Proper management from day-old to one month old is the most critical stage in raising healthy gamefowl. Below is a practical management guide suitable for small to medium-scale breeders.
Day-Old Chicks (0–7 Days)
Brooding
- Temperature: 32–35°C during the first week.
- Reduce temperature by 2–3°C each week until ambient temperature is reached.
- Use a brooder guard to prevent chicks from wandering away from the heat source.
- Keep litter dry using rice hulls or wood shavings.
Feeding
- Feed: Chick Booster or Chick Starter Crumble (20–22% crude protein).
- Feed should be available 24 hours.
- Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Water Management
- Add vitamins and electrolytes for the first 3–5 days to reduce stress.
- Clean drinkers daily.
Health
- Observe chicks several times a day.
- Healthy chicks are active, alert, and have full crops.
- Remove wet litter immediately.
Second Week (8–14 Days)
Feeding
- Continue Chick Starter.
- Feed consumption:
- Around 18–25 g/chick/day.
Management
- Increase floor space.
- Lower brooder temperature to 29–32°C.
- Begin exposing chicks to natural daylight during warm periods.
Health
- Monitor for:
- Coccidiosis
- Respiratory problems
- Pasty vent
Third Week (15–21 Days)
Feeding
- Continue starter feed.
- Consumption:
- 25–35 g/chick/day
Housing
- Provide more ventilation.
- Allow supervised exercise if the weather is good.
Biosecurity
- Disinfect feeders and drinkers regularly.
- Prevent wild birds and rodents from entering the brooding area.
Fourth Week (22–30 Days)
Feeding
- Transition gradually to Grower Feed (18–20% protein) if desired.
- Feed consumption:
- 35–45 g/chick/day
Management
- Separate weak and small chicks.
- Increase pen space to reduce fighting.
- Continue providing clean water.
Health
- Deworm only if recommended based on your flock's condition and local veterinary guidance.
- Observe for signs of parasites.
Vaccination Schedule (Example)
| Age | Vaccine |
|---|---|
| Day 1–7 | Newcastle Disease Vaccine (if not given at hatchery) |
| 7–10 days | Infectious Bursal Disease Vaccine (where recommended) |
| 21–28 days | Newcastle booster |
Vaccination programs may vary depending on disease prevalence in your area. Consult your local livestock veterinarian or agricultural office.
Estimated Feed Consumption per Chick (0–30 Days)
| Age | Feed per day |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | 10–15 g |
| Week 2 | 18–25 g |
| Week 3 | 25–35 g |
| Week 4 | 35–45 g |
Total feed consumed in the first month: approximately 0.9–1.2 kg per chick.
Daily Management Checklist
- ✔ Feed twice daily or ensure continuous feed availability.
- ✔ Provide clean drinking water at all times.
- ✔ Remove wet litter.
- ✔ Clean feeders and drinkers.
- ✔ Observe chicks for illness or injuries.
- ✔ Maintain proper ventilation without drafts.
- ✔ Record mortality, feed consumption, and growth.
With proper brooding, nutrition, sanitation, and disease prevention, a healthy gamefowl chick should reach 250–400 grams by one month of age, depending on its bloodline, feed quality, and management
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