Successful brooding begins before chicks arrive. I learned this through experience, after my first attempt nearly became a disaster. Proper preparation makes brooding easier, safer, and more profitable for farmers. Preparation prevents costly mistakes.

Prepare the brooder house thoroughly by washing, disinfecting, and allowing adequate ventilation before arrival. Provide reliable heat, accessible feeders, clean drinkers, and comfortable litter and equipment. Preparation prevents avoidable losses.

Source healthy day old chicks from reputable hatcheries. Look for healed navels, fluffy feathers, normal beaks, and strong legs. Transport them during cooler periods to reduce stress and mortality during transit. Quality chicks provide stronger beginnings.

Switch on the heat source before chicks arrive because they move from a warm incubator into a different environment. Count and weigh them carefully, then maintain accurate records from arrival. Warmth and records support successful management.

Observe chick behaviour continuously. Clustering indicates insufficient heat, while moving away suggests excessive heat; evenly distributed, active chicks indicate comfort. Good vaccination, medication, feeding, and hygiene complete successful brooding daily. Attentive management builds healthy flocks.

Best regards,

Abdullah Opeyemi Akande
B.Agric. (FUNAAB)
GAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Animal Sci. (UI)
RAS (NIAS)
M.Sc. Int’l Business (UU, UK)
Ph.D. in view