{"id":18519,"date":"2026-06-16T09:18:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T02:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/?p=18519"},"modified":"2026-06-15T14:34:39","modified_gmt":"2026-06-15T07:34:39","slug":"medicines-newly-hatched-chicks-safe-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/industry-news\/medicines-newly-hatched-chicks-safe-use\/","title":{"rendered":"Medicines and Disease-Prevention Products for Newly Hatched Chicks: Safety Notes During the Brooding Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Newly
Newly hatched chicks have limited immunity and require stable brooding conditions during their first days of life.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Medicines for newly hatched chicks should be selected carefully during the first 1\u201314 days of life, when their immune system is still immature, body temperature is not yet stable, and the intestinal tract has not been fully colonized by beneficial bacteria. These factors make the brooding stage critical to flock survival and early development.<\/p>\n

Using medicines for newly hatched chicks does not mean giving antibiotics continuously from day one. Farmers should select the right medicine or supportive product for each stage, including electrolytes and vitamins to reduce transport stress, digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gut health, and anticoccidial medicines or coccidiosis vaccines when appropriate.<\/p>\n

The effectiveness of the entire disease prevention program is closely linked to brooding conditions, including temperature, stocking density, and housing hygiene. This article summarizes practical recommendations in line with today\u2019s direction toward sustainable livestock production, helping farmers choose, mix, and monitor products safely during the brooding stage.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quick Summary: Medicines for Newly Hatched Chicks During Brooding<\/strong><\/h2>\n
    \n
  • Day 1\u20133:<\/b> Prioritize electrolytes, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins to help reduce transport stress, encourage water intake, and support adaptation to the new environment.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Day 4\u20137:<\/b> Add digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gut health and stability. Farmers may consult a veterinarian about E. coli prevention if the epidemiological risk on the farm is high.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Day 7\u201314:<\/b> Start assessing coccidiosis risk and respiratory issues based on litter moisture, stocking density, ventilation, and the farm\u2019s disease history. The use of anticoccidial medicines, coccidiosis vaccines, or supportive products should follow the product label and veterinary advice.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Antibiotics in prevention and treatment:<\/b> Antibiotics should not be used routinely or continuously. They should only be considered when prescribed by a veterinarian and when the epidemiological situation requires them.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Key principle:<\/b> Medicines and supportive products cannot replace good brooding conditions. Incorrect temperature, overcrowding, and wet housing can significantly reduce the effectiveness of any disease prevention measure.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Newly Hatched Chicks and the Critical Brooding Period<\/b><\/h2>\n

    The selection of medicines for newly hatched chicks should be based on age, flock health, disease risk, brooding conditions, and veterinary guidance. The following timeline summarizes the product groups commonly considered during the first 14 days.<\/p>\n

    Physiological Characteristics and Immune System of Chicks Aged 1\u201314 Days<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Newly hatched chicks have very limited ability to regulate their own body temperature during the first few days. This is one of the most important points farmers should understand before considering any medicine or supportive product.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In the early days, chicks depend heavily on external heat sources to maintain a stable body temperature of around 40\u201341\u00b0C. If the brooding temperature is insufficient, chicks will spend energy trying to stay warm instead of using it for growth and immune development.<\/span><\/p>\n

    At this stage, the immune system of chicks mainly depends on maternal antibodies transferred through the egg. These passive antibodies gradually decline with age, while the chick\u2019s active immune system is not yet mature enough to respond effectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

    The intestinal tract is not yet fully colonized by beneficial bacteria, creating an \u201copen area\u201d where pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, or coccidia (Eimeria spp.) may colonize more easily.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition, transporting chicks from the hatchery to the farm often causes stress, dehydration, and electrolyte loss, further weakening their already fragile resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Common Health Issues During Brooding: Diarrhea, E. coli, Coccidiosis, Gasping, and Early Respiratory Signs<\/b><\/h3>\n

