Why Are My Day-Old Chicks Dying? 7 Mistakes Killing Broilers in Week 1 in Nigeria

 

Body:*
Losing chicks in the first week is painful. ₦1500 per chick just to watch them die?

If you're raising broilers in Nigeria, the first 7 days will make or break your entire batch. 80% of broiler losses happen in week 1.

I’ve been there. Here are the *7 mistakes* killing your day-old chicks and how to fix them immediately.

*1. Wrong Brooder Temperature*
Too hot = panting, drinking too much, sudden death.
Too cold = chicks huddling, piling on top of each other, suffocation.
*Fix:* Week 1 = 32°C to 35°C. Use thermometer. Watch chick behavior. Spread evenly = perfect temp.

*2. Dirty Water*
Chicks drink a lot in week 1. Dirty water = http://E.coli, Salmonella, quick death.
*Fix:* Change water 2-3 times daily. Add vitamins + electrolytes for first 5 days. Wash drinkers daily.

*3. Bad Feed or Wet Feed*
Moldy feed has mycotoxin. It will kill them silently.
*Fix:* Buy from trusted brands: Vital, Topfeeds, Hybrid. Store in dry place. Don’t buy in bulk if you can’t finish in 2 weeks.

*4. Skipping Vaccination Schedule*
Lasota on day 7, Gumboro on day 10 and 18. Miss this and disease will wipe your pen.
*Fix:* Write your vaccination date on the wall. Ask your vet. Don’t guess.

*5. Overcrowding*
100 chicks need 3sqm in week 1. Too tight = stress + disease spread fast.
*Fix:* Give them space to move and eat. 30-40 chicks per square meter for first week.

*6. Poor Ventilation*
No fresh air = ammonia from droppings = respiratory problems + death.
*Fix:* Open curtains in morning. Don’t seal brooder completely. Air must enter but no direct draft on chicks.

*7. Buying Weak/Poor Quality DOCs*
Cheap chicks from roadside are often sick already.
*Fix:* Buy from Agrited, Zartech, CHI, Sasso. Check: active, eyes bright, no pasted vent before you pay.

*EMERGENCY: If Chicks Are Dying NOW*
1. Separate sick ones immediately
2. Give glucose + electrolyte in water
3. Call your vet or agro shop today. Don’t wait.

*Conclusion:*
Week 1 is all about heat, water, and cleanliness. Get these 3 right and your mortality will drop below 3%.

Have you lost chicks before? Which mistake caught you? Comment below so we can learn together 👇

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