Poultry hen production for meat is an excellent business if accorded the required practice. For your h grown fast and attain high body weight and still keep in good health, there has to be a laid down effective procedure from the very first day it receives the h chicks to the day of sale. Here is a step-by-step action in raising poultry hens with respect to nutrition, housing, management, and health, having better results.
1. Preparation Before the Chicks Arrive
It's very important that you have everything ready before the actual entry of the chicks so that you get to have the best start with them.
1.1 Preparation of the Brooder
The brooder will be the cage in which the chicks live for the first few weeks of their life. Ensure that it is clean, dry, and perfectly disinfected not to contract diseases. Line the floor with some dry bedding, such as wood shavings. Keep your chicks at an approximate 95°F (35°C) under the heat lamps for the first week, and then reduce the temperatures by 5°F each week until your chicks are well feathered.
2.2 Equipment and supplies
Equip yourself with chick feeders, waterers, and a specially formulated feed for chicks. A reliable heat source like heat lamps and a good thermometer in monitoring the temperature within the brooder are a must.
Vaccination and Biosecurity Measures
Vaccinate your chicks against common poultry diseases. Prevent disease outbreaks through biosecurity, good hygiene, and restricted access to the farm.
2. Day 1 to Week 2: The Critical Early Days
The first two weeks are a peak growing and developmental period for your chicks, and survival of this period is of utmost importance.
2.1 Feeding the Chicks
During the first week, supply them with 20-24% good quality starter feed to keep up growth as high as possible. The ideal feed form for young chicks is crumble. Always ensure that provision is made of fresh feed in front of the chicks at all times, since chicks will not be able to grow fast unless feed is made continuously available.
2.2 Watering
Fresh cool water should be kept constantly available. To improve resistance to diseases, as well as aid in some relief of transport tress, giving some vitamins and electrolytes will be a good help to the chick.
2.3 The Management of Temperature
Monitor the temperature inside the brooder carefully. Chicks will be adequately warm and will become localized comfortably over the heat source. If they are huddled together, it means they are cold, and in case they creep farther from the heat source, that would be a sign that it's too hot.
2.4 Space and Comfort
Allow enough space for chicks to move freely. Overcrowded chicks experience many stressing factors, have more competition for food and water, and have a much higher chance of catching diseases.
3. Week 3 to Week 6: Transition into Growth Phase
This, therefore, means that when the chicks are growing, their needs will keep on changing; hence one should adapt the environment and care.
3.1 Adjusting Feed
Then, in week three, change it to grower feed, which is likewise low-protein at 16-20% but includes more energy to facilitate muscle development; observe their growth rate as well and the amount of feed being consumed.
3.2 Expanding Space
As the chicks grow, increase the space in the brooder or transfer them to a bigger pen. Offer 1-2 sq ft per bird such that they do not overcrowd each other. This will be done to make sure that the growth is not inhibited, free from stresses not explicitly elaborated that may affect the environment in which the birds are in.
3.3 Health Monitoring
Of course, the risk of disease goes up during this period. Watch for increased signs of illness such as depression, coughing, or diarrhea. Maintain cleanliness in the housing and change/remove wet or soiled bedding on a daily basis.
3.4 Lighting
Proceed with 16-18 hours of daily light to stimulate feeding and growth. Gradually start to reduce this as the birds get older and approach six weeks.
4. Week 7 to Week 12: Accelerating Growth.
This step should be performed without compromise if a farmer aims for the precise weight at the time of selling.
4.1 Transition to Finisher Feed
By the 7th week of age, bodyweight starts to swell with finisher feed containing 14-16% protein, well mixed with a better energy content. This helps the birds achieve weight gain without developing excess fat.
4.2 Optimizing Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
Follow your index of feed conversion ratio— amount of feed to produce body mass— by feeding more animals in joints or as frequent as the same. All with the target of feeding much for more weight gain and less feed cost.
4.3 Space and Comfort
Ensure each bird has a minimum of 2 square feet. If given inadequate space, they will become overcrowded growing. They tend to be more aggressive.
4.4 Sleep and Health Care
Keep the pet under close health check-ups. It should be vaccinated and preventively protected if need be, like being excessively dewormed. Its habitats should be clean to avoid transmittable infections.