    During the first two weeks, the most common health problems often include:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • White or green diarrhea\/droppings:<\/b> Often associated with E. coli, Salmonella, or digestive disturbance caused by sudden environmental changes.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Coccidiosis:<\/b> Chicks from around one week of age onward begin to face a higher risk of coccidiosis, especially when litter is wet, bedding material is damp, or stocking density is high.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Gasping and early respiratory signs:<\/b> These may be linked to Mycoplasma, viruses, or more simply to drafts and temperature fluctuations in the brooding area.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Omphalitis:<\/b> In newly hatched chicks, incomplete absorption of the yolk sac may create conditions for E. coli invasion if hatchery and housing hygiene are not well controlled.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Correctly identifying the problem helps farmers choose the right group of medicines or preventive products instead of using products based only on experience without a clear purpose.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Why Medicines Alone Are Not Enough If Brooding Conditions Are Poor<\/b><\/h3>\n

      This is a point that many farmers, especially smallholders, often overlook: medicines and preventive products are only effective when the brooding environment is properly managed. They are not designed to compensate for poor brooding conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

      When chicks are cold, exposed to drafts, kept on wet litter, or raised at excessively high density, their immune system is continuously weakened. In that condition, no matter how many vitamins or antibiotics are used, the chicks may not have the physiological capacity to absorb and respond well.<\/span><\/p>\n

      As a result, costs increase while the actual effectiveness decreases.<\/span><\/p>\n

      In other words: proper brooding conditions are the foundation, while medicines and preventive products are the supporting layer. The order cannot be reversed.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Common Medicines for Newly Hatched Chicks and Supportive Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n
      \"Veterinary
      Medicines and supportive products should be selected according to the chick\u2019s age, flock health, and veterinary guidance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

      Note:<\/b> In this article, \u201cmedicines and products\u201d include both registered veterinary medicines that may have withdrawal periods and legal requirements, as well as supportive products such as vitamins, electrolytes, digestive enzymes, and herbal products. These groups are regulated differently. Farmers should read product labels carefully and consult a veterinarian to distinguish them properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Vitamins and Electrolytes: Reducing Transport Stress and Supporting Early Resistance<\/b><\/h3>\n

      This group is often prioritized during the first 1\u20133 days, not because the chicks are already sick, but because transportation and environmental changes can cause dehydration, stress, and electrolyte loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Common ingredients in electrolyte products for chicks include glucose for quick energy, sodium chloride, potassium, vitamin C, and sometimes B vitamins. The main purposes are to restore electrolyte balance, encourage chicks to drink water, and help them start eating and drinking earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Vitamins A, D3, and E are also often supplemented during this stage to support immune development and overall resistance. Farmers should follow the manufacturer\u2019s recommended dosage. Some fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A and D3, may cause toxicity if overdosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: Supporting Gut Health and Reducing the Risk of Early Diarrhea<\/b><\/h3>\n

      The intestinal tract of newly hatched chicks has not yet been stably colonized by beneficial bacteria. Early supplementation with digestive enzymes and probiotics may help support a healthier gut microbiota, creating a biological barrier that reduces the ability of pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella to attach to the intestinal lining.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Common probiotics used for chicks may include Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In practice, many commercial products combine several strains to improve effectiveness.<\/span><\/p>\n

      An important point: probiotics should be stored at the correct temperature, kept away from direct sunlight, and not mixed with antibiotics in the same drinking water, because antibiotics may kill beneficial bacteria in the drinker.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Anticoccidial Medicines or Coccidiosis Vaccines: When They May Be Needed and When They May Not Be Necessary Yet<\/b><\/h3>\n

      In practice, clinical signs caused by coccidia are usually uncommon in the first few days after hatching because the parasite needs time to complete its life cycle in the chick\u2019s body. Using anticoccidial medicines too early, such as from day 1\u20133, often provides little preventive benefit and may only increase costs and unnecessary risk of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Preventive coccidiosis control is usually considered from around one week of age onward, especially when:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • The house has an earth floor or wet litter.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • The farm has a history of coccidiosis.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Stocking density is high.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Some farms choose live coccidiosis vaccines instead of preventive chemical anticoccidial medicines. This approach is aligned with the broader trend of reducing routine preventive drug use and limiting dependence on antibiotics in livestock production. The choice between chemical medicines and vaccines should be discussed with a veterinarian based on actual farm conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Biological and Herbal Products Supporting Respiratory and Digestive Health<\/b><\/h3>\n

