Do You Know about Raising Chickens?

Poultry Breeding

1. The breeding site is one of the important factors that affects the effect of raising chickens. A good breeding site should meet the following conditions:

①The terrain is high and flat, with good drainage, ventilation and sufficient lighting;

② Keep away from residential areas and other livestock and poultry farms to avoid noise and pollution and prevent cross-infection;

③ Convenient transportation, stable water and electricity supply, convenient transportation and management;

④ There are enough green belts or protective forests around to reduce sand and dust and increase air humidity and negative oxygen ions;

⑤ There is enough space for chickens to move freely, forage and bask in the sun.

2. Breeding facilities mainly include chicken coops, feed troughs, drinking fountains, heating equipment, ventilation equipment, lighting equipment, disinfection equipment, etc. According to different breeding methods, different facility types can be selected. Generally speaking, there are the following common breeding methods:

① Open chicken coop: This is a simple and economical breeding method, suitable for free-range or small-scale farming in rural areas. Open chicken coops are generally constructed of bamboo wood or reinforced concrete, surrounded by bamboo fences or wire mesh, covered with tiles or plastic sheets on the top, and covered with straw or sawdust as bedding material inside. The advantages of open chicken houses are good ventilation, sufficient lighting, and easy cleaning and disinfection. However, the disadvantages are that it is difficult to control temperature and humidity, has poor epidemic prevention effect, and is susceptible to external interference.

Closed chicken house: This is an advanced and efficient breeding method, suitable for large-scale or factory farming. Closed chicken houses are generally built with steel structures or color steel plates, and are sealed around and on the top. Various automated equipment are installed inside, such as automatic feed machines, automatic water dispensers, automatic temperature control machines, automatic ventilators, automatic lighting machines, etc. The advantage of a closed chicken house is that it can accurately control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, ventilation, etc., improve the production performance and health level of the chickens, and reduce labor costs and disease risks. However, the disadvantages are high investment costs and strict management requirements. If a malfunction or epidemic occurs, the consequences will be serious.

Closed chicken house: This is an advanced and efficient breeding method, suitable for large-scale or factory farming. Closed chicken houses are generally built with steel structures or color steel plates, and are sealed around and on the top. Various automated equipment are installed inside, such as automatic feed machines, automatic water dispensers, automatic temperature control machines, automatic ventilators, automatic lighting machines, etc. The advantage of a closed chicken house is that it can accurately control environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, ventilation, etc., improve the production performance and health level of the chickens, and reduce labor costs and disease risks. However, the disadvantages are high investment costs and strict management requirements. If a malfunction or epidemic occurs, the consequences will be serious.

Greenhouse chicken coop: This is a breeding method that combines open and closed types and is suitable for areas with low temperatures or large changes in temperature. Greenhouse-style chicken houses are generally built with plastic greenhouses, surrounded by plastic sheeting or glass, covered with plastic sheeting on the top, covered with bedding inside, and equipped with simple heating, ventilation, and lighting equipment. The advantage of a greenhouse-style chicken house is that it can use solar energy to increase the temperature, save energy, while maintaining a certain degree of ventilation and lighting, and adapt to changes in different seasons. However, the disadvantage is that the temperature fluctuates greatly and is prone to condensation and mildew.

3. Feeding and management is the core link of raising chickens, which directly affects the growth and development, production performance and health status of chickens. A good feeding management should include the following aspects:

① Feed: Feed is the main source of nutrition for chickens. The quality, quantity and balance of the feed must be ensured. Generally speaking, feed should be customized according to factors such as chicken breed, age, weight, yield, etc., and contain sufficient protein, energy, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to avoid too much or too little. At the same time, attention should be paid to the freshness, cleanness, mildew, odor, and pollution of the feed, and regular testing and replacement to prevent indigestion or poisoning.

②Drinking water: Drinking water is the basic physiological need of chickens. The quality, quantity and hygiene of drinking water must be ensured. Generally speaking, drinking water should be adjusted according to factors such as chicken breed, age, weight, temperature, etc. to maintain appropriate temperature and flow and avoid overheating or overcooling. At the same time, pay attention to the clean, odorless, colorless and impurity-free drinking water, and clean and disinfect it regularly to prevent infection or diarrhea.

③Lighting: Lighting is an important factor affecting the physiological rhythm and reproductive function of chickens. The intensity, time and cycle of light must be controlled. Generally speaking, lighting should be adjusted according to factors such as chicken breed, age, season, etc., to maintain appropriate brightness and duration, and avoid being too strong or too weak. At the same time, attention should be paid to uniform, stable, and regular lighting, and regular inspection and replacement to prevent stress or production reduction.

④Temperature: Temperature is an important factor affecting the growth, development and resistance of chickens. It is necessary to maintain a suitable and constant temperature. Generally speaking, the temperature should be adjusted according to the breed, age, feathers and other factors of the chicken, and should be maintained between 18-25℃ and avoid being too high or too low. At the same time, pay attention to the balanced, stable and gradual changes in temperature, and monitor and adjust regularly to prevent frostbite or heatstroke.

⑤Humidity: Humidity is an important factor affecting the respiratory system and skin health of chickens. The humidity must be controlled to be moderate and dry. Generally speaking, the humidity should be adjusted according to the chicken breed, age, climate and other factors, and should be maintained between 50-70% and avoid being too high or too low. At the same time, attention should be paid to the uniformity, comfort, and perspiration of the humidity, and regular observation and ventilation to prevent respiratory diseases or skin diseases.

⑥Ventilation: Ventilation is an important means to ensure air quality and oxygen supply in the chicken house. Ventilation must be kept smooth and effective. Generally speaking, ventilation should be adjusted according to factors such as chicken breed, age, density, temperature, etc. to maintain appropriate wind speed and direction and avoid being too fast or too slow. At the same time, attention should be paid to reasonable, orderly and impact-free ventilation, and regular inspection and cleaning to prevent colds or pneumonia.