4.5 Water Management
There must always be fresh, clean water, changed daily for some of the water-retentive pathogens to prevent disease transmission.
5. Week 13 to Week 18: Ready for Market
As your birds approach their market weight, it may be best to make final preparations so that they can fully use their capacities.
5.1 Final Feed Adjustments
Keep the birds under finisher, but it is the weight that should be seriously watched on. Birds should be carefully fed, as overfeeding can lead to the deposition of unnecessary fat in the body, which may not be ideal for the market.
5.2 Weight Monitoring
And weigh your birds on a regular basis to track growth for your records, too. Most birds have an average live weight of 5-6 pounds by 18 weeks of age.
5.3 House Conditions
The house in which the birds shall be provided should have the proper ventilation in place so as to ensure comfort. Not very good aeration may lead to respiratory problems, which may slow down growth.
5.4 Stress Management: Minimize stress
Minimal handling of birds; Maintain a calm environment. Stress affects growth and general health negatively.
5.5 Read the Start organising for the sale of your birds
Have potential buyers prior and have even transport organised in addition to the other aspects of the sale. Birds should be sold when they reach desired weight and are healthy.
Day of Sale: Final Steps
Have the birds in the best condition when they are to be sold.
- Pre-Sale Preparation: Keep birds clean and healthy before transport. The feeding shall be withdrawn 8-12 hours prior to travel so as to minimize the chances of contamination during transit, but they should have access to water.
- Transportation of Birds: Transportation of the Birds all the birds have to be transported using well-ventilated crates that minimize the stress. The crates must also be kept very clean and have enough space inside to avoid crowding.
The 10 Best Feeds for Poultry Farm Chickens: What to Feed Them
A well-balanced, quality diet is the key to growth, health, and productivity in poultry farm chickens. Quality and timing are considerations that one should think through if one is to proficiently enhance weight gain, productive egg-laying ability, and well-being of chicken. With this guide, readers will learn the best 10 foods for poultry farm chickens holistically and how/when to feed for the best results.
1. Commercial Chicken Feed
Commercial chicken feeds are formulated according to the requirement of chickens at various stages of their growth, and are balanced for the proteins and minerals required for optimum or statutory health.
Feeding Guide
- Chicks: Feed them a 20-24% protein starter diet from day 1 to 6 weeks.
- Growers: From six to 14 weeks, switch to grower feeds that have 16 percent to 20 percent protein.
- Layers: feed layer feed from 14 weeks.management becomes very scientific for layers at.
When to Feed
Allow feed to be available to the chicken at all times; chickens have been found to eat small amounts throughout the entire day.
2. Grains (Corn, Wheat, Barley)
Grains supply vital energy; corn, wheat, and barely contain high amounts of them. Corn contains carbohydrates that provide the energy needed for growth and egg production.
Feeding Guide
- Mixing: The grains should be mixed with balanced feed to ensure that chickens receive all of the required nutrients.
- Scratch Feed: Grains can also be provided as scratch feed to retain the normal foraging nature in birds.
When to Feed
Grains should be given in the morning and the evening; chickens should thus be left to scratch, forage, and source out their food during the rest of the day.
3. Protein Supplements (Except Soyabean Meal, Fish Meal)
Protein is a necessity for the proper building of the muscles; the growth of feathers also requires protein, and so does egg production. Soybean meal and fish meal are two highly able supplements that support the addition of chicken feed protein.
Feeding Guide
- Soybean Meal: Add 10-20% supplementation with soybean meal in your feed mix.
- Fish Meal: Add about 5–10% of fish meal for strengthening the percentages of proteins.
When to Feed
Protein-enriched feed should be available at all times of the day, especially during the growing phase and laying.
4. Greens and Vegetables
Best because: Leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce, and lots of things we consider vegetables such as carrots and peas contain key vitamins and minerals. They are also enriching, keeping chickens' minds occupied, reducing stress, and blocking injurious pecking.
Nutrition Guide
- Dark Greens: Give them some dark and leafy greens each day.
- Vegetable Scraps: Feed them vegetable refuse—but only in the name of supplementary feed, not too much.
Feeding Time
Put in some greens early in the morning; these should be removed at the end of the day to avoid wilting.
