"Fellow farmers, let’s talk chick care—Day 1 to 7 is make or break for your improved Kienyeji chicks!"
These first 7 days are called the critical brooding stage. If you get it right here, you’ll raise healthy, strong, and fast-growing birds. When your chicks arrive from the hatchery, follow the below tips:
✅ 1. Warmth is Life!
Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature yet. 📌 Provide heat immediately when they arrive. 🔥 Use a charcoal jiko, brooder lamp, or gas heater—whatever you can manage—but make sure it’s safe and warm. 🌡️ Target temperature: 32°C–35°C (you can use a thermometer or watch their behavior. If they huddle, it’s too cold. If they spread out, it’s too hot.)
✅ 2. Clean Water from the Start
First thing they should get? Glucose water + vitamins (like chick start or vita stress) to boost energy and reduce stress. 💧 Always give clean, warm water on arrival. Cold water can shock them. 🚫 No dirty water bowls—they’ll get sick fast.
✅ 3. Right Feed, Right Time
Feed starter mash formulated for improved Kienyeji from day 1. 🍽️ Serve it on flat trays or clean paper first to help them learn. 🥄 Feed little and often, keep it fresh and dry.
✅ 4. Hygiene is Your Best Defense
🧼 Disinfect the brooder before the chicks arrive. 🧹 Clean the brooder daily—remove wet litter and droppings. 🪵 Use dry wood shavings or rice husks as bedding. ☠️ Dirty or damp environments = disease risk!
✅ 5. Keep the Brooder Draft-Free
No cold winds or sudden weather changes. 💨 Block any cold drafts with sacks or polythene sheets. 🚪 The brooder should be well-ventilated but not breezy.
✅ 6. Monitor, Monitor, Monitor
👀 Check chicks every few hours. Are they eating? Drinking? Active? Chirping loudly? Huddling? That tells you what they need. 📋 Keep a daily record of feed and water intake.
✅ 7. Start Vaccination Early
💉 Follow your suppliers vaccination schedule.
🛑 Don’t take shortcuts during week 1. For more tips get in touch +254713572946
