Poultry encyclopedia · NEXTEKCI School · Trades and the poultry industry
The chick carrier
The chick carrier takes day-old chicks from the hatchery to farmers. The job is short but decisive: a chick that has been too hot, too cold or thirsty during the journey starts badly, and the setback is felt throughout the flock’s life.
Key facts
- Role
- Moving chicks quickly and in good conditions
- Equipment
- Ventilated, clean vehicle, sheltered from sun and rain
- Golden rule
- Leave early, avoid unnecessary stops, deliver fast
- On arrival
- The farmer checks and settles the chicks without delay
A short but critical journey
When it leaves the egg, the chick lives on its yolk reserves. They allow it to cope with a journey, but not a long wait in the sun or in a closed vehicle.
The carrier must therefore leave on time, avoid unnecessary stops and protect the boxes from heat, cold, rain and exhaust fumes.
Good practice
Boxes are laid flat, never crushed, with space between stacks so that air can circulate. The vehicle is clean and disinfected. During the journey, the driver regularly checks that chicks are not panting (too hot) or huddling together (too cold).
On arrival, boxes are unloaded gently and handed over to the farmer quickly.
The farmer’s role on arrival
The farmer prepares the house before arrival: litter, heating, water and feed in place. He counts the chicks, checks their alertness and settles them straight away under the heat source, with water freely available.
A house prepared in advance greatly reduces transport stress.
How NEXTEKCI organises delivery
NEXTEKCI does not transport chicks itself: professional carriers run on three fixed routes from Agnibilékrou. Route 1: Daoukro, Bouaké. Route 2: Bongouanou, Dimbokro, Yamoussoukro, Bouaflé, Daloa. Route 3: Abengourou, Akoupé, Adzopé, Abidjan (Yopougon).
Chicks are available throughout Côte d’Ivoire: collection at the hatchery (minimum 50 chicks), at the end of a route, or by the customer’s own carrier. Delivery by carrier starts from 200 chicks.