Chick Management

2.1 Chick Transport and Handling

Minimising stress and maintaining optimal temperature are the two most important considerations when transporting DOCs. Heat stress and suffocation are the two most common causes of DOC mortality.

• Handle with care

• Stack with gaps so hot air escapes

• Stack in shade on dry ground

• Never leave in direct sun

• Never stack on wet ground

• Never shake DOC box

• 25°C is the ideal temperature for transporting DOCs.

• Over 30°C will cause heat stress and potentially kill DOCs.

2.2 Shed Preparation

Sheds should be fully cleaned and prepared for brooding before new DOCs arrive onto the farm. This will ensure best performance of the flock and help reduce the risk of disease. Pre-Placement checklist:

Drinker Equipment

1. Confirm equipment capabilities suit placement. (1x bell drinker = 50x DOC)

2. All drinkers working fine with fresh water.

3. Flushed, cleaned and disinfected.

Feeder Equipment

1. Confirm equipment capabilities suit placement. (1x feeder = 50x DOC)

2. Cleaned and disinfected.

3. All feeders working fine with fresh starter feed.

4. Tip feed on paper (70g per chick).

Litter

1. Dry, soft, low levels of dust are comfortable for chicks.

2. Recommended material: Wood shavings or coffee husk/coconut husk.

3. DO NOT USE SAWDUST!

4. Spread evenly throughout shed 5-10cm in depth.

Brooding Area

1. A designated brooding area is installed inside shed 1.5 m2 per 50x DOC.

2. Area is cleaned, disinfected and fresh litter spread.

3. Paper laid out covering 100% of brooding area. Removed after 3 days.

Heater System

1. Ensure heating system works and the temperature is regulated.

See Picture for example of shed prepared and ready for chick placement:

2.3 Brooding Management

Brooding is the most important part of a chickens life. Growth in the first 14 days affects the development of immune and digestive systems. To ensure strong early development, brooding should be managed carefully following these key principles:

1. Temperature management

2. Easy access to cool clean water

3. Easy access to high quality chick starter feed

4. Fresh air

5. High light intensity and long day length

6. Comfort (no stress, no disease) Some farmers use brooding rings, others use a small section of the shed, others use the whole shed. Whatever your preference, the key principles remain the same.

Above: Example of small section brooding

Below: Example of half shed brooding

Temperature Guidelines

As seen in the diagram above, during egg incubation and the first 5 days of life, chicks cannot produce enough heat to properly control their body temperature. It is critical to provide enough heat during this “Cold Blooded” period to ensure optimal development and growth performance. Always observe chick behaviour!

Temperature Checking

Spot Brooding Temperature

Spot Brooding Spot brooding is the most common brooding method used throughout PNG. For optimal broiler performance results, ensure to constantly check chick behaviour as an indicator of correct brooding temperature.

Water is an essential component of chick development and affects the long term growth of a chicken. Water provided should be clean, a cool temperature and changed every day to refresh. Water spillage should be kept to a minimum as it degrades litter quality. Chicks should not have to travel more than 2 metres to find water inside a shed.

Bell Drinkers

1. Bell drinkers should be provided at a rate of 1/50 chicks.

2. Height = equal to breast level of standing chick.

3. Water level should be 5mm below lip of drinker. Avoid spillage.

4. Regular checks, assessments and adjustments.

5. Flush regularly to maintain cool temperature and clean for good hygiene.

Nipple Drinkers

1. Nipple Drinkers should be provided at a rate of 1/10 chicks.

2. Nipple height = equal to eye level.

3. Pressurise system by installing header water tank.

4. Water pressure should be low so there is a water droplet on nipple.

5. Flow rate should be 40ml/ minute.

6. Flush regularly to maintain cool temperature and good hygiene.

Feed and Feeding

Feed

Broiler feed is the largest proportion of overall cost of production. For optimal final performance and growth, chicks should have immediate access to clean and fresh starter feed.

1. Frequent additions of small amounts stimulates feeding activity.

2. High quality chick starter in a dust-free crumble form should be used at a rate of 500g per chick.

3. Feeder height should ensure easy accessibility for DOCs.

Crop Fill Check

Crop fill check is a way to monitor early feeding activity of DOCs.

Light Control

Light programs in brooding stimulates the chicks into feeding and drinking, providing the best possible start for early development. Light intensity and distribution throughout the shed significantly affects broiler activity and growth. To save power costs, coincide light programs with natural daylight sunrise and sunset.

1. There should ALWAYS be some period of darkness for rest and development.

2. If the recommended lighting schedule above is uneconomical or not available the program can be altered. Priority should be given to providing 23 hours of light for first 7 days as this dramatically improves chick development.

3. Any change to the lighting program should always be altered at the “ON TIME.” DO NOT alter the “OFF TIME” as chicks prepare for sleep at the same time every day.