At present, many farms still rely on traditional methods to raise local chickens. These chickens are known for their balanced fat and meat content, tender meat, excellent flavor, and high market value. However, they suffer from low survival rates, long rearing periods, and high feed consumption, which leads to lower profits. By implementing the following practices in breeding and management, farmers can not only improve feather appearance and meat quality but also increase survival rates, shorten feeding time, reduce feed costs, and achieve faster results with higher income.
1. The structure of the chicken house can be either an old building or a newly constructed one. It should be equipped with an elastic plastic net or bamboo mesh with a 1 cm mesh size, placed about 100 cm above the ground. If renovating an old house, it is important to create light windows and floor-level windows. The light window should be 150 cm from the ground, while the floor window should be 20 cm off the ground to ensure proper ventilation and natural lighting.
2. Before introducing chicks, the brooding house must be thoroughly prepared. Walls and ceilings should be painted with lime water 1-2 times. Whether the house is renovated or new, it should be strictly disinfected. All temperature control and ventilation systems must be checked and verified to ensure a safe and healthy environment for the chickens.
3. Chicks should come from a pure breed to avoid crossbreeding. It is best to use locally raised chickens that are strong, fast-growing, and of good quality. Hens should weigh around 1.6 kg, while roosters should be between 1.6 to 2.25 kg, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:10. Breeder chickens should not be siblings. When using hens to hatch eggs, all eggs should be removed so that the hens can focus on feeding. The age of the chicks should be kept uniform, and the process should not exceed 7 days. For large-scale operations, an incubator is recommended for more efficient hatching.
4. Scientific management is key to successful rearing. In the first week, 50 chicks per square meter are placed in the brooding area, separated by flexible nets or bamboo screens, and covered with dry straw. The straw thickness should allow manure to fall through the gaps. In the second week, the number is reduced to 40 per square meter, and the straw is removed, allowing manure to drop directly onto the floor. From the third week onward, the density decreases gradually, reaching 10 per square meter by the end. Chicks should be grouped by age, size, and gender to ensure balanced growth. The temperature should start at 32°C in the first week and decrease by 2.5°C weekly until reaching 21°C naturally. A light cycle of 1 hour of light followed by 3 hours of darkness helps regulate activity and rest, promoting better growth and feed efficiency while saving energy. Light intensity should match natural daylight levels. Chicks can begin grazing at 25 days old, which significantly improves survival rates.
5. Disease prevention is crucial. Farmers should regularly observe feeding and drinking behavior. Chickens should perch overnight in pairs, making it easier to monitor their health. Daily checks of droppings help identify sick birds early. Sick chickens should not be allowed to roam freely or fly out. They should be isolated immediately, and waste should be cleaned weekly. Grazing should be avoided during rain or snow to prevent wet feathers and colds. Pastures must be inspected regularly, and any dead animals should be removed promptly to avoid poisoning. Proper hygiene and monitoring are essential for maintaining a healthy flock and maximizing profitability.
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