DonsFarm Tips: How to Successfully Raise Broiler Chickens (Beginner’s Guide)

 

Modern Farm

DonsFarm Tips: How to Successfully Raise Broiler Chickens (Beginner’s Guide)

Starting out with broiler chickens? Here are essential tips to help you succeed in your poultry farming journey:

Good Broiler Chicken Farming Techniques

To succeed in raising broilers, follow these golden rules:

  1. Maintain Proper Stock Density
    • Never overcrowd your broiler house. Give each bird enough space to grow comfortably.
    • General guideline: 1 square foot per bird.
  2. Minimize Stress
    • Keep the environment calm. Avoid loud noises, extreme temperatures, and humidity.
    • Ensure proper ventilation to maintain a balanced temperature.
  3. Maintain Cleanliness
    • Regularly clean and disinfect the pen to prevent germs and diseases.
    • Ensure the surroundings are clean to minimize contamination.
  4. Limit Access to Strangers and Animals
    • Keep visitors and other domestic animals away from the broiler house to prevent disease transmission.
  5. Strict Cleaning and Disinfection
    • Clean feeding and drinking equipment daily.
    • Disinfect the pen before and after every batch.
  6. Observe Rest Periods
    • Allow at least 15 days of rest between two successive batches. This helps break disease cycles.
  7. Consistent Feeding and Watering Schedule
    • Distribute feed and water at the same times daily to maintain consistency.
  8. No Interruptions in Feed or Water
    • Ensure constant access to clean feed and water. Interruptions can cause stress and affect growth.
  9. Raise Birds of the Same Age Together
    • Avoid mixing broilers with other poultry types like ducks or geese to reduce disease risks.
  10. Prevent Feed and Water Wastage

o   Use suitable feeders and drinkers to minimize spillage and waste.

  1. Observe Chicken Behavior

o   Regularly monitor their behavior. Any unusual activity could indicate illness or environmental discomfort.

Health and Vaccination Program

  1. Follow a Strict Vaccination and Medication Schedule
    • Administer the following:
      • Day 1: Newcastle (Lasota) + Infectious Bronchitis Vaccine
      • Day 7: Gumboro Vaccine (IBD)
      • Day 14: Gumboro (second dose)
      • Day 21: Newcastle (Lasota) – Booster
      • Day 28: Fowl Pox Vaccine (if common in your area)

 

  1. Medication and Support
    • Day 1-3: Multivitamins to boost immunity.
    • Day 4-6: Antibiotics (e.g., Amoxyl or Neofloxin) to prevent bacterial infections.
    • Day 16-18: Anticoccidial (e.g., Amprolium) to prevent coccidiosis.
    • Regularly: Add probiotics to maintain gut health.

 

  1. Early Disease Detection and Response
    • Watch for symptoms like coughing, diarrhea, or reduced activity.
    • Contact a vet if more than 0.5% mortality occurs within the first 10-15 days.

 

Growth Monitoring and Sorting

  1. Track Growth Regularly
    • Weigh chicks on arrival, then at 10 days, 15 days, and every 5-7 days afterward.
    • Compare weights with standard growth charts to detect abnormalities early.
  2. Sorting and Culling
    • Start sorting from Day 1 to separate weak or deformed chicks.
    • Perform a thorough check on Day 10 and remove any sick or stunted birds to prevent disease spread.

 

Handling and Removal of Broilers

  • Gentle Handling: When collecting chickens for sale or slaughter, handle them carefully to avoid injuries like bruises or fractures.
  • Timing: Harvest in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler to reduce stress.

 

Summary

Raising broilers successfully as a beginner involves maintaining a clean environment, minimizing stress, ensuring consistent feeding, and following a strict vaccination and medication schedule. Proper monitoring, sorting, and careful handling during harvest are also crucial for maximizing profits.

Follow these DonsFarm tips, and you’ll be on your way to a successful broiler farming journey!

#DonsFarm #PoultryFarming #BroilerCare #FarmWithDon #BeginnerFarmers #FarmingTips #Agribusiness

 

Location: Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.

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