The transfer to separate housing is a key management point in broiler farming, directly affecting flock health, growth uniformity, and farming efficiency. The first such transfer is especially important as chicks transition to intermediate-age birds. Its timing and operational details must be carefully controlled to reduce stress and lay a solid foundation for efficient farming later on. This article details the best timing for the first transfer and the key precautions to take before and after it.
01 Best time for the first transfer to separate housing for broiler chickens
The first transfer is not tied to a fixed age. It should be determined based on the birds’ age and weight, stocking density, and ambient temperature. The main aim is to avoid stress from overcrowding and ensure the flock has uniform access to feed and water.
1. Basic reference age: 7-10 days old
Under typical farming conditions, broiler chickens can reach a body weight of 150-200g at 7-10 days old. Their feathers gradually fill out, and their ability to adapt to the environment improves, making this the ideal window for the first transfer. Transferring them at this time can ease stocking pressure in the initial housing in a timely manner and help prevent problems such as competition for feed and uneven growth caused by insufficient space.
2. Criteria for adjusting the timing
Density adaptation: When the broiler density in the house exceeds 30-35 birds/㎡, or frequent fighting and crowding while queuing to eat and drink are observed, divide the flock into separate groups in advance; if the chicks are growing more slowly (body weight below 120g at 10 days of age), this can be delayed until 12-14 days of age to avoid increasing stress risk by separating them too early.
Temperature adaptation: In winter (such as in month 11), temperatures are relatively low and chicks have weaker cold tolerance, so they can be divided into separate groups at 8-10 days of age. At this point, the chicks are stronger and can better cope with environmental changes. In summer, temperatures are relatively high, and excessive density can easily cause heat stress, so they can be divided into separate groups as early as 7 days of age.
Breed differences: White-feather broilers grow quickly and can be divided into separate groups at 7-8 days of age; yellow-feather broilers grow relatively slowly and can be separated later, at 9-10 days of age.
02 Before dividing the flock: Make thorough preparations to reduce stress risk
The core of preparation before dividing the flock is to “reduce discomfort caused by sudden environmental changes.” Address diet, environment, and tools to lay the groundwork for the operation.
1. Feeding management: Control feed scientifically and ensure adequate drinking water
Feed control: Stop feeding 2-3 hours before dividing the flock, while ensuring an ample supply of clean drinking water. The purpose of feed control is to prevent the birds from being squeezed during catching and transport when their crops are full, which could cause crop injury or sudden death; it also helps prevent insufficient energy from separating them on an empty stomach and reduces stress reactions.
Water supply: Before dividing the flock, Super Vita or vitamin C can be added to the drinking water to enhance the chicks’ ability to cope with stress. Ensure there are enough drinkers to prevent the flock from becoming agitated due to water shortage before separation.
2. Environmental preparation: Adjust temperature and lighting to reduce sudden changes
Temperature regulation: 1 hours before dividing the chickens among cages, adjust the temperature of the new cages (or adjusted cage locations) to 1-2℃ higher than that of the original environment. In winter, in particular, provide adequate insulation to prevent excessive temperature differences from causing cold stress after the chickens are moved. Also check the cages for drafts, and close vents or install windbreaks.
Lighting adjustment: 30 minutes before dividing the chickens among cages, dim the lighting in both the original and new cages to 1/2 of the usual level, keeping it soft and non-glaring. A dim environment can reduce broiler chickens’ activity levels, minimize panic, escape attempts, and fighting, and make handling easier, while also reducing stress responses.
3. Preparation of tools and personnel: Work efficiently and follow procedures to avoid injury
Tool preparation: Prepare clean, odor-free poultry-catching nets and transport boxes (or turnover crates) in advance. Tool edges should be smooth and free of sharp protrusions to prevent scratching the chicks. Clean and disinfect transport equipment to prevent cross-infection.
Staff assignments: Assign 2-3 experienced operators and clearly define who will catch, transport, and release the chickens. Ensure the work is carried out quickly and gently to minimize the time the flock spends in transit. Operators should keep their fingernails short and avoid wearing sharp accessories to prevent scratching the chickens.
4. Cage-location planning: Arrange the layout appropriately and make nearby adjustments
Density control after dividing the chickens among cages: After the chickens have been divided, keep the number of broiler chickens in each cage (or per ㎡) at no more than 25-30 birds, ensuring each chicken has enough space to eat, drink, and move around, and avoiding overcrowding a second time.
