Learning Experiences

Learning Outcome 2
Criteria/indicators of healthy chicks
Learning Activities Special Instructions
The trainee will read information sheet Please read all the information
1.1-2 on Criteria/indicators of healthy sheets. After reading all the
chicks information sheets, you are
The trainee will accomplish self-check required to accomplish all the self-
1.1-2 checks and compare results with
the answers key.
The trainee will refer result with the View all the video clip and
answer key 1.1-2 powerful presentations. After
Read/interpret/prepare task sheet 1.1-2” viewing, call the attention of your
Criteria/indicators of healthy chicks” trainer to undergo oral
questioning.

The trainee will perform the task using All responses will be in accordance
Task sheet 1.1-2 with the suggested/model
answers.
The trainee will evaluate his/her
performance using Performance criteria If you rated satisfactory, you can
checklist 1.1-2 move to another module as advice
by your trainer.
The trainee will participate in the
discussion on Criteria/indicators of
healthy chicks
The trainee will Refer responses to
model answers
The trainee observes the trainer’s/
advanced trainee’s demonstration on
Criteria/indicators of healthy chicks
The trainee performs the return
demonstration on Criteria/indicators of
healthy chicks
The trainee/trainer/advanced trainee
evaluates performance using the
performance criteria checklist 1.1-2

Date Developed: Document No. 00

July 2024 Issued by:
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 Information Sheet 1.1-2

Criteria/Indicator of healthy chicks

Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
1. Identify the key indicators of healthy chicks.

2. Design and implement advanced health monitoring and management

programs for chicks.

Indicators of healthy chicks.

Brooding plays an
essential role in laying
the foundation for optimal
flock performance.
Without proper brooding,
chicks can’t reach their
genetic potential,
resulting in reduced yield,
poor flock uniformity, and
higher mortality rates.

Capitalising on this time period is critical as poor performance during brooding

cannot be compensated for later on. Checking to see if your chicks are getting what
they need to grow and thrive helps maximise results during brooding, setting yourself
up for a successful and profitable flock. Below you will find a few items that provide
us measurable indicators of how well we are doing with the management of our
flocks.

Rectal temperature
One way to determine if your chicks are warm enough is to take their rectal
temperature. A chick’s rectal temperature should be measured coming off the
delivery truck and again within the first couple of hours post-placement. A

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temperature of 104-104.5° F (40-40.27° C) is considered normal. Anything above or
below that can be detrimental to a chick’s health and progress.

Be on the lookout for indicators of heat or cold stress during the first three to four
days after placement. These indicators can include, but are not limited to, reduced
food and water intake, huddling together as if cold, crowding the walls signalling
overheating, and lethargic behaviour.

Crop checks
Another way to determine whether or not your chicks are getting what they need is to
check their crops within the first 12-24 hours after placement. To check a crop,
physically pick up the chick and feel the crop to see if it is filled with a feed/water
mixture. A properly filled crop will have a peanut butter-like consistency.

If less than 95% of the chicks you check have full crops, check the following factors:

 Feed – not enough feed, feed surface area, physical form of feed, feed quality
 Water – quality, quantity, drinker lines too high/low, drinker nipples stuck,
incorrect pressure, temperature too warm
 Ventilation – under ventilation (high CO2, ammonia, humidity), overventilation
(air drafts, excessive heater run time causing hot spots under them, huddling
of birds), air leaks at chick level, improper air administration
 Temperature – too warm (driving chicks away from feed), too cool (chicks
holding close to heat)
Day 0, 7, and 14-day weights

Taking 0, 7, and 14-day weights can help determine if your chicks are gaining weight
at an appropriate rate. Seven days after placement, a chick’s weight should be 4.39
times their weight at placement, while at 14 days after placement their weight should
increase 2.51 times their 7-day weight. If your chicks are not gaining enough weight,
you may want to re-evaluate your management practices.

