temperature should be monitored by installing brooder thermometers at the height of the chicks. Also, use chick behavior to determine if the temperature is correct. Excessive chick noise during brooding is an indication that the chicks are uncomfortable. Symptoms of improper brooder temperatures include: Low temperatures (chilled chicks)
High temperatures (overheated)
It is essential to maintain the proper temperatures during brooding as chicks which are chilled in the first day of life will be stressed, have increased mortality, get dehydrated, slow growth and a higher incidence of ascites. While overheated chicks will be dehydrated, resulting in high mortality, runting/stunting syndrome and poor flock uniformity. In severe cases, there will be higher mortality due to cardiovascular failure (flip over). |
2. SPACING The brooding area should occupy 1/3 of the house during the first week of life. Expand the brooder area after every 2 days and the birds should occupy 2/3 of the house by the time they are 14 days old. The birds should be allowed to occupy the whole house by the time they are three (3) weeks old. Proper spacing in the brooder ensures easy accessibility to feed and water; hence, good uniformity. Congestion in the brooder leads to high mortality due to starving out, poor uniformity and stunted birds. |
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3. VENTILATION During brooding it is essential to maintain proper ventilation regardless of the cost of maintaining the brooder temperatures. Ventilation is important in removing the ammonia from the house and ensuring that the litter is freshly dry thereby reducing disease challenges. Chicks also require fresh air to grow and be productive. For proper ventilation allow 1ft minimum ventilation from the top. In high temperatures open the curtains from the top and not from the bottom. This is to avoid drafts. Chicks are susceptible to wind chill effects. |
4. FEEDING When chicks start to feed, they tend to eat a good meal. If chicks are feeding and drinking properly the crop fills with a mixture of feed and water. Gentle handling within the first 24 hours can indicate the chicks progress. Check a sample of birds 2 hours after arrival to ensure all chicks have found feed and water. Gently sample the crop of 30-40 chicks from 3 or 4 different places in the brooder. Rearing and feeding:
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