Cage selection: Prioritize the principle of “moving birds to nearby cages.” For example, when transferring birds from a middle-tier cage to an upper-tier cage, minimize environmental changes across areas and temperature zones. Lay clean bedding in the new cage in advance, and check that the feed troughs and water troughs are clear to ensure the birds can quickly find feed and water after separation.
03 During separation: Follow standardized procedures to reduce physical stress
The core requirements during separation are to work “gently, quickly, and accurately,” avoiding injury to the birds caused by improper handling while also shortening the procedure and reducing the time the flock is exposed to an unfamiliar environment.
1. Catching and transport: Handle gently to avoid injury
Catching method: When catching chicks, hold them at the base of the wings or by the legs. Avoid grabbing the head or neck or pulling the feathers, to prevent neck injuries or feather loss. Handle them gently and quickly, avoiding prolonged restraint that could cause suffocation or stress.
Transport requirements: Do not place too many birds in each transport crate; ensure they have a little room to move inside and avoid piling or crushing them. Keep the transport route as short as possible and minimize jolting. Avoid direct sunlight or cold drafts.
2. Separation principle: Group by size to prevent bullying
When separating birds, house them according to size and strength to prevent larger birds from bullying smaller ones, which can result in weaker chicks eating too little and lagging in growth. The weight difference among birds in the same cage should not exceed 10%, to ensure uniform flock growth.
3. Operating sequence: Work in layers and proceed step by step
When separating chickens into cages, it is recommended to work in the order “upper layer → middle layer → lower layer,” or transfer them gradually from the original cage positions to adjacent cages. Avoid disrupting the layout of the entire flock at once to reduce the flock’s startled response. Close each cage door promptly after completing a group of cage positions to prevent chickens from escaping.
04 After separating chickens into cages: Provide follow-up care to help the flock adapt quickly
The main task after separating chickens into cages is to “help the flock adapt to the new environment as quickly as possible.” To reduce the risk of subsequent stress, address environmental recovery, restoration of feeding and drinking, and observation of the flock’s condition.
1. Environmental recovery: Make gradual adjustments to stabilize temperature and lighting
Lighting recovery: After separating the chickens into cages, first keep the new coop dimly lit for 1-2 hours, allowing the flock to adapt to the new space in a quiet environment. Then gradually restore the lighting to its usual level, ensuring that the chickens can clearly find the feeders and drinkers without disrupting feeding and drinking.
Maintain temperature: For 24 hours after separating the chickens into cages, keep the temperature in the new coop 1℃ higher than in the original environment. Once the flock has fully adapted (approximately 1-2 days), gradually adjust it to the normal rearing temperature. In winter, increase insulation checks to avoid a sudden drop in temperature.
2. Restore feeding and drinking: Proceed gradually and supplement nutrition
Feed supply: After moving the chickens into separate cages, observe their condition. When they begin drinking water voluntarily and moving around after about 1 hours, resume feeding. The first feed amount should be 70%-80% of the usual amount to prevent overeating. Then gradually increase it to the normal feeding amount.
Nutritional support: For 3-5 days after moving the chickens into separate cages, continuously add 超能维他 to their drinking water to relieve stress, supplement nutrition, boost immunity, and support intestinal health.
3. Condition monitoring: Inspect promptly and prevent risks
Immediate monitoring: Frequently check the chickens’ condition within 1-2 hours after moving them into separate cages. Pay particular attention to any chickens that appear lethargic, have difficulty standing, or are injured and bleeding, and isolate and treat them promptly. Check for blockages in the feeders and waterers to ensure every chicken can feed and drink normally.
Follow-up monitoring: For 2-3 days after moving the chickens into separate cages, observe their feed intake, droppings, and growth rate daily. If problems such as reduced feed intake or diarrhea occur, promptly check for abnormalities in the ambient temperature, stocking density, or feed, and make adjustments as needed.
05 Conclusion
The first move of broiler chickens into separate cages is a key step in rearing for “preventing stress and maintaining uniformity.” It should be carried out during the critical window of 7-10 days of age, with the timing adjusted flexibly according to the flock’s actual condition. Before and after moving the chickens, focus on three priorities: “reducing sudden environmental changes, minimizing physical injury, and providing nutritional support.” Following standardized procedures can minimize stress reactions and help the flock adapt quickly to the new environment, laying a solid foundation for healthy growth and efficient rearing. Farmers should optimize the cage-separation plan flexibly based on their own rearing conditions, breed characteristics, and environmental changes to ensure the process is carried out safely and orderly.