Feeding techniques for chicks in the first 10 days

Chicks have poor resistance, especially those in the first 10 days. Farmers must do a good job of disease prevention and management to avoid the death of chicks. Generally speaking, chicks can be fed on the first day after birth. Below, the editor will introduce the feeding techniques for chicks in the first 10 days. Let’s take a look.

1. Temperature

Chicks need higher temperatures during their first few days of life to stay comfortable and healthy. It is generally recommended to maintain a constant temperature of 33~35℃ for the first three days, and then lower it by about 1~2℃ every day until it drops to 20~22℃. You can use a light bulb or a dedicated brooder to provide heat, and place a thermometer in the brooding room to observe temperature changes.

2. Humidity

Chicks need higher humidity levels to stay healthy. The humidity should be maintained at 60%-70% for the first three days, and then gradually reduced to 50%-60%. You can increase the humidity by spraying, watering, etc., but be careful to avoid excessive humidity that may lead to bacterial growth.

3. Start eating

The first feeding of chicks after they hatch is called the "starter feed". The time to start eating is generally around 24 to 36 hours after hatching. The initial feed can be millet blanched in boiling water or special chick feed. These feeds are rich in protein, energy, vitamins and minerals, which can meet the nutritional needs of chicks in the early stage of growth. Sprinkle the feed evenly on clean paper or in a shallow dish to induce the chicks to eat.

4. Drink water

Chicks should start drinking water on the first day after birth. An appropriate amount of glucose , vitamin C or antibiotics can be added to the drinking water to enhance the disease resistance of the chicks and replenish energy. Use a shallow container to hold water, but be careful not to make the water too deep to prevent the chicks from drowning. At the same time, check and replace drinking water regularly to ensure that the water is clean and fresh.

5. Feeding

As the chicks grow, you can gradually add some green feed such as chopped vegetable leaves to the feed to provide rich vitamins and fiber. The amount added should be increased gradually, and pay attention to the chicken's feces and adjust the feed ratio in time.

The above is an introduction to the feeding techniques for chicks in the first 10 days. The chick feeding density should be moderate to avoid overcrowding. Generally, about 20 to 30 chicks can be raised per square meter, and then the stocking density will be gradually reduced according to the growth of the chicks.