20/06/2024
With breeding season just around the corner here are some tips/troubleshooting for your new born chicks.
1. In most cases, the brooder is either too large or too small. If the brooder is too large the heat gets lost. If too small, the air circulation is compromised and they start pecking.
2. The brooder has a draft. Ensure it’s insulated but without a draft.
3. Allowing wet wood shavings to remain in the brooder. If left behind the place gets dunky and ammonia is formed which in turn leads to CRD. Wet floors also mean the chicks (coughing)which leads to coccidiosis. (Chicks drop so fast and you can lose an entire flock).
4. Giving feed too fast when the chicks just arrived. Offer a high-quality chick starter feed with at least 18% protein one hour after and ensure access to clean water at all times.
4. Not giving enough heat or too much heat. Chicks need a heat source to maintain their body temperature. A heat lamp or brooder plate is commonly used. The temperature should be around 35°C for the first week and reduced by 2.8°C each week until they are fully feathered. Invest in a thermometer
6. Lighting: Maintain a regular light-dark cycle. Chicks need about 18 hours of light per day initially. A simple timer can help regulate this.
8. Not Monitoring: Regularly check on the chicks to ensure they are eating, drinking, and behaving normally. Be observant for any ailments then isolate.
9. Pasty butt- monitor chicks bottoms. If they have dried poo on their bottoms it can block the passage and in turn kill the chicks very quickly. To treat pasty butt, soak the dried poo and carefully remove twice a day.
10. Herbs herbs herbs. Natural immunity, insect repellents, gut health and general wellness can be achieved with selected herbs.
Www.childschicks.com.au
Happy hatching!
(Not my pic)