Brooding Guide: How to Raise Day-Old Chicks into Healthy Layers or Broilers. Raising day-old chicks into strong, healthy layers or broilers begins with one crucial step — brooding. Whether you’re a smallholder farmer or a commercial poultry producer, learning how to brood day-old chicks at home in Nigeria can make or break your poultry business.

This complete brooding guide for layers and broilers in Nigeria walks you through the process step-by-step. From brooding temperature charts to feeding schedules, costs, and best equipment, you’ll find everything you need to succeed and buy quality chicks and supplies from trusted sources like Farmpays.

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📌 What Is Brooding?

Brooding is the process of providing warmth, feed, water, and protection to day-old chicks until they can regulate their own body temperature — typically between 0 to 4–6 weeks of age, depending on the breed and purpose (layers or broilers).

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🐤 How to Brood Day-Old Chicks at Home in Nigeria

Here’s a simplified checklist:

✅ Setup Essentials:

• Brooder Guard (to confine chicks in a warm area)
• Heat Source (charcoal, gas brooder, or electric bulbs)
• Thermometer for temperature monitoring
• Feeders and Drinkers
• Clean wood shavings or sawdust
• Proper ventilation with protection from wind/draft

🔥 Heating: Brooding Temperature for Day-Old Broiler Chicks Week by Week

Week	Temperature (°C)	Temperature (°F)
1	32–35	90–95
2	30–32	86–90
3	28–30	82–86
4	25–28	77–82
5+	Room Temp	–

Monitor behavior:

• Crowding = too cold
• Panting = too hot
• Even spread = just right

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📆 How Many Weeks to Brood Broiler Chicks Before Selling?

• Broilers: Typically sold at 6–8 weeks
• Brooding period: 3–4 weeks
• After this, they move to grow-out pens and are fattened for market.

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💰 Cost of Brooding 100 Day-Old Chicks in Nigeria (2025)

Here’s a rough estimate (prices may vary slightly by location):

Item	Cost Estimate (₦)
100 Day-Old Chicks	₦45,000–₦55,000
Feed (Starter & Grower)	₦60,000
Heat source (charcoal/gas/electric)	₦5,000
Sawdust Bedding	₦3,000
Vaccines & Drugs	₦6,000
Miscellaneous	₦5,000
Total	₦124,000–₦134,000

For updated prices, visit Farmpays Feed & Supplies.

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🥣 Feeding Schedule for Day-Old Layer Chicks to 8 Weeks

Age (Weeks)	Feed Type	Notes
0–1	Chick Starter Crumbs	High protein (20–22%)
2–4	Chick Starter Crumbs	Feed ad libitum
5–8	Grower Mash	Transition gradually

Ensure clean water is always available. Add glucose and multivitamins during the first 3 days.

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🩺 Signs of Healthy vs Unhealthy Day-Old Chicks During Brooding

✅ Healthy Chicks:

• Active and alert
• Bright eyes
• Clean vent
• Eating and drinking normally
• Evenly distributed in brooder

❌ Unhealthy Chicks:

• Weak, huddled, or constantly chirping
• Pasted vent (diarrhea)
• Poor feathering
• Twisted necks or splayed legs

Buy only from trusted hatcheries like Farmpays to avoid high mortality rates.

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🧰 Best Brooding Equipment for Day-Old Chicks in Nigeria

• Infrared Bulbs or Gas Brooders
• Circular Brooder Guard (1.5m for 100 chicks)
• Plastic Chick Drinkers (1L – 4L)
• Starter Feeders
• Infrared Thermometer

Find all of these at Farmpays Agricultural Equipment.

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🚀 How to Raise Broilers Fast for Market in Nigeria

Want faster returns on your broiler investment?

Pro Tips:

• Choose fast-growing hybrid breeds
• Use starter feed with high protein (22–24%) in first 3 weeks
• Provide 24/7 light and feed access
• Regular deworming and vaccinations
• Sell at 6–7 weeks to reduce feed costs and optimize profit

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🛒 Where to Buy Day-Old Chicks and Brooding Supplies Online in Nigeria

Ordering day-old chicks online is now safer and faster. At Farmpays.com, you get:

• ✅ Verified hatcheries only
• ✅ Affordable pricing
• ✅ Same-day shipping
• ✅ Quality feeds, equipment & vaccines in one place
• ✅ Customer support before and after delivery

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I brood day-old chicks without electricity?

Yes. You can use charcoal stoves or kerosene lanterns, but monitor heat closely.

Q2. What’s the mortality rate for chicks during brooding?

If managed well, expect less than 5% mortality. Use vaccines and quality feed.

Q3. What breed of broiler grows fastest in Nigeria?

The Cobb 500 and Arbor Acres are popular for fast growth and market size.

Q4. How do I prevent pasting (dirty vent) in chicks?

Provide clean water, glucose, and probiotics early. Avoid overfeeding.

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📣 Conclusion

Starting with strong, healthy chicks and managing brooding properly is the foundation of a successful poultry business. Whether you’re raising for eggs or meat, following this guide helps reduce losses and maximize profits.

Ready to get started?
👉 Shop Day-Old Chicks & Brooding Supplies Now on Farmpay