In contract broiler farming, how you place your chicks on the farm can make a huge difference. When chicks are placed correctly, they grow better, stay healthier, and give you better results. If done wrong, it can lead to poor growth, weak birds, and more losses. This blog will help you understand how to place your chicks properly to get the best out of your flock.
Prepare the Brooding Area First
Before your chicks arrive, make sure the area where you’re going to place them is ready. This space needs to be warm, clean, and comfortable. The right temperature for chicks is around 32-35°C (90-95°F), and you want to make sure there are no cold drafts. Good bedding, like wood shavings or straw, will help keep them warm and reduce stress.
Give Enough Space to Your Chicks
Overcrowded chicks won’t grow as well because they’ll compete for food, water, and space. Make sure there’s enough room for them to move around. A good rule is to keep around 30-40 chicks per square meter during the first few days. If chicks have enough space, they’ll be more comfortable and grow more evenly.
Easy Access to Feed and Water
Right after placement, make sure your chicks can easily find feed and water. Spread feeders and waterers throughout the brooding area so that all chicks can reach them. Start them with chick starter feed that’s rich in protein to help them grow. Also, keep waterers clean and at a level where the chicks can drink without struggling. Healthy feeding habits early on will lead to stronger chicks.
Watch Your Chicks Closely
In the first few hours and days, pay close attention to how your chicks are behaving. If they’re huddling together, it means they’re cold and need more heat. If they’re spread out too much, they’re too hot. Making quick adjustments based on what your chicks are telling you will keep them comfortable and happy, helping them grow better.
Benefits of Doing It Right
When you get chick placement right, you’ll see better growth, stronger birds, and fewer losses. The chicks will eat more, move around better, and grow at a good rate. This will lead to healthier birds, meaning you’ll see better results at the end when they’re ready for market.
Conclusion
Proper chick placement is one of the simplest yet most important things you can do to ensure your broiler farming success. A well-prepared environment, enough space, and easy access to food and water will set your chicks up for healthy growth, giving you better results and fewer problems down the road.
