Causes Of Early Chicken Mortality

Posted by maria on December 21st, 2020

Whether you are new in the poultry farming business or have heaps of experience with it, early chicken mortality is an issue that most of you have faced at some point in time. After the hatching period, during the early stages of their lives, chicks are very fragile. Due to this, early chicken mortality cannot be completely eradicated, irrespective of what the poultry medicine companies tell you. But the frequent occurrence of early chicken mortality can be reduced through sound management of your flock. But to reduce it, we first need to understand the causes behind it.

Neonatal infections

In simple words, if the chicks came from infected mothers who weren’t given medication for broilers and antibiotics poultry at the right time, there is a high chance that the chick will be under a constant threat of death if there is no intervention in time. If you want to increase the chances of the chicks’ survival, you must consult your vet if your flock is sick.

Improper brooding conditions

It is important to understand that chicks cannot keep themselves warm in the early stages of their lives. They rely upon their caregivers (us) to make sure that the temperature conditions are appropriate for them. Apart from giving the proper vaccination for chicken, we must also maintain optimal temperature, provide portable water and good quality feed to them at all times.

Biosecurity

Biosecurity literally means the safety of living things. Biosecurity practices are implemented on poultry farms to reduce the risk of catching infections and diseases from outside sources. If the flock isn’t completely isolated and quarantined from disease-causing pathogens, the chicks will likely suffer the brunt of such malpractices.

To reduce the rate of early chicken mortality in your poultry farm, it is vital to ensure the vaccination for chicken is administered timely. Also, make sure that the rest of your flock is looked after properly and given medications for broilers to avoid transmission of infection and diseases. For more information on medicines, get in touch with one of the poultry medicine companies if advised by your vet.