You open your boxes after overnight transport and some chicks seem soft, less lively than the others? It's time to act methodically, not to panic. Here is the NEXTEKCI protocol for weak subjects upon receipt.
First, understand: transport is tiring
NEXTEKCI chicks leave Agnibilékrou on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 PM and arrive the next morning — in Abidjan (Yopougon) by 6 AM. Even in well-ventilated boxes of 50 chicks, an overnight journey is still a strain for an animal just a few hours old. A slight fatigue upon arrival is normal; it can be quickly corrected if the right actions follow.
The 3 immediate actions
1. Heat, already prepared
The room must be heated before arrival, never after. A tired subject placed in a cold room declines very quickly. Place the batch directly in the warm brooder, without drafts.
2. Warm water, immediately
This is the absolute priority, even before feed: warm water (never icy), clean, possibly vitamin-enriched on the advice of your technical supervisor. For the weakest subjects, gently dip the beak in the drinker to trigger drinking.
3. Isolate and protect
Place the weak subjects in a warm, quiet corner, away from competition, with water and feed within direct reach. In the group, they would be jostled and would not access either the drinker or the feeder.
Next: observe for 2 to 3 hours
Stay close to the batch in the first hours and observe their behaviour: grouped = cold, away from the source = too hot, well distributed = all is well. Most simply tired subjects recover in this window, as soon as they have drunk and regained warmth.
When to alert NEXTEKCI?
Never face a doubt alone. If subjects remain prostrated despite warmth and water, if mortality seems abnormal to you, or if a behaviour worries you: send photos and videos to the WhatsApp Info (+225 05 44 83 27 79). NEXTEKCI support assists each client for 72 hours following receipt, and micro-guides J0–J7 are available upon request.
Is your batch arriving soon? Keep this protocol handy and save +225 05 44 83 27 79 in your WhatsApp contacts: in case of doubt on the day, a photo is enough to get a quick opinion.