Authors : E.Z. Mushi , M.G. Binta , R.G. Chabo and B. Seipone
Abstract: A total of 125 out of 307 (41%) chicks belonging to the indigenous breed of chickens under free-range management died in the first three months of life with most chicks being lost in the first month. The main cause of chick mortality was predation mostly by dogs but also as a result of inclement weather especially during the cold weather season. It is imperative that brooding should be provided to curb these chick losses and adequate housing should be provided for the hens so as to protect the young chicks from predation.
E.Z. Mushi , M.G. Binta , R.G. Chabo and B. Seipone , 2005. Chick Mortality in Indigenous Chickens (Gallus domesticus) under Free-range Management in Sebele, Gaborone, Botswana . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 768-770.