Key Points for Raising 7-Day-Old Chicks
Proper care for chicks after hatching is crucial as it determines their survival rate. The 7-day mark is when chicks start to stabilize, and feeding methods become more established. Let's discuss the key points for raising 7-day-old chicks.
Key Points for Raising 7-Day-Old Chicks
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Watering:
Provide the initial drink 2 hours after chicks enter the coop. Give them cooled boiled water for the first two days, then switch to cool water from the third day. Add a small amount of glucose to the initial drink to prevent dehydration. Check if the water trays are filled and not leaking, and tap the drinkers to attract the chicks. If forced drinking is needed, hold the chick's head and dip its beak into the water tray. From the fifth day, gradually replace the trays with larger ones, ensuring the tray height is level with the chicks' backs, maintaining two-thirds water depth. Each tray should serve 80 chicks, and the water should be clean and sufficient.
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Temperature:
Maintain a temperature of 32-34°C for the first 3 days, then decrease by 0.5°C daily, reducing to 32°C by the seventh day. Use a thermometer as a reference and ensure the chicks are evenly distributed in the cage without panting. If the temperature is too high, ventilate or turn on exhaust fans. If too low, increase the temperature. The ideal brooding temperature is where the chicks feel comfortable.
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Humidity:
Control humidity between 60% and 75%. Start proper ventilation by the third day, ensuring warmth while airing out the space.
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Density:
Maintain a density of 35-40 chicks per square meter.
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Lighting:
Provide 24 hours of light for the first two days, then gradually reduce it by half an hour each day from the third day onward.
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Feeding:
Start feeding 2-3 hours after watering, using standard pellet feed. Feed in small amounts frequently, allowing free access to food. Since chicks' immune systems are not fully developed, enhance nutrition by adding immune supplements, vitamins, and biological health products to the feed ingredients.
The above outlines the key points for raising 7-day-old chicks. Feeding is critical and requires attention to feeding quantity, nutritional intake, and maintaining cleanliness. By following these guidelines, chicks can grow healthily.
