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Tips on raising a chick

With this article, the technical team at Zucami aims to provide tips that will help our customers understand chick development to meet the significant challenge of achieving a profitable and high-production laying hen.

The problems that occur during the chick’s development period, according to experts, will not be corrected after the start of egg laying

Therefore, a high-yield, profitable laying hen starts with a well-raised and high-quality chick.

Problems such as a low number of eggs and poor eggshell quality during the egg production phase are often related to issues that occurred during the growth period.

The stages of development and production of adult laying hens

If any interference occurs during the chick’s development phase that affects it, it will result in adult hens lacking body reserves or experiencing alterations in the functions of their organs, which will interfere with their production as adult laying hens.

Many experts point out that chicks that reach or even exceed their body weight during the development phases may have a better realization of their full genetic potential as egg producers.

From ZERO to SIX WEEKS of age: Immune System and Digestive System

Most of the development of the immune system and digestive system organs takes place from zero to six weeks of age.

Thus, if there are problems during this period, the birds will be more susceptible to diseases and may experience disruptions in digestion and diet absorption.

From SIX to TWELVE WEEKS of age: Bone and Muscle ReserveFrom SIX to TWELVE WEEKS of age: Bone and Muscle Reserve

When the chick develops the majority of its skeletal and muscular components is from six to twelve weeks of age.

Therefore, if we prevent growth deficiencies during this period, we will ensure that the birds have reserves in their bones and muscles, which will be reflected in the amount of mineral reserves available for eggshell formation in adulthood.

From TWELVE TO EIGHTEEN WEEKS of age: Reproductive System and Egg Production

The reproductive tract matures and prepares for egg production between twelve and eighteen weeks of the bird’s life.

Therefore, stressful events during this period can delay the onset of laying in laying hens.

On the other hand, the proliferation of fat cells also occurs during this period, so excessive weight gain needs to be monitored, as it can lead to excess abdominal fat.

Poor uniformity in body weight makes it difficult to properly feed the flock.

The body weight targets at different development points will be provided by the management manual from the genetics house of your hens.

The uniformity of body weights in a flock is as important as reaching the weight goal

Causes of poor uniformity:

Enteric diseases such as Coccidiosis, Gumboro, viral or bacterial enteritis.

Crowding that leads to competition for feeders and waterers.

Inadequate feed formulation, poor feeding management.

Food rejection due to poor quality, mycotoxins, or abrupt ingredient changes that disrupt the intestinal microfloral.

Stress from vaccinations, excessive handling of the birds, heat stress.

Improper beak trimming.

Disruptions in water consumption.

Batches with underweight or poorly uniform birds should remain on a formulation richer in nutrients.

We should examine the development of the breast muscle, as it is a good indicator that the bird has proper development, and future productivity of the layer can be predicted.

The growth of a batch of pullets with the correct body conformation and the appropriate weight will ensure they become highly productive adult layers.