The process of raising native chickens from 1 day old to adulthood - chicken farm<br /><br />Raising native chickens from 1 day old to adulthood involves several stages, each requiring specific care in terms of housing, feeding, health management, and environmental control. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:<br /><br />1. Brooding Stage (Day 1–4 Weeks)<br />Temperature Control:<br /><br />Week 1: 32–35°C (reduce by 2–3°C each week until reaching ambient temperature).<br /><br />Use a heat lamp or brooder to maintain warmth.<br /><br />Housing:<br /><br />Clean, dry, and draft-free brooder (cardboard box, plastic tub, or dedicated brooder).<br /><br />Bedding: wood shavings, rice hulls, or dry grass (avoid newspapers—slippery).<br /><br />Feeding:<br /><br />Starter feed (20–22% protein) for the first 4 weeks.<br /><br />Provide clean water with vitamins/electrolytes (especially in the first few days).<br /><br />Feed finely crushed grains (optional) after 1 week.<br /><br />Health:<br /><br />Vaccinate against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Gumboro (IBD) if needed.<br /><br />Watch for pasting (sticky droppings)—clean vents gently with warm water.<br /><br />2. Growing Stage (4–8 Weeks)<br />Housing:<br /><br />Move to a larger coop with proper ventilation.<br /><br />Provide perches for roosting.<br /><br />Outdoor access (if biosecurity allows).<br /><br />Feeding:<br /><br />Switch to grower feed (16–18% protein).<br /><br />Supplement with kitchen scraps, greens, and insects.<br /><br />Health:<br /><br />Deworm every 4–6 weeks (use natural dewormers like garlic or commercial anthelmintics).<br /><br />Monitor for respiratory diseases, mites, and lice.<br /><br />3. Pre-Laying/Finishing Stage (8–20 Weeks)<br />Housing:<br /><br />Ensure 1 sq. ft. per bird in the coop.<br /><br />Provide nesting boxes (if raising hens for eggs).<br /><br />Feeding:<br /><br />Layer feed (16% protein, calcium-rich) for egg-laying hens.<br /><br />Finisher feed (14–16% protein) for meat birds.<br /><br />Free-range foraging (if applicable).<br /><br />Health:<br /><br />Continue regular deworming.<br /><br />Check for external parasites (dust baths help control mites).<br /><br />4. Adulthood (20+ Weeks)<br />Egg Production (for Layers):<br /><br />Hens start laying at 5–6 months.<br /><br />Provide oyster shell or limestone for calcium.<br /><br />Meat Production (for Broilers):<br /><br />Slaughter at 16–24 weeks (native chickens grow slower than commercial breeds).<br /><br />Breeding (if applicable):<br /><br />Maintain 1 rooster per 8–10 hens.<br /><br />Collect eggs for hatching (if natural incubation isn’t used).<br /><br />Key Tips for Success<br />Biosecurity: Limit exposure to wild birds/diseases.<br /><br />Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water.<br /><br />Free-Ranging: Improves meat flavor but increases predator risk.<br /><br />Record Keeping: Track growth, feed consumption, and health issues.<br /><br />Common Challenges & Solutions<br />High Mortality in Chicks: Ensure proper temperature and hygiene.<br /><br />Slow Growth: Increase protein in feed or supplement with worms/insects.<br /><br />Diseases: Vaccinate and quarantine sick birds.<br /><br />By following these steps, you can successfully raise healthy, productive native chickens for eggs, meat, or breeding.
