There is much talk about feed, but rarely about water. Yet, water is the very first "feed" for the chick: it is what is given to them as a priority upon arrival, even before the feed. Doubtful or poorly distributed water can ruin a flock just as surely as poor feed.
Upon arrival: warm water above all
The NEXTEKCI protocol is unequivocal: after overnight transport, the absolute priority is to quickly provide water, with warm water — never cold. Cold water shocks the chicks and delays the start of the entire flock. The drinkers must be clean and filled before the arrival of the batch, not after. At the advice of your technical supervisor, this first water can be vitaminised to support recovery after the journey.
Cleanliness: the weak point of many farms
A dirty drinker is a breeding ground. Litter, droppings, and dust accumulate quickly, especially with young subjects. The winning routine is simple: clean the drinkers every day, renew the water rather than topping up stagnant water, and check that the water remains fresh and in the shade. In the Ivorian climate, water exposed to the sun heats up quickly — and water that is too hot reduces consumption.
Availability: never a queue at the drinker
A chick that cannot find a place to drink drinks less, eats less, and grows less. Ensure there are enough drinkers for the population, distribute them throughout the room so that each subject can find one at a short distance, and adjust their height as the birds grow. Too high a density worsens competition at the drinker — this is one of the reasons why adhering to the recommended densities is part of the NEXTEKCI start-up guidelines.
Observing consumption, a free indicator
Water consumption is one of the best warning signals in poultry farming: a flock that suddenly drinks less often harbours a problem — excessive heat, an emerging disease, rejected feed. Get into the habit of observing the drinkers morning and evening. At the slightest doubt, do not guess.
The NEXTEKCI WhatsApp support assists each client for 72 hours following arrival, photos and videos welcome. A question about watering your flock? Write to +225 05 44 83 27 79. To order your day-old chicks: +225 07 07 72 78 67.