House and litter moisture

Checking house and litter moisture helps assess litter management in between
flocks, ventilation practices, and water line management. An appropriate level of
moisture in the house is approximately 60%, while an appropriate level of moisture
for litter is around 25-30%. Too much moisture can result in foot pad lesions, causing
reduced food/water intake and growth, increasing bacterial infection and the

Date Developed: Document No. 00

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probability of disease, elevated condemnation at processing, as well as reduced paw
quality and harvest percentages.

In order to measure moisture levels, you will need a relative humidity (RH) meter.
You can also do a ‘hand grasp’ test to determine litter moisture in which you grab a
handful of litter; if it falls apart and crumbles in your hand, the level of moisture is
adequate. However, if the litter sticks together forming a ball-like structure, the
moisture level of the litter is too high.

Continuously measure performance

Many in our industry take a ‘wait to see where the birds settle’ at the end of the grow
out to determine the performance of the flock. The problem with this approach is we
don’t know at what point the lack of performance occurred; therefore, it is advisable
to measure performance throughout the life of a flock, especially during brooding.

Taking these measurements not only makes it possible to track progress but it also
allows you to make the necessary tweaks in your management practices, helping to
keep your flock on the right track to optimal performance.

Health monitoring and management programs for chicks

Knowing a hen’s health status is essential to achieve production goals. Sick birds
cannot develop to their full genetic potential so health programs play a central role in
the production schedule.
Healthy hens are disease-free or, at least, can support and deal with the diseases
that are present in their environment.
Biosecurity is key to keeping the flock free of pathogen agents or, at least, reducing
their presence. Flock immunity is the corner stone that prepares hens to handle the
threat of disease. This relates not only to the vaccination program but also to the
hen’s physical status.
If hens are inmuno-suppressed due to underfeeding, stress or other reasons
(mycotoxins, chemicals) it will be difficult to cope with diseases even if the hens
have been vaccinated. Certain avian diseases (such as Salmonella enteritis or
Campylobacter) are zoonoses which can spread between birds and humans.
So even if a disease does not directly affect poultry,
it should be included the health program.

Date Developed: Document No. 00

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 Date Developed: Document No. 00
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Biosecurity Program
A biosecurity program plays a key role in maintaining hens in good health and, there-
fore, profitable production. Biosecurity can be defined as all the procedures put in
place to prevent pathogens infecting hens and spreading to other poultry farms.
To be effective, a biosecurity program should be implemented in a very practical and
structured way. An effective biosecurity program is well-adapted to the production
structures and well-understood by all the actors (staff, production managers,
external suppliers, veterinarians, general manager etc.) at the farm. If certain actors
do not take biosecurity seriously and fail to follow the procedures, the e fforts of the
others will not be rewarded.
It is essential to apply procedures systematically. Sporadic application of a
biosecurity program will not work.
Biosecurity Types

Conceptual biosecurity
This is the biosecurity related to the farm design and its location of the
farm and its surroundings.
Ideally farms should be situated away from:

 other poultry farms (including backyard

farms)
 Other farms (other species)
 Live bird markets
 Hatcheries
 Slaughterhouses
If these kind of facilities are near to the farm, structural and operational biosecurity
should be improved.
If possible, new farms should be constructed in biosecure locations.

Structural biosecurity
This is the biosecurity related to the physical structures used at the farm to prevent
the introduction or spread of diseases.

Important components include:

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  Perimeter fences
 Surrounding buffer zone
 Bird-proof elements
 Entrance doors
 Disinfectant system in entrance door
 Shower or black/white room
 Boots baths
 Work clothing and footwear
 Feed storehouse or silos
 Dead bird disposal

Operational biosecurity
This is the biosecurity related to how work on the farm should be done to prevent the
introduction or spread of diseases.

 People are the key element to success here.

 Good communication, which implies training, is essential to improve
operational biosecurity.
 Clear and written biosecurity protocol should be available for all the staff
having contact with the farms.
 Normally the simplest rules work better than the complicated.

