Raise Better. Manage Better. Grow With Confidence.
The first three days determine lifetime flock performance. Proper setup prevents early stress, dehydration, and mortality.
Brooding Setup
Target Warmth
Clean Water
Starter Feed
Pre-warm the house 24 hours prior to arrival. Ensure dry litter shavings at a depth of 2 to 3 inches throughout the brooding ring.
Maintain 32°C to 34°C under the heat source during week one. Observe chick distribution to verify uniform thermal comfort.
Provide fresh water mixed with electrolytes upon arrival. Allow chicks to drink for two hours before introducing starter feed.
Scatter crumble feed on paper trays for easy access. Ensure minimum 20% crude protein formulation for strong organ development.
Feeding & Nutrition Management
Matching nutrient density to growth phases ensures steady weight gain, robust skeleton strength, and optimal feed conversion ratios.
Starter Ration (0–4 Weeks)
Grower Ration (5–16 Weeks)
Breed-Specific Adjustments
High-protein crumbles (20–22% CP) enriched with essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to build immunity and skeletal foundation.
Balanced energy-to-protein feed (16–18% CP) promoting frame growth while preventing excess fat deposition prior to point-of-lay or market size.
Heavy dual-purpose and slow-growing native breeds require customized calcium and mineral fortification for natural free-range foraging.
Health, Biosecurity & Vaccination
Strict Farm Biosecurity
Vaccination & Vet Consultation
Prevent pathogen introduction through footbaths, vehicle disinfection, visitor restriction, and wild bird exclusion barriers around house perimeters.
Follow regional Marek's, Newcastle (Ranikhet), and Gumboro schedules. Promptly isolate lethargic birds and consult a certified veterinarian for diagnosis.
Consistent daily routines maintain air quality, prevent damp litter diseases, and maximize bird comfort.
Ventilation
Litter Hygiene
Floor Space
Daily Check
Remove ammonia and excess humidity while avoiding direct cold drafts across brooding areas.
Rake litter regularly to prevent caking. Replace damp spots around drinkers immediately.
Expand brooding rings as birds grow. Provide adequate floor space to eliminate competition.
Inspect flock activity twice daily, checking water lines, feeder height, and crop fill.
Breed-Specific Management Notes
Tailored husbandry recommendations for Central Hatchery's commercial and specialty lines.
Kadaknath
Sonali
Rhode Island Red (RIR)
Resilient native breed requiring low maintenance. Thrives on semi-intensive free-range systems with natural shade.
Popular crossbreed with high disease tolerance. Benefits from structured mash feeding and moderate range access.
Prolific dual-purpose egg layer. Requires steady calcium supplementation once egg production commences.
Aseel
Brahma
Turkey
Guinea Fowl
Robust game breed. Requires ample yard space to manage aggressive behaviors among males.
Heavy giant breed requiring clean, dry litter to protect feathering on legs and feet.
High starter protein requirement (26–28%). Needs warm, draft-free initial brooding.
Alert, active foragers. Excellent natural pest controllers requiring high-roof housing.
Common Farming Pitfalls to Avoid
Correcting simple operational errors significantly improves flock survival rates and overall profitability.
Overcrowding
Chilling Chicks
Unclean Water
Poor Air Flow
Exceeding recommended bird density increases stress, feather pecking, and uneven flock weight.
Inadequate temperature during week one weakens intestinal absorption and leads to early chick mortality.
Allowing bio-film buildup in drinker lines spreads bacterial infection rapidly across the pen.
Sealing houses completely retains high ammonia levels, triggering chronic respiratory disease.
How much feeder space is needed per bird?
Provide at least 2.5 cm feeder space per chick during brooding, expanding to 5 cm per grower bird to ensure uniform feeding access without crowding.
Can different breeds be housed together?
It is best to house breeds separately. Different growth rates and temperament can cause competition for feed and water among slower-growing native stock.
How do I report a health concern to Central Hatchery?
Contact our farmer support line directly via WhatsApp or phone with flock batch details, age, and photos for immediate technical guidance.
How do I check if brooding heat is correct?
When should vaccination start?
What is the recommended litter thickness?
Observe chick behavior: if evenly spread and active, heat is correct. Huddling under the lamp indicates chilling; crowding at ring edges indicates excessive heat.
Initial vaccines (Marek's and Newcastle/HVT) are administered at the hatchery prior to dispatch. Follow up with Gumboro during week one as advised by your local vet.
Maintain 2 to 3 inches of clean wood shavings in summer and up to 4 inches in cold winter months to provide adequate thermal insulation from ground moisture.
Not Sure Which Breed Is Right for Your Farm?
Consult directly with our technical team to evaluate your farm climate, facilities, and market demand before placing your chick order.