Hello Hives,
Raising day-old chicks is a journey that demands patience, consistency, and close attention to detail. Every single day presents an opportunity to learn something new, and today marks the third day since I brought my 18 chicks home. I'm happy to say that things are progressing well, and I'm encouraged by how active and healthy they have been.
From the moment they arrived, my main priority has been creating a comfortable environment where they can grow without unnecessary stress. I have been checking on them regularly, ensuring they have enough warmth, clean drinking water, and quality feed. So far, the effort has been worthwhile because all 18 chicks are still alive, active, and eating well. Seeing them move around with energy gives me confidence that they are adapting nicely to their new home.
One of the challenges I noticed during the first two days was feed wastage. I initially used tray feeders because they are commonly recommended for newly arrived chicks. However, I realized the birds were scratching through the feed and spilling a good amount onto the floor. Apart from wasting feed, this can also make the litter untidy and increase production costs over time.
So to solve this problem, I decided to replace the tray feeder with two small iron feeders on the third day and add one more drinker to make it two. This simple adjustment has already made a noticeable difference. The feed remains cleaner, there is less spillage, and the chicks can still eat comfortably. Having two feeders and two drinkers also means they don't have to struggle for space during feeding time, which should encourage more uniform growth as they continue to develop.
Another step I took today was introducing my organic health routine. Instead of relying only on commercial medications, I prepared a water extract from bitter leaf and scent leaf and added it to their drinking water. These plants have long been used by many local poultry farmers because of their natural antibacterial and immune-boosting properties. While I still monitor the birds closely and won't hesitate to use veterinary treatments if necessary, I enjoy combining modern poultry management with trusted natural remedies.
The most exciting part of today is that I have recorded zero mortality. Every one of the 18 chicks is alive, healthy, and showing positive signs of growth. It may only be the third day, but small victories like this keep me motivated. I know there are still many weeks ahead, but I hope that with proper management, good hygiene, and consistent care, these chicks will continue to thrive. I'll keep sharing my progress as this poultry journey unfolds.
You can check here to see their progress
Day1
Day2
Thanks for Reading
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