5 Ways to Care for Kampung Chicken Day-Old Chicks
How to care for day-old chicks of Indonesia's kampung chicken: stocking density, warmth, coop hygiene, regular feeding and a vaccination schedule.
Knowing how to care for kampung chicken day-old chicks matters from the first day after hatching until the chicks are a week old. Kampung chickens are Indonesia's native free-range chickens, and this first week is a critical stage that determines whether the chicks grow into healthy adults. That is why every step of caring for kampung chicken DOC during this phase has to be done with patience and care.
There are several ways to care for kampung chicken DOC. They usually involve three areas: the coop, the feed and vitamins (vaccines). These three factors support the chicks' growth into adulthood. If you manage all three well, the quality of your kampung chicken DOC will follow. Here are 5 ways to care for kampung chicks so they grow into quality birds.
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Watch the Stocking Density
When caring for kampung chicken DOC, you need to keep an eye on stocking density as well as coop hygiene. An overcrowded coop hampers the chicks' growth because air circulation suffers, and the chicks inside struggle to get fresh air. Besides restricting airflow, overcrowding can also make the chicks attack each other, sometimes to the point of death.
Keep the Coop Warm
The second way to care for kampung chicken DOC is to keep the coop at a warm temperature. Newly hatched chicks usually need a room with relatively warm air, so the space used as a coop must be well sealed. Newly hatched chicks should also be separated from the mother hen to prevent the spread of disease. Even though the room is designed to be sealed, you still need to make openings for fresh air to circulate.
Also read 7 Day-Old Chick Care Mistakes Beginners Should Know
Keep the Coop Clean
Along with warmth and density, you always need to keep the coop clean. Do not let droppings or leftover feed pile up in the coop, because that makes your kampung chicks prone to disease. Ideally, clean the coop regularly and keep it dry rather than damp. A clean coop benefits not just the chicks but also you and your family.
Feed on a Regular Schedule
Feed your kampung chicken DOC on a regular schedule. The type of feed should also match the chicks' age. For example, give finely textured feed to chicks aged 1 to 7 days, because at that age they cannot yet eat coarse feed. This part of chick care helps them grow normally.
Vaccinate Regularly
Kampung chicken DOC can be very vulnerable to a range of diseases, most commonly Newcastle disease and bird flu. That is why regular vaccination is a must to keep the chicks healthy. Vaccines can be given when the chicks are 4 days, 4 weeks and 4 months old.
Caring for kampung chicken DOC the right way produces the best-quality meat and eggs once the birds are grown. High-quality chicken meat and eggs are in strong demand for everyday meals, because quality meat and eggs help keep the body healthy.
