From the time the chicks are hatched until maturity, the flock should be observed carefully for signs of weakness or lack of vitality. It is a good practice when the chicks are about a week old to separate those which show loss of vigor. Keep them by themselves, feed them for rapid growth and dispose of them at about broiler age. Do another sorting of the chicks as soon as sex can be determined, or at about 10 weeks of age. Take out all males and those which are not being kept for breeders.
Leg weakness is a common trouble in chicks that are grown on dry board floors.
The weakness usually develops when chicks are two weeks old. To solve this problem, get the chicks on the ground. Their legs will grow stronger on a cool, moist earth. It has been found that a small amount of cod- liver oil added to the ration will prevent or cure leg weakness in baby chicks even though they are never outdoors. Fresh cod-liver oil thoroughly mixed with mash has been found to be effective.