        This group includes commercial products containing herbal extracts such as garlic, thyme, oregano, and turmeric, which are often marketed as supporting antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, or digestive functions. Actual effectiveness depends on farming conditions and should be considered together with scientific evidence and veterinary advice.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Herbal and biological products are increasingly considered in many production models as supportive options, especially in the current trend of reducing antibiotic use. However, their effectiveness depends heavily on product quality, dosage, and specific farm conditions. Farmers should consult the manufacturer and a veterinarian before applying them widely.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Antibiotics in Prevention and Treatment: When They Are Truly Needed and When They Should Be Avoided<\/b><\/h3>\n

        This issue needs to be clearly distinguished: disease prevention does not mean continuous antibiotic use.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Using antibiotics continuously without veterinary indication often does not improve flock health in the long term. It may also disrupt the developing gut microbiota, increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and create residue risks in animal products.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian, when there is a specific epidemiological risk, a clear indication, and the correct active ingredient is selected according to the target bacteria. Farmers should not use broad-spectrum antibiotics as a form of general \u201cinsurance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

        Principles for Choosing Medicines for Newly Hatched Chicks Safely<\/strong><\/h2>\n
        \"Veterinary
        Safe product selection should consider flock condition, disease risk, brooding management, and label instructions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

        Prioritize Reduced Antibiotic Use, Residue Safety, and Compliance With Current Veterinary Regulations<\/b><\/h3>\n

        Markets are paying increasing attention to antibiotic residue control in poultry meat. Farmers need to comply with current regulations on withdrawal periods and permitted medicines.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Farmers should prioritize:<\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Choosing medicines that are included in the list of veterinary medicines permitted for circulation.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Following the withdrawal period stated on the label, especially for broiler chickens.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Limiting the use of medically important antibiotics such as quinolones and colistin, and using them only when truly necessary, under veterinary indication, and in accordance with current regulations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Farmers should check product labels, the list of permitted veterinary medicines, and the latest guidance from the competent animal health authority.<\/span><\/p>\n

          How to Read a Product Label: Active Ingredient, Target Animal, Dosage, and Withdrawal Period<\/b><\/h3>\n

          Before using any medicine or product for chicks, farmers should carefully check:<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          • Active ingredient:<\/b> Know exactly what group the product belongs to, such as antibiotic, vitamin, anticoccidial, probiotic, and its spectrum of action.<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Target animal:<\/b> Some products are not suitable for chicks under 7 or 14 days old. This information is usually stated clearly on the label.<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Dosage:<\/b> Dosage may be calculated by mg\/kg body weight or ml\/liter of water. Farmers should not mix products \u201cby feeling.\u201d<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Withdrawal period:<\/b> This must be followed before marketing birds to avoid residues in meat.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            Choosing Products Based on Production Type: Industrial Broilers, Free-Range Native Chickens, and Laying Hens<\/b><\/h3>\n

            There is no single universal protocol for all poultry production systems:<\/span><\/p>\n

              \n
            • Industrial broilers:<\/b> Because growth pressure is high, a strict health management program is needed from the beginning, including brooding conditions, biosecurity, vaccines, and coccidiosis\/respiratory control planning based on technical advice.<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Free-range native chickens:<\/b> These birds have more exposure to the external environment, with higher risks of coccidiosis and parasites. A more flexible program may be needed.<\/span><\/li>\n
            • Laying hens:<\/b> Greater care is needed with medicine groups that may affect the reproductive system later, although the impact at the chick stage may not yet be clear.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              Suggested Schedule for Medicines for Newly Hatched Chicks by Age<\/strong><\/h2>\n
              \"Schedule
              Medicine, vitamin, and probiotic schedules should be adjusted according to chick age, flock health, brooding conditions, and disease history.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

              Day 1\u20133: Reducing Stress, Supporting Recovery After Transport, and Helping Chicks Adapt<\/b><\/h3>\n

              The main goal during the first three days is physiological recovery, not disease treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n

              Chicks are generally prioritized to receive clean water mixed with electrolytes and vitamins to support recovery after transport, together with proper brooding temperature and housing conditions. Providing water early, often within the first two hours after placement in the brooder, is a common practice in poultry production.<\/span><\/p>\n

              During this stage:<\/span><\/p>\n