Housing & Brooding

This page provides comprehensive guidance on optimal care for premium chicks, with the aim of fostering their health and productivity as they mature into layers. The importance of proper housing and brooding during the early stages of development cannot be overstated, as good care during this critical period lays the foundation for a lifetime of robust health and productivity. The benefits of providing high-quality care will be evident throughout the entire productive lifespan of your layers.

Outlined below are several key strategies for preparing for the arrival of your day-old chicks, monitoring their behavior to ensure optimal development, and providing essential care during the first few weeks of life. While this guide offers valuable insights, please note that it is not intended to serve as a comprehensive instruction manual. For further information or more specialized guidance, please consult with a qualified expert or contact Kuipers Breeders directly.

Transporting day-old chicks can be a delicate process that requires careful attention to several critical factors. Firstly, it is essential to thoroughly clean and disinfect the vehicles used to transport the chicks, as this can help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. Additionally, it is important to avoid exposing the chicks to direct drafts during transport, which can lead to illness and other health complications. Maintaining a suitable temperature range of 26-27 degrees Celsius is also crucial for ensuring the chicks' well-being during the journey.

In situations where an environmentally controlled transport system is not available, it is advisable to transport the chicks at night. This can help minimize the risk of heat stress and other environmental stressors, which can be particularly challenging for young chicks. By taking these precautions and following best practices for transporting day-old chicks, you can help ensure their safe and healthy arrival at their destination.

Maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial for ensuring the health and safety of your day-old chicks. To prevent the introduction of potential sources of infection, it is important to change into clean clothes and shoes before entering the house. Additionally, it is recommended to wash and disinfect your hands thoroughly before handling the chicks. To prevent cross-contamination, it is advisable to keep the new chicks separate from any older laying hens or broilers.

Finally, keeping your farm clean and free from clutter can help minimize potential sources of disease and ensure a healthy and hygienic environment for your birds. By following these best practices for hygiene and sanitation, you can help ensure the success of your poultry operation.

Proper light sources with high intensity and without shadow points should be provided in the first few days to help chicks settle and find water and feed. After the first week, the light should be dimmed as much as possible to prevent feather pecking.

Beak treatment should only be done by skilled and trained individuals using the appropriate equipment. Typically, it is done between 6-8 weeks unless birds start to feather peck earlier.