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