Brooding

The brooding period is a crucial opportunity to set a flock up for success. A strong brooding program can minimize mortality at seven days while maximizing chick weight.

The importance of focusing on brooding: Dr. Martine Boulianne, professor and Chair of Poultry Research at the University of Montreal outlines the brooding techniques of the Chick Champs method.

Chick Quality

Understanding the quality of the chicks you are getting can help in preparing the farm to address the flock needs and get them off to a good start.

Chick Arrival and Monitoring

The goal is to get the chicks placed on the floor and into the right environment as quickly as possible.

Chick Temperature

This should be assessed after chick delivery to ensure its in the appropriate range.

Chick Weight

This helps to evaluate the success of the transition from hatchery to barn and can be a predictor of overall flock growth.

Crop Fill

An important assessment to see if birds have found their comfort zone and are finding feed and water.