By Maile Matsimela

Mastering the fundamentals of poultry management for optimal results is a must for any farmer looking to make a profit.

The first week of brooding is often regarded as the most critical period in broiler farming. As experienced farmers say, “Get this right, and you’ve won half the battle.” The fundamental principles remain the same whether you operate a small or large-scale operation. This article revisits these essential basics that contribute to successful broiler production.

The farmer’s mindset

According to Richard McPherson, who contributed to Grain SA’s Pula Imvula Newsletter, successful broiler farmers share specific characteristics. Most importantly, they genuinely enjoy chickens and spend time observing bird behaviour and health status in the chicken houses.

Being empathetic, patient, and dedicated to showing attention to detail is crucial,” McPherson notes. “In large operations, daily observation and quick reaction to any health or growth problems are critical for financial success.”

Effective farmers regularly observe their chickens’ physical condition, including combs, eyes, beak and tongue, crop, feathering progress, breast development, vents, legs, feet, and skin conditions.

Supplier relationship

Developing a strong relationship with your day-old chick supplier is essential. Clear communication is vital since you’ll likely order similar-sized batches every seven to nine weeks throughout the year.

“Hatcheries plan months ahead to meet customer requirements on time,” McPherson explains. “Ensure that deposit requirements and payment conditions are clear to both parties. Regular customers can expect attention to quality issues and backup support from suppliers when needed.

Confirm the exact day and time of delivery well in advance to avoid complications.”

House preparation

Proper preparation of your chicken houses before the arrival of day-old chicks is crucial:

Thoroughly clean and disinfect all chicken houses.
Verify that the bell drinkers, tube feeders, and curtains in open-sided houses function correctly.
Ensure access to clean, safe drinking water
Fill all tube feeders with starter feed.
Place shallow feed trays with starter feed so newly placed chicks can fill their crops immediately.

Equipment requirements include:

Six bell drinkers for every 1000 chicks
Ten additional temporary drinkers per 1 000 chicks at placement
Appropriate number of tube feeders and trays for every 1000 day-old chicks

Temperature management

Temperature control is essential for the health and development of chicks.

Ensure that circular spot brooders (gas or electric) and red lamp heaters reach their optimal temperature.
Preheat the chicken house 24 hours before the arrival of the chicks.
Maintain an optimal temperature of 32°C at chick height for both whole-house brooding and spot brooders.
Maintain litter temperature between 28°C and 32°C.
Heat to 40°C for cement floors to ensure that the litter maintains an optimal temperature.

Chickens can lose considerable body heat through their feet when in contact with cold surfaces, making proper temperature maintenance crucial.

Humidity and litter

Maintain humidity levels between 60% and 70% in the brooding house. If using paper, cover 80% of the brooding area and place 40g of starter crumble per chick on the paper.

One of the most critical production factors is the quality and quantity of litter.

Use dry pine shavings or chopped wheat straw that has high absorbency.
Spread a layer of at least 2.5cm to 5cm on concrete floors (5cm provides the best insulation).
Use a depth of 10cm on earth floors

Steps for chick placement

When placing chicks:

1. Unload them onto the paper in the brooding area

2. Allow them to settle for one to two hours

3. Check the feed, water, temperature, and humidity

4. Adjust the house settings if necessary.

Healthy chicks should make proper “cheeping” sounds, be clean, stand firmly, walk well, be alert and active, have a fully retracted yolk sac and healed navel, weigh between 38g and 43g for optimal growth, and have a vent temperature between 39.4°C and 40.8°C in the first four to five days. Continuously monitor crop filling and report any observed problems immediately to your hatchery supplier.

Lighting

Provide 23 hours of light during the first seven days to encourage maximum feed and water intake.

New farmers or those aiming to enhance their management practices should download the detailed broiler production manuals available online for Cobb, Ross, and Arbor Acres breeds. These resources offer comprehensive guidance on production principles that can be tailored to your specific circumstances.

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