Flock management tip for broilers: Achieving a good 7-day weight for optimal performance
Chicks should have access to feed as soon as possible after placement to optimize gut, organ and skeletal development, and to support body-weight gain throughout the growing period. Optimal chick management should achieve a 7-day weight that is 4 times the chick weight at placement.
Environment
Air temperature: 30oC/86oF whole-house brooding 32oC/90oF at edge of brooder for spot brooding
Litter temperature: 28-30oC 82-86oF
RH: 60-70% at placement 50% > 3 days of age
All in/all out placement best
Monitor chick behaviour
Light: 30-40 lux (3-4 fc) with 23 hours of light a day until 7 days of age
Ensure clean, biosecure housing
House Set-Up
Typical layout for 1000 chicks in a 25 m2/256 ft2 area
Feed and water
Provide adequate, fresh clean water
Nipple lines: 12 birds per nipple
Bell drinkers: minimum of 6 drinkers per 1000 chicks
Provide 10 supplementary drinkers per 100 chicks at placement
Provide good quality, dust-free crumble or mini pellets on feeder trays (1 per 100 chicks) and/or on paper occupying at least 80% of the brooding area.