Handling of day-old chick (DOC) and management of the brooding system is the most important part in production of indigenous chicken.
Feed, water, temperature, air quality and hygiene are the most important facts for handling DOC.
Brooding houses should be isolated from other houses of older chickens.
Follow an “all-in, all-out” system. Never mix chicks of different ages.
All facilities must be cleaned properly and disinfected.
Before the placement of chicks, check and make sure that the brooder rings and heaters are working properly.
Brooding house should have good ventilation and fresh air.
Always provide the chicks with clean water.
During the first three days, monitor the chicks at 2-3 hourly intervals, to know whether they take feeds and water properly.
Provide supplemental feeds at the rate of 1 tray per 100 chicks, because it helps for the growth of chicks and prevent diseases infestation.
Provide continuous lighting during the first 3 days, so that small chicks find feed and water easily.
Always monitor the temperature of the brooding house by checking the thermometer as well as behavior of the chicks.
To minimize the mortality rate, whenever chick mortality occurs, try to find the reason immediately and implement the control measures as soon as possible.
