The first week — what the NEXTEKCI team calls the D0–D7 period — is the most critical of the entire rearing process. The good news: the majority of losses during this period have known and avoidable causes. Here is the action plan, point by point.
1. Heat: the number one enemy is cold
A day-old chick does not yet regulate its temperature. Receiving a batch in a cold room is the most costly mistake there is: the cold on the first day affects the entire flock.
- Turn on the heat source before the arrival of the batch.
- Eliminate any drafts.
- Observe the behaviour: clustered = cold, spread out = too hot, evenly distributed = correct.
2. Water: lukewarm, clean, immediate
After transport, quick access to lukewarm water is the absolute priority, even before feed. Ice-cold water shocks the chicks and delays the start. Then maintain clean, temperate water at all times.
3. Litter: dry and non-toxic
Wet, dusty, or chemically treated litter: all risks for the legs and respiration. Use a dry, clean, and non-toxic material (untreated white wood shavings, for example) and check it every day.
4. Density: never overcrowd
Too high a density increases stress, crushing, and competition at the drinker. Adhere to the recommended density for your room and provide soft lighting.
5. Hygiene: limit entries
Dedicated shoes, hand washing, minimal visitors: biosecurity starts at the door of the chick house. And if the room has just been disinfected, ventilate it completely before installing the batch — installing immediately after disinfection is one of the 3 critical mistakes identified by NEXTEKCI.
6. Observation: morning and evening, without exception
On the day of receipt, observe the batch for 2 to 3 hours: distribution under heat, behaviour, weak individuals to isolate. Then, a simple routine: heat, litter, water, and behaviour checked morning and evening.
7. The WhatsApp reflex: never guess
Abnormal mortality, prostrated individuals, strange behaviour: send photos or videos to +225 05 44 83 27 79. NEXTEKCI support covers the first 72 hours and micro-guides D0–D7 are available on request.
Are you preparing your next flock? Contact us now on WhatsApp at +225 05 44 83 27 79: it's better to ask a question beforehand than to regret it later.