Do These 5 Things to Double the Survival Rate of Chicks
Many poultry farmers have experienced this: the success of a batch of chickens is largely determined within the first three days.
Chicks, newly arrived at the pen, have experienced transport stress, and their thermoregulation, digestive, and immune systems are still developing, making them particularly delicate. Proper care during these first three days ensures a smoother transition; mishaps in these three days can harm the entire batch.
There’s a saying in poultry farming: “The first three days determine their fate”—the feed intake rate within the first 16 hours after arrival directly determines the uniformity and growth potential of the chicks. Mastering the following five things will significantly improve survival rates and uniformity.
I. Temperature: 24 Hours in Advance
Newly hatched chicks weigh only 35-38 grams, have sparse feathers, and a body temperature 3°C lower than adult chickens. They cannot regulate their own body temperature. Temperature is paramount.
The recommended temperature during the early brooding period is 33-35°C, decreasing by 2-3°C each week thereafter. The most crucial point: The chicken coop must be preheated 24-48 hours before the chicks arrive. Don’t wait until the chicks arrive to light the stove—the litter and air must be warm. The preheating time depends on the coop structure, outside temperature, and other factors. Ensure that the feeding equipment, walls, and floor are adequately heated.
Thermometers are for reference only; observing the chicks is the most accurate way to adjust the temperature:
Gathering and fighting = too cold (heat appropriately)
Panning with open mouths, away from heat sources = too hot
Evenly distributed, quietly eating = just right
Special reminder: Prevent drafts. Install draft barriers in door and window gaps and vents to avoid direct cold air causing localized cold stress. Wind speed should be low (<0.3m/s) during the brooding period.
II. Drinking Water: Water First, Then Feed
The order is crucial. Chicks should drink water for 2-3 hours after entering the pen to replenish fluids lost during transport and alleviate stress before feeding.
Initial Drinking Guidelines:
Water Temperature: Warm water close to room temperature (20-25℃)
Additives: Add 5% glucose + 0.1% electrolyte multivitamins to the drinking water for 3 consecutive days to replenish energy, help eliminate fatigue, and restore strength.
Waterers: For the first 3 days, use vacuum waterers, one per 80-100 chicks, with a water depth of 2-3 cm to prevent drowning.
Water Line Adjustment: After 3 days, gradually transition to nipple drinkers. The water line should be level with the chick’s back to ensure it can reach the water.
Special Reminder: Dehydration is one of the main causes of early chick mortality. For the first 3 days, actively “teach” the chicks to find the water line and adjust the water line height and water pressure.
III. Initial Feeding: Small, Frequent Feedings; 16-Hour Crop Filling Rate is Key
Initiate feeding after watering, using easily digestible, high-quality starter feed (crushed or small-particle feed) with a crude protein content of 19%-20% and metabolizable energy of 2850-2950 kcal/kg.
Key Points for Initial Feeding:
Timing: 1-2 hours after watering, ideally around 24 hours after hatching.
Method: Spread feed evenly on a feeding tray or bedding paper near the waterer for easy access and pecking by chicks.
Principles: Small, frequent feedings, keeping feed fresh—feed 6-8 times daily for 1-3 days to stimulate feeding and prevent waste and feed spoilage.
Lighting: 22-23 hours of strong light (20-40 lux) for the first 3 days to help chicks find water and feed.
Core Indicator: Within 16 hours of arrival, the chick crop filling rate must reach over 98%. A full crop refers to the proportion of a chick’s crop that is full and soft to the touch. Only when this proportion is reached can the chicks’ early growth and development be ensured, and the differentiation between large and small chicks be avoided.
IV. Humidity and Density: Don't Ignore Them
Humidity: During the early brooding period (1-10 days old), the relative humidity should be 60%-65%, ideally reaching 65%-70% for the first 3 days. Too dry a humidity level can easily lead to dehydration, dry down, and damage to the respiratory mucosa. Excessive humidity can easily induce coccidiosis.
Density:
1-2 weeks old: 30-40 chicks per square meter
3-4 weeks old: 20-30 chicks per square meter
Overcrowding can cause chicks to huddle together and suffocate, miss food and water, and grow unevenly. Strong and weak chicks should be separated into different groups promptly, with weaker chicks receiving supplementary feeding.
V. Observe Closely and Select Weak Chicks
For the first three days, frequently enter the coop and focus on four key aspects: mental state, feed and water intake, feces, and flock uniformity.
Poor mental state: closed eyes, tucked neck, unsteady standing – remove immediately.
Insufficient feed and water intake: empty crop – provide individual supplementary feed and water.
Abnormal feces: diarrhea, sticky vent – check for intestinal problems.
Smaller weight: significantly lagging behind its peers – provide concentrated care.
Isolate weak chicks that are not eating or drinking, or are unsteady on their feet, and provide concentrated care to prevent them from being culled in the flock and becoming a source of disease.
✅ Preheat temperature to 33-35℃ (24-48 hours in advance)
✅ Water first, then feed (let chicks drink water 2-3 hours before feeding)
✅ Feed small amounts frequently (6-8 times a day for 1-3 day old chicks, ≥98% satiety rate after 16 hours)
✅ Control humidity and density (60%-65% humidity, 30-40 chicks/m² density)
✅ Observe weak chicks frequently (monitor their mental state, feed intake, droppings, and uniformity)
Stabilize the first three days for easier later stages. The early growth of chicks directly determines their lifelong development—even with increased feed and medication later, it’s difficult to compensate for the shortcomings of the first three days. Paying attention to every detail in the first three days lays the most solid foundation for high and stable production throughout the entire batch.
