Intensive / Chick
Management
General Recommendations
1. Prior to delivery of
chicks:
a. Clean and disinfect
cages or 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. Feed should be placed on paper either in the cage or on
the floor depending on the system. Operate feeders at highest feed
level.
e. Keep lights at high intensity for the first week (ie 15 -
20 lux).
Chick
Management
Hy-Line chicks adapt well to Intensive
systems and need very little services from the hatchery other than
vaccination.