Early Chick and Poultry Mortality

Birds that are hatched early, or from small eggs, may have reduced blood glucose levels when taken from the hatcher. Chicks and poults are subjected to various procedures in the hatchery, each adding to the stress load on the animal. As the stress load increases the demand for blood glucose increases, with the result that adrenalin is secreted and glycogen reserves are mobilized from the body. Thus in a situation where the chick or poult is without feed for 24 to 48 hours, low blood glucose levels can result.