For many poultry keepers, the most heartbreaking stage of chick rearing is between the second and fourth week of life. You start with a healthy batch, only to watch numbers drop before they reach maturity. Understanding why this happens is the first step towards reducing losses and keeping more of your birds alive.
The Vulnerable 2–4 Week Stage
The period between two and four weeks is a critical growth phase for chicks. By this time, they are no longer newly hatched, yet they still rely on controlled temperatures, careful feeding, and good hygiene. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more prone to infections and management-related stress. Small mistakes at this stage can quickly lead to sickness and death.
Common Causes of Death in 2–4 Week-Old Chicks
1. Cold Stress
At this age, chicks still need warmth, especially at night or during cold weather. Exposure to cold can weaken their immunity, cause respiratory problems, and eventually lead to death. Using a heat source such as a brooder lamp or keeping them with a mother hen can help, but temperature must be monitored to avoid extremes.
2. Overheating
Just as cold can kill chicks, excessive heat can be deadly. Poor ventilation and too much direct heat can cause dehydration and heat stress. Always maintain the recommended brooder temperature and give chicks enough space to move away from the heat source if they are uncomfortable.
3. Poor Hygiene and Damp Conditions
A dirty or damp brooder is a breeding ground for diseases. Wet bedding can cause respiratory problems, while contaminated feed and water can lead to diarrhea, coccidiosis, and other infections. Clean the brooder daily, replace wet shavings, and ensure waterers are scrubbed regularly.
4. Diseases such as Gumboro (Infectious Bursal Disease)
Gumboro is a common viral disease that affects young chickens, often striking between three and six weeks of age. It attacks the immune system, leaving chicks vulnerable to other infections. Prevention through timely vaccination is key, as there is no cure once the disease sets in.
5. Feeding Mistakes
Switching from chick starter to grower feed too early or suddenly can cause digestive upsets. Introducing new feed gradually by mixing it with the old feed over several days allows the chicks’ digestive systems to adjust. Lack of essential vitamins and minerals can also weaken their resistance to disease.
6. Constipation and Digestive Blockages
Poor diet, dehydration, or sudden feed changes can cause constipation. This can quickly weaken a chick and lead to death if untreated. Giving liquid paraffin in small amounts can help clear blockages and ease digestion.
How to Reduce Mortality in 2–4 Week-Old Chicks
- Keep chicks in a warm, dry, and well-ventilated environment.
- Maintain clean bedding and replace it whenever it gets damp.
- Provide clean water at all times and ensure feeders are kept sanitary.
- Vaccinate against common diseases such as Gumboro and Newcastle at the correct ages.
- Introduce any feed changes gradually.
- Watch for early signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or unusual eye color, and act quickly.
Wrapping Up
Raising healthy chicks requires a balance of good housing, proper feeding, disease prevention, and careful observation. Losses may happen, but with the right management, you can significantly reduce mortality in the crucial 2–4 week stage. In poultry farming, prevention is always cheaper and easier than treatment. So, act early, stay consistent, and your chicks will reward you with healthy growth into adulthood.