Intensive / Chick Management
General Recommendations
1. Prior to delivery of chicks:
a. Clean and disinfect cages or floor brooding
area. Clean the building interior, attached
service areas and equipment.
b. Check to make sure equipment is working properly and is adjusted to the right height.
c. Remove all old feed from bins, hoppers and troughs. Disinfect and allow to dry before new feed is delivered.
d. Place rat/mouse poison where it will not be consumed by chicks.
2. One day before delivery:
a. Set heating system at 33-34°C (91/93°F) at chick level.
b. Check water system. Adjust to proper height for chicks. Disinfect and flush water lines.
3. On delivery day:
a. Have drinkers full or water system in operation. Check brooder temperatures.
b. As chicks are placed, trigger water cups or nipples to encourage drinking.
c. Encourage drinking before eating. When nipple drinkers are used, adjust the water pressure so birds can see a droplet of water visable on the nipple.
d. Feed should be placed on paper either in the cage or on the floor depending on the system. Operate feeders at highest feed level.
e. Keep lights at high intensity for the first week (ie 15 - 20 lux).
Chick Management
Hy-Line chicks adapt well to Intensive systems and need very little services from the hatchery other than vaccination.