The first week determines the uniformity of the entire flock, and feeding is a cornerstone. Here are the rules that the NEXTEKCI hatchery in Agnibilékrou shares with every client, without miracle products or complicated recipes.
Rule No. 1: Water before feed
Upon receiving the batch, after overnight transport, the absolute priority is not food: it is warm, clean water, immediately. Cold water shocks the chicks and delays the start. On the advice of your technical supervisor, it can be vitaminised. Only after providing water should you quickly feed them.
Rule No. 2: Starter feed, nothing else
During the first week, provide a starter feed suitable for day-old chicks, available from livestock feed suppliers. At NEXTEKCI, chicks are actually fed from birth at the hatchery: your role is to take over without interruption.
Avoid improvisations: rice, cracked corn alone, or kitchen scraps do not meet the needs of a chick in full development. Starter feed is formulated for this specific phase.
Rule No. 3: Feeders ready before arrival
Like heat and water, feed must be within reach before the arrival of the batch:
- clean feeders, in sufficient numbers to avoid competition;
- feed renewed and kept dry, protected from rodents;
- distribution accessible to the smaller individuals, not just the most vigorous.
Rule No. 4: Observe who is eating
A batch that starts well is one where everyone is eating. During your morning and evening observations:
- identify the weak individuals that do not access the feeder and isolate them;
- check that the density does not crush the small ones: too many chicks = competition at the drinker and feeder;
- ensure that the litter remains dry around the water and feed points.
And after the first week?
The feeding programme evolves with age and breed (white broiler, coloured broiler, layer). Your feed supplier will offer you the next phases; the NEXTEKCI team can advise you on general management, particularly through its micro-guides J0–J7.
Any doubts about the feeding of your flock or an individual that is not eating? Send your photos on WhatsApp to +225 05 44 83 27 79: a NEXTEKCI advisor will guide you quickly and free of charge.