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[Link]
chicks-are-getting-what-they-need/
[Link]

Date Developed: Document No. 00

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 Self- Check 1.1-2

(Type of Test):
multiple choice question
1 What is a key indicator of a healthy chick's physical appearance?

 A) Dull and ruffled feathers

 B) Bright eyes and smooth, shiny feathers
 C) Drooping wings
 D) Pale comb and wattles

2 Which of the following behaviors is typical of healthy chicks?

 A) Lethargy and minimal movement

 B) Active and curious, exploring their surroundings
 C) Huddling together constantly
 D) Continuous peeping without rest

3 What is an important sign of a healthy chick when examining its legs and
feet?

 A) Swollen joints
 B) Smooth and straight legs with no swelling
 C) Curled toes
 D) Discolored scales

4 Healthy chicks should exhibit which of the following eating habits?

 A) Disinterest in food and water

 B) Regular feeding and drinking with a good appetite
 C) Pecking at food but not eating much
 D) Only drinking water but not eating food

5 What is a common respiratory sign of a healthy chick?

 A) Wheezing or labored breathing

 B) Clear breathing without any unusual sounds
 C) Sneezing and coughing frequently
 D) Open-mouth breathing

6 Which of the following is an essential component of a chick health

monitoring program?

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  A) Randomly checking chicks once a month
 B) Regular, scheduled health assessments
 C) Only checking chicks when they appear sick
 D) Ignoring health monitoring to avoid stress

7 What is the primary purpose of maintaining accurate records in a chick

health management program?

 A) To meet legal requirements

 B) To track growth and health trends over time
 C) To provide entertainment for the staff
 D) To use as a marketing tool

8 Which tool is most commonly used for examining the overall health of
chicks?

 A) Microscope
 B) Stethoscope
 C) Brooder thermometer
 D) Scale and visual inspection

9 When implementing a vaccination program for chicks, what is the most

important factor to consider?

 A) Cost of the vaccines

 B) Ease of administration
 C) Timing and schedule of vaccinations
 D) Availability of vaccines in local stores

10 Which of the following is a common preventive measure in chick health

management?

 A) Allowing chicks to roam freely without supervision

 B) Providing clean water and feed
 C) Using the same bedding indefinitely
 D) Overcrowding the brooder area

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 ANSWER KEYS

1. B

2. B

3. B

4. B

5. B

6. B

7. B

8. D

9. C

10. B

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 TASK SHEET 1.1-2
Title: Identify and assess health status of chicks

Performance Objective: Given the complete set of tools, materials and

equipment for this job, you should able to identify and
assess the health status of chicks based on specific
criteria and indicators. Accomplish this task in 2
hours.

Supplies/Materials:
 Pen and notebook
 Sample chicks (at least 5)
 Thermometer
 Clean water and feed

Equipment: Weighing scale

Steps/Procedure:
1. Look for chicks that are clearly eating, drinking and have plenty of
energy.
2. Select for the chicks that will frequently sleep, but avoid chicks that
are puffed up, with drooping heads.
3. Check for the tail end of each chick for pasty butt.
4. Examine the beak for any discharge.
5. Check for the weight of the chicks. It must be 35 grams, a day old.

Assessment Method:
Written Examination
Actual Demonstration
Oral Question

Date Developed: Document No. 00

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Performance Criteria Checklist 1.1-2

CRITERIA
YES NO
Did you….
1. Look for chicks that are clearly eating,
drinking and have plenty of energy.
2. Select for the chicks that will frequently
sleep, but avoid chicks that are puffed up,
with drooping heads.
3. Check for the tail end of each chick for
pasty butt.
4. Examine the beak for any discharge.
5. Check for the weight of the chicks. It must
be 35 grams, a day old.

Date Developed: Document No. 00

July 2024 Issued by:
Organic Date Revised:
Agriculture Page 13 of 61
Developed by: Jaymart Belencion
Production NCII
Jaymart
Belencion Revision # 00