The key to successful broiler rearing starts with having a systematic and efficient management program in place. This program must start well before the chicks arrive on-site. Pre-placement house preparation as part of a management program provides a basis for an efficient and profitable flock of broilers. The following checks need to be made:

• Curtain installation check
• Litter material check
• Floor temperature check
• Minimum ventilation check
• Drinker check
• Feeder check

Key management requirements:

1. Place chicks from a similar age and flock source in a single house
2. Placement per farm should ensure an all-in and all-out regime
3. Delays in placement can contribute to dehydration of chicks, resulting in higher chick mortality and reduced growth rate
4. Transportation must provide ideal conditions for the chicks, and the delivery time should be as short as possible
5. To reduce stress, lower the light intensity during placement
6. Chicks must be carefully placed and evenly distributed near feed and water throughout the brooding area
7. When using the supplemental feed on paper, place chicks on the paper
8. Weigh 5% of the boxes to determine day-old chick weight
9. Lights should be brought to full intensity within the brooding area once all chicks have been placed
10. Following a 1-2 hour acclimatisation period, check all systems and make adjustments if necessary
11. Monitor the distribution of the chicks closely during the first few days. This can be used as an indicator of any problems in feeder, drinker, ventilation or heating systems