How to take care of broilers from day old is question you need to answer. Raising broiler chickens, known for their fast growth and high meat yield, can be a profitable venture for both small-scale and commercial poultry farmers. However, successful broiler farming requires proper care and management from the very first day. Broilers are typically raised for meat and reach market weight within six to eight weeks, depending on breed and management practices. This article provides a detailed guide on how to take care of broilers from day old to maturity.

 Preparing for Day-Old Broilers

Before the arrival of your day-old broilers, it is important to ensure that the brooding area is well-prepared. Broilers are sensitive to temperature, nutrition, and their environment, especially in their early stages of life. Here’s what you should do before bringing the chicks in:

1. Brooding Space:
The brooding area should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least a week before the chicks arrive. Any previous litter or waste should be removed, and all surfaces and equipment should be washed and sanitized. Ensure that the space is dry and well-ventilated, but free from drafts.

2. Bedding:
Use clean, dry bedding material like wood shavings, straw, or sawdust to line the brooding area. The bedding should be about 3 to 4 inches deep to provide insulation and absorb moisture. Damp or dirty bedding can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of infections such as coccidiosis, which is common in broilers.

3. Heating:
Chicks are highly sensitive to temperature, especially in the first few weeks. A brooder with an adjustable heat source (such as a heat lamp or gas brooder) should be ready to maintain the temperature between 32°C to 35°C (89°F to 95°F) for the first week. The temperature can be reduced by 2°C to 3°C each week until the chicks are fully feathered (around 3 to 4 weeks old).

4. Feeders and Drinkers:
Set up feeders and drinkers before the chicks arrive. Feeders should be low enough for the chicks to access easily but high enough to prevent them from stepping in the feed. Similarly, drinkers should provide clean, fresh water that is easily accessible. Make sure there are enough feeders and drinkers to prevent overcrowding and competition.

5. Lighting:
Adequate lighting is essential for chicks to find their food and water. Keep the brooding area well-lit for the first 24 hours after the chicks arrive to help them acclimate and start eating. Afterward, a 23-hour light and 1-hour dark cycle is typically recommended to stimulate growth.

 CLICK HERE GET YOUR BROILER DELIVERED TO YOUR LOCATION

First 7 Days of Care

The first seven days are the most critical in a broiler chick’s life. Proper care during this period sets the foundation for healthy growth and high meat yields later on. Here are the key management practices during this stage:

1. Temperature Control:
For the first week, maintain the temperature between 32°C to 35°C. Chicks that are too cold will huddle together and chirp loudly, while overheated chicks will spread out and pant. Monitor their behavior closely and adjust the heat source as needed to keep them comfortable.

2. Feed and Water:
Day-old chicks should be provided with a high-quality starter feed that contains at least 22% to 24% protein. The feed should be finely ground and easily digestible to support rapid growth. Offer clean, fresh water at all times, and ensure the chicks drink soon after arrival. Adding a small amount of glucose or sugar to the water in the first few hours can help give them an energy boost.

3. Monitoring Health:
Observe the chicks regularly to ensure they are active, eating, and drinking well. Watch out for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, pasty vents, or labored breathing. Quick action can prevent disease outbreaks. Consider using vaccinations or medication, depending on local disease prevalence and advice from a veterinarian.

4. Encourage Feeding and Drinking:
Some chicks may be slow to start eating or drinking, which can affect their growth. Gently tap the feeders and drinkers to attract their attention, and ensure that the chicks know where to find food and water. You may need to dip their beaks into the water to show them the drinker.

2 to 4 Weeks of Age

As the broilers grow, their nutritional, environmental, and space needs will change. Between 2 to 4 weeks of age, the focus should be on managing their feed, water, and environment to ensure continued rapid growth.

1. Temperature Adjustment:
Gradually lower the brooder temperature by 2°C to 3°C each week until it reaches about 24°C (75°F) by week four. By this time, the chicks should have enough feathers to maintain their own body temperature.

2. Space Management:
As the broilers grow, they will need more space to move around. Ensure that the brooding area is not overcrowded, as this can lead to competition for food and water, stress, and a higher risk of disease. Each chick should have at least 0.1 to 0.2 square meters of space by the end of week four.

3. Feeding Transition:
Around the second week, transition the chicks from starter feed to grower feed, which contains slightly less protein (around 20% to 22%). Grower feed supports continued growth and helps prepare the broilers for the next stage of their life. Ensure that feed is always available and that feeders are regularly cleaned to prevent spoilage.

4. Water Management:
Water intake increases as the broilers grow, so check drinkers frequently to ensure they are always filled with clean water. It’s also important to clean the drinkers daily to prevent bacterial growth.

5. Lighting and Ventilation:
Continue providing 23 hours of light and 1 hour of darkness each day. Good ventilation is also important during this stage to provide fresh air and prevent the build-up of harmful gases such as ammonia.

4 to 6 Weeks of Age

During this period, the broilers’ growth rate increases dramatically, and they approach their target market weight. Management during this phase focuses on maintaining their health and maximizing feed conversion efficiency.

1. Temperature Management:
By week five, the broilers should no longer need supplemental heat, assuming they are kept in a well-ventilated, dry, and draft-free environment. The ambient temperature should be around 21°C to 24°C (70°F to 75°F).

2. Feeding and Feed Conversion:
Switch to a finisher feed from week four onwards. Finisher feed contains less protein (18% to 20%) but more energy to support rapid weight gain. Proper feed management during this phase is crucial to achieving high feed conversion ratios, meaning the broilers convert feed into body weight efficiently.

3. Health Monitoring:
Continue monitoring the broilers for any signs of disease or stress. Respiratory issues, leg problems, and sudden deaths are common health concerns during this stage due to rapid weight gain. Maintain clean bedding and proper ventilation to minimize these risks.

4. Water:
Water is critical during this phase, as the broilers’ water intake increases with their weight. Ensure that water is always available and that the drinkers are kept clean. Automatic drinkers can help reduce labor and ensure a consistent water supply.

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FOR ALL DAY OLD CHICKS HERE

 6 to 8 Weeks: Preparing for Market

By the time broilers reach 6 to 8 weeks of age, they should be near market weight. The goal during this final stage is to maintain their health and prepare them for slaughter or sale.

1. Final Weight Gain:
Continue providing finisher feed and monitor the broilers’ growth. Avoid overfeeding or underfeeding, as both can affect the final meat quality. If some broilers reach the desired market weight earlier than others, consider processing them in batches.

2. Health Checks:
Perform regular health checks to ensure the broilers are in good condition. Check for any signs of respiratory issues or leg weakness, which can occur due to rapid growth.

3. Bedding and Cleanliness:
Keep the brooding area clean and dry, as ammonia levels can rise in dirty bedding, affecting broiler health. Clean out wet or soiled bedding regularly to maintain a healthy environment.

Conclusion

Caring for broilers from day old to market age requires careful attention to their needs at each stage of growth. Proper brooding, feeding, health management, and environmental control are essential to ensuring fast growth, high feed efficiency, and healthy birds. With the right care, broiler farming can be a profitable venture, providing quality meat for local or commercial markets.