Alternative / Chick
Management
General Recommendations
1. Prior to delivery of
chicks:
a. Clean and disinfect
floor brooding area.
Clean the building interior, attached
service
areas and equipment.
b. Check to make sure equipment is
working
properly and is adjusted to the right height.
c. Remove
all old feed from bins, hoppers and troughs. Disinfect and allow to dry
before new feed is delivered.
d. Place rat/mouse poison where it
will not be consumed by chicks.
2.
One day before delivery:
a. Set
heating system at 33-34°C (91/93°F) at chick level.
b. Check water
system. Adjust to proper height for chicks. Disinfect and flush water
lines.
3. On delivery
day:
a. Have drinkers full or
water system in operation. Check brooder temperatures.
b. As chicks
are placed, trigger water cups or nipples to encourage drinking.
c.
Encourage drinking before eating. When nipple drinkers are used, adjust
the water pressure so birds can see a droplet of water visable on the
nipple.
d. Three to four hours after chicks have been delivered
feed may be given. It is recommended to place feed on paper or trays.
Operate feeders at highest feed level.
e. Keep lights at 20 lux
intensity for the first week.
Chick
Management
Hy-Line chicks adapt well to Alternative
systems and need very little services from the hatchery other than
vaccination.