How to Handle High Mortality in Day-Old Chicks

Raising day-old chicks is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and proper farm management. One of the biggest challenges poultry farmers face is high chick mortality—a frustrating and costly problem that can threaten the success of your entire operation. At Aaron vet Farms, we specialize in helping farmers identify, prevent, and manage this issue with proven techniques and expert veterinary guidance.
In this , you’ll learn:
Common causes of high mortality in chicks
Early signs of trouble
Practical steps to reduce chick deaths
Expert tips to improve survival and performance
Let’s dive into how you can protect your flock and boost your farm’s profitability.

What Is Considered High Mortality in Day-Old Chicks?

High mortality refers to an unusually large number of chick deaths within the first 7–14 days of life. Ideally, chick mortality should not exceed 2–5% during this period. If you’re losing more than that, it’s a red flag that something is wrong in your brooding management, environment, or sourcing.

Common Causes of High Mortality in Day-Old Chicks

Understanding what’s killing your chicks is the first step toward solving the problem. Here are the most common causes:

1. Poor Brooding Conditions

Inadequate heat
Poor ventilation
Damp or dirty litter
Overcrowding
Chicks are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Cold stress or overheating can lead to sudden deaths.

2. Contaminated Water and Feed

Dirty drinkers and feeders
Use of untreated water
Feeding moldy or expired feed
Clean, fresh water and balanced chick starter feed are essential in the first days.

3. Infectious Diseases

Pullorum disease
Omphalitis (navel infection)
Coccidiosis
Respiratory infections
Poor hygiene and inadequate biosecurity often allow pathogens to thrive.

4. Weak or Stressed Chicks at Arrival

Some chicks may arrive weak due to:
Long transport time
Poor handling
Improper vaccination at hatchery
Always buy from a trusted source like Vet Aaron Farms, where we ensure strong, healthy, and vaccinated day-old chicks.

How to Reduce High Mortality: Step-by-Step Actions

Here’s how you can act quickly and effectively to reduce losses in your brooding unit:

1. Inspect the Chicks on Arrival

Count them to ensure correct delivery.
Observe for signs of weakness, poor posture, or labored breathing.
Discard any obviously deformed or dead chicks immediately.

2. Provide Immediate Access to Warmth, Feed, and Water

As soon as the chicks arrive:
Pre-warm the brooding area (28–33°C).
Provide glucose water or vitamins in the first few hours.
Place clean feed in shallow trays.

3. Monitor Brooding Temperature Closely

Use a brooder thermometer.
Chicks crowding together = too cold.
Chicks spreading far from the heat source = too hot.
Even distribution = correct temperature.
Pro Tip: Use an infrared lamp, charcoal stove, or electric brooder depending on your setup and weather.

4. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene

Clean and disinfect all equipment before the chicks arrive.
Change litter regularly (every 2–3 days).
Use footbaths at the entrance to the brooding area.
At Aaron vet Farms, we recommend biological disinfectants that are safe yet effective against bacteria and viruses.

5. Isolate Sick Chicks Immediately

Always have a quarantine section where you can isolate and observe weak or sick chicks. This prevents disease spread and allows special care.
Veterinary Support and Disease Control
High mortality often requires professional support. Contact a vet if you observe:
Continuous deaths despite good brooding conditions
Diarrhea or bloody droppings
Chicks making rattling or gurgling sounds
At Vet Aaron Farms, we offer:
On-farm consultations
Vaccination programs
Nutritional supplements
Disease diagnostics
Boost Chick Survival with Supplements
Vitamins, probiotics, and immune boosters can improve chick survival, especially during the first 7 days. Some recommended supplements include:
Vitamin A, D, E complex
Electrolytes
Glucose solution
Multivitamin oral drops
Ask Dr. Aaron at Vet Aaron Farms for the right products for your farm size and breed.
How to Prevent High Mortality in Future Batches
Prevention is better than cure. Here are long-term practices to reduce chick losses:
Buy From Reputable Sources
Only source chicks from licensed, experienced hatcheries like Vet Aaron Farms. Our chicks are vaccinated, well-fed, and transported under safe conditions.
Train Farm Staff
Train your workers on how to handle chicks, spot diseases early, and maintain biosecurity.
Invest in Quality Brooding Equipment
Use reliable heat sources, chick guards, and clean bedding. The first few days determine your success.
Follow a Vaccination Schedule
Timely vaccination is vital against common diseases like Newcastle and Gumboro.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Mortality Break Your Business
High mortality in day-old chicks can be devastating, but it is preventable. With the right setup, sourcing, hygiene, and veterinary support, your chicks can grow into healthy, productive birds.
At Vet Aaron Farms, we are committed to helping poultry farmers succeed—from chick selection to disease management. Contact us today for quality day-old chicks, brooding consultation, and farm support services.