Measures to Prevent Oxygen Deficiency When Raising Broiler Chickens in Winter
1. Strengthen ventilation inside the coop.
When the air inside the chicken coop is fresh, the chickens grow quickly and develop well. Because the volume of gas respired by chickens is 2 times greater than that of mammals, they need more oxygen. Only by strengthening ventilation inside the chicken coop can the chickens be guaranteed enough fresh air. Generally ventilate once every 2 to 3 hours, for 20 to 30 minutes each time. Before ventilating, raise the temperature inside the coop, and be careful not to let the wind blow directly onto the chickens during ventilation, so as to prevent the chickens from getting sick.
2. Control stocking density.
Broiler chickens are generally raised in large flocks, with high density and large numbers, which easily causes insufficient oxygen and increased carbon dioxide in the air. Especially during brooding at high temperatures and when there are many chickens and high humidity, long-term lack of fresh air often causes chicks to become weak and prone to many diseases, and the death rate increases. In chicken coops with high stocking density, the chance of airborne disease transmission increases, and especially when the ammonia content is high, respiratory diseases are often induced. Therefore, stocking density must be controlled, raising 9 chickens of about 1.5 kg body weight per square meter. If raised on wire flooring, the density can be doubled.
3. Pay attention to insulation methods.
Some farms only emphasize insulation while neglecting ventilation, causing severe oxygen deficiency in the chicken coop. Especially when coal stoves are used for insulation inside the coop, the stoves sometimes leak smoke or backdraft, making it even easier for the chickens to suffer gas poisoning. Even normal heating will compete with the chickens for oxygen. Therefore, it is best to build the stove in the doorway outside the coop, so as to effectively avoid the harm of harmful gases.
4. Prevent stress.
Chickens are nervous and timid, easily frightened. The sudden appearance of any new sound, color, unfamiliar movement or object will cause the chickens to become restless and cry out, leading to flock alarm and panic. These stresses consume a large amount of the chickens' physical energy and increase their oxygen consumption, which is even more harmful to the chickens' growth, development and weight gain. Therefore, the flock must be kept quiet and stable to reduce the losses caused by various stresses.