i) Aside from proper heat temperature maintenance, fresh air circulation is also important! I have seen a lot of flocks getting terrible 1st week mortalities due to caretakers' sole concentration on providing high temperature. As a result, the chicks are panting hard and eventually getting dehydrated and weak. An air inlet and air outlet near the roof of the brooding section can be placed for air circulation.
ii) Ensure right feed texture. Common sense dictates that feed particle size should fit the small mouth of chicks. If the corn size is big, you are practically denying the chicks their energy source. If left unchecked for 1 wk, expect the chicks to be weak and lethargic from 2nd week onwards. It is always prudent to include this feed particle size check-up in the checklist prior to chick arrival.
iii) Again, have an eye for survival instincts being displayed by the chicks in relation to what is being afforded them. Like for example, excessive heat would show the chicks getting as far as possible from heat source. Also, big particle size or poor feed formula would show chicks just playing with the feed (if they even want to play with it!), and as a result, you find no need to replenish their feed pans. And as always, check the condition of the flock for level of activity and placement inside brooding area. Be attentive! (6/7/10)
These tips were also posted at Technical Tid-bits section of www.freepoultryconsultant.host56.com
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