5: Worms, and Insects
Insects and worms are natural protein sources, among other nutrients. Chickens are good at naturally foraging for insects; therefore, insects can totally complement their protein consumption.
Feeding Guide
- Foraging: Insects are the main protein feed available at a low cost. Chickens can be let to forage.
- Supplementing: Just make up the rest with dried mealworms or black soldier fly larvae ; these should be available in any or good quality pet store.
Feeding Time
Offer the insects and worm as treats toward the afternoon when the chicken has eaten its main feed.
6. Legumes (Peas, Lentils, Beans)
Legumes provide yet another good source for both protein and fiber; these ensure muscle development and all-round health, especially in meat birds.
Feeding Guide
- Cooked legumes: Aim at offering cooked beans and peas to chickens. Raw legumes have anti-nutrients that harm the chickens.
- Mixing: Legumes are mixed with the feeds so that protein content increases.
When to Feed
Feed legumes a doze or dose as much as once or twice weekly in a cropped diet.
7. Oyster Shell and Grit
While oyster shell provides hens with enough calcium to boost eggshell strength, grit helps the chicken digest their food well.
Instruction
- Oyster Shell: Make oyster shell available free choice in a separate feeder for laying poultry.
- Grit: Provide free choice grit, particularly in the presence of whole grains in the diet or free ranging.
When to Feed
Oyster shell and grit need to be available throughout the life.
8. Fruits
Fruits like apples, berries, and bananas are good sources of vitamins, elements, and antioxidants that will put a chicken in prime health and happiness.
Feeding Guide
- Chopped Fruits: Infrequently treat with chopped fruits but avoid overtreating with the much sugary fruits, leading to health related problems.
- Moderation: Fruits should be in moderate amounts. Not more than 10% of the total diet and not more than this.
Feeding Time
Feed Fruits during main feed in the afternoon.
9. Fermented Feeds
It is full of probiotics for a healthy gut and, therefore, better nutrient absorption. And it also makes bioavailability higher.
Care and Nutrition
- Preparation: Soak feed in water during 24-48 hours until it ferments. Do so with a breathable cover to prevent spoilage.
- Feeding: Change dry feed to fermented feed once or twice a week.
When to feed
Fermented feed can be fed every morning, making sure water is kept fresh.
10. Commercial Layer Pellets
Carefully formulated, layer pellets offer the required calories and the perfect balance of protein, calcium, and other nutrients that support the maximum productivity level of a laying hen.
Feeding Guide
- Pellets: Make layer pellets the primary diet for laying hens.
- Free Choice: Free chickens to feed on any amount of the feed since they will take it as per their energetic and nutritional requirements.
When to Feed
It should be supplied at all times, particularly during peak laying of hens, with the use of layer pellets.
Feeding Schedule: Timing and Best Practices
Fix a feeding routine so that your chicken can grow healthily and be productive.
- Morning Feeding: Start the day with a breakfast of commercial feed balanced by a mix of grains plus all fresh greens and vegetables. This gives the chickens an opportunity to take in their daily energy required for foraging and work.
- Afternoon Feeding: Offer fruits, insects, or treats that are fermented in the afternoon. This is to keep the chickens active and fully away from becoming idle and aggressive.
- Evening Feeding: Provide another feeding of grains or pellets just before dark. The hope is that the birds will top off their crops before they roost, keeping them warm and full all night.
Other Factors to Consider
- Watering: Fresh, clean water should be available at all time. During hot weather, check the waterers often and add more as needed.
- Feeding Equipment: Use feeders that reduce waste and are not easily contaminated. Hanging feeders are very suitable because the chickens are not able to wash the feed out onto the floor.
- Observation: Observe your chickens regularly, both themselves and feeding behavior, which can alert you to signs of illness, disinterest in food, or bullying.
Conclusion
Raising meat-producing poultry needs effective planning and good management. By following the outlined procedures in this manual, you will have the fortification that your pullets are going to achieve high weight and that it will become a profitable and healthy flock. Remember the success of poultry farming depends on how well and strict attention you have applied from the day chicks arrive to the point of selling. Regulating, effectively managing the nutrient level, and housing the chicks under hygienic conditions are the ticket to success.
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