Key Technical Points and Rearing Management Methods for Hetian Chicken Farming

AbstractIn Hetian chicken farming, temperature must first be well controlled, the chicken coop must maintain good ventilation, and in summer when it exceeds 35 degrees the coop must be cooled. The rearing density should be controlled at 8 to 15 birds per sq m. Feeding uses fresh green vegetables, corn and paddy rice, and the drinking water must be clean. At three months the roosters should be manually caponised, and then after another three months of continued rearing they are ready for market.

Temperature

When farming Hetian chickens, temperature management must first be done well. During high summer temperatures, the cooling work must be done properly, and the best approach is timely ventilation. This is because Hetian chickens in a high-temperature environment may have their appetite affected, which in turn affects their growth; the temperature had best generally not exceed 35 degrees.

Density

During rearing, the density is generally kept at around 8 to 15 birds per sq m. If they are small Hetian chickens, somewhat more can be reared accordingly; this depends on their size.

Feed

For feeding, the principle of three meals a day should be adopted, choosing relatively fresh ingredients each day to feed them. Hetian chickens like to eat foods such as paddy rice and corn, so when feeding, cater to their preferences; the amount does not need to be too much, and it can simply be scattered on the ground. The issue of drinking water is also very important; the water quality must be clean to ensure they do not get sick.

Ready for Market

Generally, male Hetian chickens are manually caponised at three months, and then after another three months of rearing they can go to market. For hens, this method does not need to be used.