Almost all experienced poultry farmers tell the same story: their first flock taught them a lesson. The good news is that beginner mistakes are known, repetitive — therefore avoidable. Here are the most common ones, observed by the NEXTEKCI team with thousands of clients since 2006.
Receiving chicks in a cold room
This is the most costly mistake. The heat must be turned on before the arrival of the chicks, not after: a day-old chick does not yet regulate its temperature, and starting in the cold jeopardises the entire flock. In the same spirit, a freshly disinfected room must be completely ventilated before installing the batch — post-disinfection ventilation is part of the critical errors of the first week identified by the team.
Giving cold water upon arrival
After overnight transport, the priority is warm water, immediately, even before feed. Icy water shocks the chicks and delays the start. Prepare the drinkers before arrival, with tempered water, possibly vitaminised on technical advice.
Crowding the subjects to "make it profitable"
Overcrowding seems economical; it is ruinous. Too many chicks per square metre means more stress, risks of crushing, fierce competition at the drinker and feeder, and a heterogeneous flock. Respect the recommended densities: this is one of the systematic guidelines from NEXTEKCI support.
Buying chicks on the sly
A chick without a clear origin — no identified hatchery, no sorting, no health protocol — can cost much more than it seems to save. Demand traceability: at NEXTEKCI, each box of 50 leaves the hatchery in Agnibilékrou with complete batch identification, manual sorting post-hatching, and starter feed from birth.
Facing a problem alone
Abnormal mortality, weak subjects, strange behaviour: guessing is the worst reflex. The NEXTEKCI WhatsApp support covers the 72 hours following receipt, and micro-guides J0–J7 are available on request. A photo sent in time is better than an improvised treatment too late.
Are you preparing your first flock? Get support right from the order: free advice at +225 05 44 83 27 79, booking your chicks at +225 07 07 72 78 67 on WhatsApp. With good support, a beginner succeeds.