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: 30^oC/86^oF whole-house brooding 32^oC/90^oF at edge of brooder for spot brooding

• Litter temperature: 28-30^oC 82-86^oF

• 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.