Describe artificial brooding of layer chicks from day old up to eight weeks.

Describe artificial brooding of layer chicks from day old up to eight weeks.

1. Construct the brooder 2 – 3 days before the arrival of chicks.
2. Clean and disinfect the brooder.
3. Place litter on the flour 10cm deep. preferably saw dust
4. Spread newspapers on the litter to prevent the chicks from eating litter
5. Clean and disinfect the equipment and test  them to ensure they are working
6. Lit the brooder 6 hours before the arrival of chicks
7. Put feed and water in the containers
8. Confine the brooder space to prevent the chicks straying from the source of heat
9. Placethe chicks in the brooder during the day to familiarize with the brooder
10. If they are stressed and weak on arrival, they should be given glucose in water
11. If source of heat is charcoal burners, they should be guarded with wire mesh.
12. Feed the chicks on chick marsh for fast growth, which is later mixed with growers mash.
13. Provide clean water regularly
14.  Given the chicks constant attention in the first 2 weeks
15. Remove the dead chicks from the brooder
16. Vaccinate the chicks against Gambaro at 2 weeks, Newcastle at 4 weeks and fowl typhoid at 7 weeks of age
17. Dust the chicks against external parasites
18. Provide coccidiostats in water to control coccidiosis.
19. Provide adequate water and feed troughs
20. Isolate and treat the sick chicks immediately
21. Keep proper records
22. Provide roosts for chicks to perch on the 6th week
23. Introduce growers mash mixed with chick mash on the 7th week
24. De-break the chicks 10 days before and after brooding
25. Remove chicks from the brooder to the main house on 8wk
26. Provide litter 30cm deep on the flour to maintain warmth
27. Maintain the correct temperature in the brooder according to age
28. Maintain proper ventilation by adjusting the openings
29. Provide appropriate light (dim light)