Feeding Schedule for Day-Old Broiler Chicks
Feeding day-old broiler chicks properly is critical to setting a solid foundation for growth, health, and profitability. At Aaron Vet Farms Ltd, we understand that early nutrition influences lifetime performance. Whether you are just starting out or scaling up your broiler farm, understanding the optimal feeding schedule can reduce mortality, boost weight gain, and shorten your production cycle.
Why Feeding Matters Most in the First Week
The first 7 days of a broiler chick’s life are crucial. At this stage, chicks are transitioning from relying on yolk sac nutrients to digesting external feed. Proper feed management improves early weight gain, immunity, and survival rates.
At Aaron Vet Farms, we supply high-quality day-old chicks and feed formulations that promote healthy development right from day one.
Day-Old Broiler Chick Feeding Schedule: Week-by-Week Guide
Day 0: Arrival Day
Goal: Help chicks recover from transport stress and stimulate appetite.
Timeframe: 0 to 8 hours after placement
What to Do:
Provide lukewarm water (28–30°C) with electrolytes, glucose, and multivitamins.
Wait 2–3 hours before offering feed to avoid dehydration.
Use paper or chick trays to scatter pre-starter crumble feed where all chicks can access it.
Feed Quantity: 10–15 grams per chick
Tips:
Light should be bright for at least 24 hours to encourage eating.
Ensure brooding temperature is between 32–35°C.
Day 1–3: Early Start Phase
Goal: Promote early gut development and immunity.
Feed Type: Broiler pre-starter feed (crumbles)
Feed Frequency: 5–6 times per day (small amounts)
Water: Clean and fresh water should be available at all times
Feed Quantity:
Day 1: 15–20 grams per chick
Day 2: 20–25 grams per chick
Day 3: 25–30 grams per chick
Feeding Tips:
Use shallow feeders and scatter some feed on clean paper to attract chicks.
Refill feeders before they run empty to prevent feed competition.
Day 4–7: Boosting Growth
Goal: Maximize feed intake and support strong bones and organs.
Feed Type: Continue with pre-starter feed
Feed Frequency: 4–5 times daily
Feed Quantity:
Day 4: 30–35 grams per chick
Day 5: 35–40 grams per chick
Day 6: 40–45 grams per chick
Day 7: 45–50 grams per chick
By the end of week 1, each chick should have consumed 160–180 grams of feed and gained 4–5 times its hatch weight.
Aaron Vet Tip: Avoid feed wastage by using chick-specific feeders and adjusting their height as chicks grow.
Week 2 to 3: Transition to Starter Feed
Goal: Support rapid weight gain and feathering
Feed Type: Broiler starter feed (crumbled or pellet form)
Protein Content: 20–22%
Feed Frequency: 3–4 times per day
Daily Feed Intake (Per Chick):
Week 2: 60–70 grams
Week 3: 80–100 grams
Water Intake: Chicks drink twice as much water as they consume in feed. Clean drinkers twice a day and ensure fresh, cool water is available.
Week 4 Onwards: Switch to Finisher Feed
While this focuses on day-old chicks, it’s important to note that the feeding schedule evolves beyond week 3. At this stage, broilers transition to finisher feed until marketing age (typically 5–7 weeks depending on your goals).
Key Nutritional Requirements for Day-Old Broiler Chicks
To get the best out of your feeding schedule, the quality of feed matters. Here’s what to look for in pre-starter and starter feed for day-old broilers:
Nutrient Pre-Starter Feed Starter Feed
Crude Protein 22–23% 20–22%
Energy (ME) 2,900–3,000 kcal/kg 3,000–3,100 kcal/kg
Calcium 0.9–1.0% 1.0–1.1%
Phosphorus 0.45–0.50% 0.45–0.55%
Lysine 1.1–1.3% 1.0–1.2%
Aaron Vet Farms supplies high-quality, nutrient-balanced feeds formulated specifically for broiler chicks. Contact us to place your order or get customized feeding advice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Feeding Day-Old Chicks
Overfeeding early on: Leads to digestive stress and wet litter.
Inconsistent feeding times: Can reduce feed intake and growth rate.
Dirty feeders and drinkers: Encourage disease and reduce appetite.
Poor brooding temperature: Chilled chicks won’t eat properly.
Using low-quality feed: Compromises health and productivity.
Bonus Tips for Best Results
Monitor chick behavior: Huddling indicates cold; panting means it’s too hot.
Weigh chicks weekly: Track weight gain to adjust feeding accordingly.
Record daily feed intake: Helps detect issues early and manage costs.
Practice biosecurity: Clean hands, boots, and equipment to prevent disease.
Final Thoughts
Feeding day-old broiler chicks correctly is a blend of timing, nutrition, consistency, and environmental control. With the right feeding schedule, you’ll reduce mortality, shorten the production cycle, and maximize profitability.
At Aaron Vet Farms Ltd, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you need day-old chicks, starter feeds, brooding equipment, or technical support, we’ve got you covered.
