Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Day old to Month old Chicks Game fowl Management

 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)

6

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)

6

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)

6

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)

AgeVaccine
Day 1–7Newcastle Disease Vaccine (if not given at hatchery)
7–10 daysInfectious Bursal Disease Vaccine (where recommended)
21–28 daysNewcastle 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)

AgeFeed per day
Week 110–15 g
Week 218–25 g
Week 325–35 g
Week 435–45 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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