Once chicks reach eight weeks of age and the brooder box temperature and the ambient temperature outside are the same it’s time to consider releasing chicks into a coop. Care still should be provided to ensure that chicks continue to grow properly. Proper ventilation, clean water, and a well-balanced feed program will keep the chicks growing and developing. Skimping on these will slow development and delay maturity resulting in delayed egg production or meat production.

Wet litter invites diseases. Proper ventilation aids in disease control by helping keep litter dry. Proper ventilation aids in helping chicks maximize feed and water consumption and obtain good growth. Clean out wet litter as necessary.

Chicks need plenty of a high-quality feed to do their best. Feed a nutritionally balanced feed.A grower ration should be fed through 10 weeks, followed by a pullet developer between 10-20 weeks.At 20 weeks feed a laying mash for production of good quality eggs. These rations are formulated to meet the different stages of chick development.It is not necessary to supplement with any additional grain as this could results in chicks reducing their consumption of the complete feed and may decline their growth rate or egg production.Chicks might even become malnourished and die.Allow chicks to eat all the feed they want.Keep fresh feed out.Dump feed that is wet or has litter or foreign material in it.

Provide plenty of feeder space.Recommended feeder space per 100 chicks for 8-12 weeks is 30 linear feet or three 5-foot feeders, 12 weeks and older 40 linear feet or four 5-foot feeders. Don’t waste feed. Seventy five percent of the total cost of producing chickens is in the feed cost.Only fill feeders half full so they will not scatter the feed onto the litter and waste it.Keep feeder guards in place to prevent waste and contamination.Raise feeder height as the birds grow.The lip of the feeder should always be the same height as the backs of the birds.

Fresh, clean, cool water is very important for the development of chicks.Provide an adequate supply of water that is conveniently located at proximity to chicks in the growing area.It might be necessary to replace water several times during the day especially if the temperature is warmer than 100 degrees F.Chicks like to drink cool water. Always keep the water clean. Placing waterers on a platform or wooden block will help keep the litter drier and prevent litter from getting into the waterers.

Avoid overcrowding.Chicks need 2 square feet of floor space per bird at 8-12 weeks.At 12 weeks and older they need 2-3 square feet depending on the breed. Heavy breeds need more space than light breeds.

If chicks are allowed to range for themselves make sure there is adequate protection from predators and wild birds.Control rats and mice to reduce feed contamination which could result in disease spread. Look for the appearance of any symptoms that could indicate the onset of a disease. It is much easier to treat and eliminate the problem before it causes severe damage to the flock.

Vaccinate for Fowl Pox and Newcastle disease.These can cause a loss in egg production. Vaccinating can be done after the birds are 8 weeks of age.Vaccinate for one disease at a time, followed with the other in about 3 weeks.The wing-web method of vaccination is used for Fowl Pox and Newcastle. The wing-web is simple.Remove all feathers from the web of the skin near the elbow of one wing.Dip the vaccinating needle into the mixed vaccine solution and punch it completely through the skin web.The bird is now vaccinated. Newcastle can also be administered using drinking water or dust application.Follow instructions on container.

At some point it might be necessary to cull cockerels or underperforming pullets. These can be used for meat. This will reduce your feed bill by removing them.

When pullets reach 16 weeks of age a constant amount of light is necessary to ensure good egg production.Hens need a constant 16-17 hours of light each day to perform best.This can be natural light or artificial light. Otherwise, eggs production will be reduced or cease.

Practices for Good Management for High Egg Production

• Adequate Space-for 100 pullets open range ¼ of an acre or 2-3 square feet per bird in confinement.
• Feed-keep a good ration available to the chickens that provides all necessary nutrients.
• Water-Be sure to provide plenty of water that is clean, fresh, and cool. Keep waterers in shady areas if possible.Clean waterers daily.
• Shade-provided shade makes pullets more comfortable during hot weather.Allows for better production.
• Green Feed-Clovers and tender grasses can be used to furnish grazing for pullets reducing feeds cost by 5-20%.If grazing is used, be sure to conduct a regular worm or internal parasite control program.
• Young vs Old-keep old hens separated from young pullets to reduce disease transmission.
• Range Shelter-Provide a 10’x12’ shelter for each 100-125 pullets. Protection and shade.
• Control Parasites-Practice good management and sanitation.Check for external parasites. Control as needed.Follow a worming program.
• Predatory Protection-Provide necessary protection especially at night.