The chick guard should be made from GI sheet, 18 inches in height and 20-25 feet in length for 300-400 birds.

• The chick guard should be ready before fumigation to ensure it is germ-free.
• Increase in the number of corners increases the chance of huddling and mortality. Arrange the chick guard in a circular manner and line the inside up to 1-2 inches with soft bedding for the day-old chicks.
• Spread one layer of newspaper sheets on the litter.
• Provide a heat source (sigri, bukhari, or a gas brooder) for brooding during winter months.

3.3 INDUCTION OF CHICKS

• Light the bulbs and gas brooder an hour prior to the arrival of chicks so that the brooder temperature reaches 90-95°F.
• Count the chicks properly while receiving and releasing.
• Release the chicks inside the chick guard after dipping their beaks in jaggery, glucose, or electrolyte water solution.
• Gently transfer the chicks from the chick box into the brooder and place them gently near the heat source.
• Observe the movements of the chicks inside the chick guard. The chicks should be active, move freely, scratch, take the feed and water, and make a chirping noise. If the chick distribution is not uniform, correct the brooding temperature and ventilation accordingly.
• Wait for some time to allow the chicks to drink water. Keep feed in a feeding tray. Do not sprinkle feed on papers as it gets contaminated.
• For the first three days, watch the chicks at 2-3 hour intervals to ensure they have taken feed and water properly.
• Remove and replace the top paper layer after 2-3 days and remove wet litter, if any.
• Alert the chicks at periodic intervals as it facilitates faster yolk absorption in the first week.

3.4 MANAGEMENT OF BROODER HOUSE

• Fix the chick guard at a distance of 2.5'-3' around the brooder.
• Spread the sawdust and cover it with newspaper.
• Light the bulb and brooder one hour before the arrival of chicks.
• Cover all the windows and roof doors with poly sheets and gunny bags, except roof ventilation, but do not interrupt the air circulation.
• The temperature of the brooder house should be 90-95°F before the arrival of chicks.
• Place one thermometer 2' above the litter.
• There should be sufficient light for chicks. Provide natural light as much as possible.

JUDGING CHICK COMFORT BY PATTERNS WITHIN CIRCULAR BROODER GUARDS


This image is a guideline for judging chick comfort based on their distribution patterns inside circular brooder guards, commonly used in poultry farming. There are four sections indicating different temperature conditions:

(A) Correct Temperature:

• In this diagram, the chicks are evenly spread around the guard.
• Proper heating results in an even distribution of chicks, indicating a comfortable temperature for them.

(B) Temperature Too High:

• Here, chicks are shown grouped away from the center and close to the outer edges of the guard.
• This pattern indicates that the heat in the brooder is too intense, and the chicks are avoiding the center to escape the excess heat.

(C) Temperature Too Low:

• In this case, the chicks are bunched up tightly in the center.
• This clustering indicates that the heat is insufficient, so the chicks are huddling together to stay warm.

(D) Draft:

• The chicks are unevenly distributed, with some grouped in one section of the guard.
• This pattern suggests that there are drafts or uneven heating, making one part of the brooder warmer and the other part colder, forcing the chicks to gather where it’s warmer
  
  Lighting Management: Chicks need continuous light until marketing. Use a 40-watt bulb for every 200 sq. ft. of floor space. Maximize natural light to enhance growth and health.

Biosecurity:

• Restrict visitor access to poultry sheds/farms.
• Prevent wild animals and birds from entering poultry areas.
• Install foot dips with lime powder, Phenyl, or disinfectant solutions at shed entrances to ensure cleanliness.