Chicks are still developing, with immature bodily functions, weak immunity, and low disease resistance. Therefore, it's crucial for poultry farmers to pay close attention to chick management. So, how do you raise chicks effectively? Let's find out:
Effective Chick Rearing Techniques
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Sanitizing the Chicken Coop: Disinfect the chicken coop floor and walls with a 2% caustic soda solution. Then, fumigate with 15ml of formalin and 7.5g of potassium permanganate per cubic meter of space, seal for 24 hours, and clear the smoke. Feed troughs, waterers, and other equipment can be disinfected with a 1% caustic soda solution, rinsed with clean water, and dried in the sun for later use.
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Temperature Management: Temperature is a critical factor in chick growth. Providing appropriate temperature conditions can significantly improve chick survival rates. Monitor both the thermometer readings and the chicks' behavior and activity to ensure the temperature is suitable.
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Water Management: During the rearing period, ensure there is no interruption or shortage of water, and the waterers are continuously filled for chicks to drink freely. For chicks up to 2 weeks old, the water temperature should be similar to room temperature, and preheating with cool water can be done to achieve this.
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Feeding: Chicks should start feeding no later than 36 hours after hatching. Provide fresh full-formula feed, as it contains the necessary nutrients like energy, protein, minerals, calcium, and phosphorus. Adjust the nutritional formula according to the chicks' growth stages to accelerate their growth and development.
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Ventilation: Chicks have a high metabolic rate and rapid breathing. Sufficient fresh air is necessary, especially in densely populated chicken houses. The accumulation of carbon dioxide and ammonia from feces and damp bedding in the coop pollutes the indoor air, so timely ventilation is essential.
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Lighting Management: Excessive lighting can lead to undesirable behaviors like feather pecking, toe pecking, and vent pecking, causing losses in the flock. However, prolonged exposure to light each day can prematurely mature pullets and lead to early egg laying, affecting egg quality and overall production. Balancing lighting duration is crucial.
In summary, successful chick rearing involves purchasing chicks from reputable hatcheries, thorough coop sanitation, and careful management practices.
