Raising Chicks from Day 1 to Growers: A Practical Guide (Day 1-7)

As an experienced agricultural engineer and a passionate advocate for agribusiness, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with raising chickens from day-old chicks to healthy growers. In this blog, I’ll take you through the crucial first week of raising chicks, with a focus on the all-important brooder and feeding regimen.

Day 1 – Day 7: Getting Started

The first seven days in the life of a chick are critical for their development. Let’s dive into the essentials of ensuring a strong start for your feathered friends.

Understanding the Brooder

To begin, it’s crucial to have a brooder in place. But what exactly is a brooder? Think of it as a safe haven for your chicks, a place where they’ll grow from fragile, fluffy bundles of joy to sturdy young birds.

Brooders come in various forms, from small rooms and wooden constructions to purpose-built brooder boxes. Regardless of the design, the primary purpose remains the same – to provide a controlled environment for your chicks until they’re less vulnerable, usually around 3 to 4 weeks old.

Building the Perfect Brooder

Creating a suitable brooder is a top priority. Here’s how to ensure your brooder is up to the task:

1. Maintain Adequate Heat: Chicks need warmth to thrive. Provide a consistent heat source such as a 100-watt bulb, hot water bottles, or brooder pots. Keep in mind that the brooder should be warm but not too hot.
2. Appropriate Size: Your brooder should be just the right size – not too big, not too small. Adequate space ensures chicks can move around comfortably without crowding.
3. Cleanliness Matters: Before introducing your chicks, thoroughly clean and disinfect the brooder. Hygiene is essential for the health of your birds.
4. Provision of Drinkers and Feeders: Chicks can be quite voracious. Make sure you have enough drinkers and feeders to ensure they have access to water and feed at all times.
5. Pest Control: Ensure that your brooder is free from insects, rodents, and older chickens that could pose a threat to the vulnerable chicks.
6. Dusting Material: Spread dry dusting materials such as sawdust or rice husks on the floor of the brooder. This helps maintain cleanliness and provides a surface for your chicks to scratch and explore.

Feeding Chicks During Days 1-7

Feeding your chicks during this crucial period is of utmost importance. The key to their health and growth lies in providing the right kind of feed. For chicks aged 1-7 days, opt for starter feed, which typically comes in the form of crumbs or mash.

Starter feeds such as Fugo Starter Mash and Pembe Starter Mash are excellent choices for this age group. Avoid mixing their feed with other ingredients like jenga, omena, or pellets during this phase. The chicks need a well-balanced diet specifically tailored to their early development.

In my experience, the first week sets the tone for successful chicken rearing. The brooder and proper feeding are foundational elements that will ensure your chicks get off to a healthy start. Stay tuned for the next installment, where we’ll explore the next stage in raising chickens, from day 8 to growers. Until then, remember, a little care in the beginning goes a long way in agribusiness.