The first seven days are crucial in poultry farming because its management determines what a farmer will get at the end and, therefore, they should be managed perfectly.
Alex Mbonigaba, the sales manager of Kafiika Feeds and Dr Geoffrey Mukama, the technical sales representative of Koudijs delivered this message to farmers early this year.
“People fear brooding saying it’s a risky stage in poultry yet it is easy if one follows the right basics. To get another person brood for you, it becomes expensive, yet you can do it yourself and save money. Remember, you need to minimise expenditure to maximise profits,” Mbonigaba said.
Mbonigaba said whatever a chicken will be starts on day one, because if chicks get stunted, there is little a farmer can do it improve them.
On stocking, make sure your chicks weigh not less than 40g, check for disabilities and also have a record of whatever transpires.
“The brooder should be weather-proof where the condition inside is controlled. it should control coldness from the chicks, strong winds and its roof should not be leaking when it rains. Also, rodents like rats, wild birds and cats should be kept out of the brooder,” he said.
Aeration should be given special consideration.
“Many farmers think brooder must be covered completely which is wrong because it may cause suffocation and death to both the chicks and the farmers due to carbon-monoxide gases,” Mukama said.
Before stocking, the house must be swept and washed if it was used before.
Also, disinfect it and all the equipment like feeders, drinkers. In case you are using nipples, they should be disinfected as well such that if there are any germs from the previous stock they are killed.
Water and feeds should be put into the house before the chicks are introduced. The feed should be of best quality such as Galdus Pre-starter with the suitable particles. The feed should be placed on paper on the first day to enable them reach the feed but still have feeders in the house to familiarise them with where to get the feed.
