15/06/2025
7 THINGS A POULTRY FARMER SHOULD DO TO LOWER MORTALITIES WITHIN THE FIRST THREE DAYS
Some chicks are lost during transportation from hatchery to farm.
A major reason why chicks are mostly carried at night or early morning before the sun comes up.
# What should farmers do?
✓ Examine the chicks on arrival to see their state of stress. Stressed chicks will feel weak and have a higher body temperature than normal.
The more stressed they are, the more attention you need to give them.
✓ Add glucose to their water. One heap teaspoon full per 10 liter of water is sufficient.
✓ Teach your birds to drink by dipping their beak into the water. Do this to a few of them and the other chicks will gradually learn.
✓ Give individual attention to weak chicks. Hold them and help them take a few gulp of glucose water. Do this to the weak chicks one after the other.
✓ Ensure all chicks have food and begin to eat within the first hour of getting water.
✓ Make sure you implement the water before food rule for your chicks especially during warm seasons.
✓ Monitor the reaction to the heat source. If there is no need for extra heating due to weather, please remove the heat source.
✓ Check your chick every 1-2 hours and assist those needing help to eat and drink.
The greatest risk exist within the first 3 days. Any chick that survive into the 4th day has a high chance of surviving till maturity if managed well.