At present, many farms still rely on traditional methods to raise local chickens. These chickens are known for their balanced fat and meat content, with firm and flavorful meat that commands high prices and sells well. However, the survival rate is low, the growth period is long, and feed consumption is high, leading 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 the rearing period, reduce feed costs, and achieve faster results with higher income.
1. The structure of the chicken house can be converted from an old building or constructed from scratch. A plastic or bamboo net with a 1 cm mesh diameter should be installed about 100 cm above the ground. If renovating an old house, light windows and floor-level windows should be added—light windows at 150 cm height and floor windows at 20 cm height to ensure proper ventilation and natural lighting.
2. Before raising the chicks, the brooding area must be thoroughly prepared. Walls and ceilings should be painted with lime water 1-2 times. Whether it's a renovated or new house, strict disinfection and sanitation procedures must be followed. Temperature control and ventilation systems should also be checked and confirmed to function properly.
3. The source of chicks plays a vital role in maintaining pure breeds and reducing the number of imported chickens. It is best to breed your own chickens by selecting healthy, vigorous, and fast-growing purebred birds. Hens should weigh around 1.6 kg, while roosters should weigh between 1.6–2.25 kg, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:10. Breeding pairs should not be siblings. When using hens for hatching, only those without eggs should be used to ensure even hatch times, and feeding should be consistent and timely. The hatching period should not exceed 7 days. For large-scale operations, using an incubator is recommended for better control and efficiency.
4. Scientific management is key. In the first week, 50 chicks per square meter should be placed in the brooding room, separated by flexible plastic or bamboo nets, with dry straw laid underneath to absorb droppings. The straw thickness should allow waste to fall through the gaps. In the second week, the density reduces to 40 per square meter, and the straw is removed, allowing droppings to fall directly onto the floor. By the third week, the density decreases to 30 per square meter, eventually reaching 10 per square meter. Chicks should be grouped by age, size, strength, and gender. The temperature should start at 32°C in the first week and decrease by 2.5°C each subsequent week until reaching 21°C naturally. Lighting should follow a cycle of 1 hour of light and 3 hours of darkness to balance activity and rest, promoting growth and saving energy. Light intensity should match natural daylight. At 25 days old, chicks can begin grazing, which is crucial for improving survival rates.
5. Disease prevention is essential. Daily monitoring of feeding and drinking habits is necessary. Chickens should sleep on perches in pairs, making it easier to check droppings and detect any signs of illness. Sick chickens should not be allowed to roam freely. When going outside, they should remain within their designated area. If a sick chicken falls off the perch, it should be isolated immediately. Weekly cleaning of droppings is required, and grazing should be avoided during rain or snow to prevent wet feathers and colds. Pastures should be inspected regularly, and dead animals should be removed promptly to avoid poisoning. Proper hygiene and management are critical for a healthy and profitable chicken farming operation.
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