Chicks require a proper brooding temperature to ensure their healthy development. Newly hatched chicks should be kept at 34°C to 35°C, and this temperature should gradually decrease by 2°C to 3°C each week. By the time they are 4 to 5 weeks old, the brooding temperature should be close to the ambient temperature, typically around 20°C. This gradual reduction helps the chicks adapt to environmental conditions and supports their growth.
For rural settings, several effective brooding methods are recommended. One approach is to group chicks in village-based brooding areas, allowing farmers to raise them in smaller, manageable batches. Another method is using hens or roosters to naturally brood the chicks, with each hen or rooster responsible for about 15 to 20 chicks. A third option is cardboard brooding, where sawdust or straw is used as bedding. A single square meter can accommodate up to 40 newborn chicks. A plastic sheet covers the top of the box, and a 25-watt bulb is placed inside to maintain warmth. For the first two weeks, feeding and watering take place within the box, while later on, the chicks can be moved outside for feeding and drinking. Additionally, small greenhouses can be set up indoors to regulate temperature and air quality effectively.
Proper feeding and management from day one are crucial for chick health. Chicks should be allowed to drink water at least 5 hours after hatching. Clean warm water at 20°C, mixed with 5% sugar, is ideal for the first three days. Feeding should begin 15 hours after hatching, with small amounts of cooked rice and egg yolk offered during the first three days. After that, they can transition to commercial feed. Initially, feed them 6 to 8 times a day, gradually reducing the frequency. To save on feed costs, young chickens under 40 days can be fed once daily. It’s important to avoid grazing chickens in fields treated with pesticides; wait at least 5 to 7 days before letting them out. Chickens are sensitive to moisture and prefer dry environments, so constructing simple shelters during the rainy season is advisable when raising large numbers.
Disease prevention is essential for healthy chick development. At 5 to 7 days old, administer the Newcastle disease II strain, diluted in cold water or saline. At 30 to 35 days, use the IV strain via drinking water or injection (0.5 ml per bird). During the same period, apply the fowlpox vaccine by dipping the wing area. Around 70 days of age, give a subcutaneous or intramuscular dose of the Newcastle disease I strain. In regions where infectious bursal disease, infectious bronchitis, or Marek’s disease are common, vaccines should be administered based on local conditions.
Rural chicken farming often faces sanitation challenges, making it critical to control pests and diseases. Preventive measures against chicken lice, salmonellosis, colibacillosis, and coccidiosis are necessary. From day 1 to 70, mix 0.1% oxytetracycline and 0.02% norfloxacin into the feed to prevent bacterial infections. If an outbreak occurs, treat with 5% to 10% enrofloxacin injection or 0.5g enrofloxacin per 20kg of water. Starting at 7 days old, administer anticoccidial drugs for 4 to 5 days, then stop for 3 to 4 days before resuming treatment.
In summer, high temperatures and humidity can cause feed to spoil quickly. Therefore, it's best to use only the amount of feed needed within 5 to 7 days. The chicken-rearing area should have a slight slope for drainage and to prevent mosquito breeding. Maintaining good hygiene and health practices is key to reducing disease incidence and improving overall flock performance.
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