The diet of day-old chicks is one of the most important factors for their healthy and strong growth. In the first 24 hours after hatching, chicks do not need to be fed due to the presence of the yolk in their bodies. However, after this period, you should start feeding them. This requires sufficient knowledge and experience so that the chick can grow without any problems. In the following, we are going to talk about the best food for day-old chicken; stay with us.
Proper nutrition leads to rapid and uniform growth of chicks. The nutrients in the feed strengthen the chicks’ immune system and make them more resistant to diseases. Also, if these chicks later become laying hens, proper nutrition from birth leads to increased production of quality eggs.
۱٫ The suitable temperature for day-old chicks is around 32-35 degrees Celsius.
۲٫ The relative humidity of the environment should be around 65-70%. Light: Chicks need sufficient light. Use special brooder lamps.
۳٫ Each chick needs enough space to move and grow.
۴٫ The environment where the chicks are kept should always be clean and dry.
۵٫ Fresh and clean water and food should be provided to the chicks regularly.
Typically, chicks need starter feed until they are 6-8 weeks old. After this age, grower feed can be used for them. Grower feed contains less protein and fat compared to the starter.
Why Homemade Feed? Some breeders prefer to prepare their chicks’ feed at home for various reasons, such as more precise control over the ingredients, ensuring the freshness of the ingredients, or saving money.
Soybean meal: A rich source of protein for chick muscle growth.
Cornmeal: A source of energy and carbohydrates.
Wheat bran: A source of fiber and some vitamins. Dried bread crumbs: A source of carbohydrates and fiber.
Boiled egg powder: A source of high-quality protein and vitamins.
Other nutrients (optional): Bone meal, oyster shell flour, fishmeal, brewer’s yeast, and more.
Ensure the freshness of all ingredients used.
In addition to feeding, providing clean and fresh water for chicks is also very important.
The container used for preparing and storing the feed should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
If you want to switch from homemade feed to ready-made feed, do so gradually by mixing the two types of feed.
Feed the chicks at regular intervals.
As the chicks grow older, their nutritional needs change. Therefore, you should change the type of feed according to their age.
Various diseases may threaten chicks. Some of the most common ones include:
A viral disease that causes paralysis and death in chicks. Vaccination is the best way to prevent this disease.
Another viral disease that causes symptoms such as diarrhea, shortness of breath, and head swelling. Vaccination and quarantine are the most important methods of controlling this disease.
A parasitic disease that causes bloody diarrhea in chicks. The use of anti-coccidial drugs is effective in treating this disease.
These infections are usually caused by poor sanitary conditions and can be treated with antibiotics.
Overall, feeding chicks from the beginning is a complex process that requires attention and care. By choosing the right feed and following nutritional guidelines, you can help chicks grow healthy and strong. Proper nutrition leads to rapid growth, health, and increased egg production in hens in the future. It’s important to note that when changing the type of feed for day-old chicks, do so gradually so that the chicks’ digestive system can adjust to the changes.
Ala Sepahan Oil is a producer of various powders, industrial oils and animal and poultry feed. This company with the brand name Lador can help you prepare one-day chicken feed. Contact our consultants for more information.
