A Detailed Guide to Chick Prices and Farming Techniques in 2020
Spring is about to begin, and it is also the best season to buy chicks. The climate is suitable at this time, and the survival rate of raising chicks is relatively high. So, how much does a chick cost in 2020? What are the farming techniques?
1. How much does a chick cost in 2020?
Recently, chick prices are 3-5 yuan each, and prices vary by region and breed. The following are chick prices for some breeds in some regions across the country on January 7:
Silkie chicks in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong are 4.3 yuan each; local chicks in Hepu County, Beihai, Guangxi are 4 yuan each; local chicks in Li County, Changde, Hunan are 2.8 yuan each; Jiujinhuang chicks in Guanghan, Deyang, Sichuan are 4.5 yuan each; wild pheasant chicks in Yangling District, Xianyang, Shaanxi are 3.5 yuan each; white-feathered broiler chicks in Huining County, Baiyin, Gansu are 5 yuan each; high-yield green-shell layer chicks with partridge feathers in Shuyang County, Suqian, Jiangsu are 6 yuan each.
Note: The above prices are compiled from the internet and are for reference only. The actual transaction price shall prevail.
2. What are the chick farming techniques?
1. Site selection for the farm
The farming site should be chosen in a wind-sheltered, sunny place with dry terrain and a quiet environment. The height of the cage house should preferably be about 1.2 m. The cage house should have an activity room, a laying room (nest), and a feeding room. The feeding room should have water troughs and feed troughs. The exercise area should be enclosed with netting to prevent escape.
2. Seed selection
Common breeds include Chinese ring-necked chicks, Zuojia chicks, blackened chicks, light golden-yellow chicks, white chicks, and extra-large chicks. High-quality chicks have large and sparse black-and-white spots on their bodies, evenly arranged and about the size of peanut kernels. Their feathers appear soft and thick, giving a sense of tender and soft meat; the younger they are, the rounder the head and body, and the shorter the beak, feet, and tail.
3. Feeding management
(1) Brooding period
For chicks, pay attention to keeping warm. At 1—3 days of age, the temperature is 40—35℃; at 4—5 days of age, 34—33℃; at 6—8 days of age, 33—32℃; at 9—12 days of age, 32—30℃; at 13—20 days of age, 30—28℃; afterward, normal room temperature can be used. In actual operation, the criterion for warmth is that the chicks can move freely in the box and are very lively.
Keep the air in the house fresh, especially in winter, and be sure to properly handle the relationship between warmth and ventilation. When starting to feed, first give a few drops of 0.1% potassium permanganate solution. After 1 day, feed a mixture of 5% glucose and 0.1% vitamin C with a small amount of feed, stirred evenly. According to nutritional needs, feed requirements, and feed formulas, make feed with a relatively soft texture. At 1—2 weeks of age, feed once every 3 hours, 5—7 times a day; at 3—5 weeks of age, once every 4 hours, 4—5 times a day; after 5 weeks of age, 3—4 times a day, and then feed normally afterward.
Adjust the rearing density in a timely manner. At 1-10 days of age, 50-60 birds/sq m; at 10—20 days of age, 30—40 birds/sq m; at 20—40 days of age, 20 birds/sq m; at 40-56 days of age, 10 birds/sq m. Use scissors or an electric beak trimmer to trim the beak in a timely manner.
(2) Growing period
For the rearing of commercial pheasants, except around the estrus period, feed with relatively low animal protein content is preferable. During the rearing process, ensure a sufficient supply of clean drinking water. For layer chicks, the house temperature is generally suitable at 10-23℃, and for meat-type chickens, 21-25℃ is suitable. The relative humidity should preferably be 55%-60%. During the rainy season, more perches can be set up inside the house and in the exercise area to avoid the adverse effects of dampness on pheasants.
(3) Laying pheasants
During the peak laying period, feed should mainly be full-price high-quality compound feed, ensuring sufficient green feed. Pay attention to appropriately adding grit and supplying enough drinking water. Ensure 16-18 hours of light every day. Set up 3-watt light bulbs per sq m, 2 m above the ground. Keep the chicken house cool. Equip enough laying boxes, and strictly prohibit frightening the flock.
4. Sanitation and epidemic prevention
Do a good job in environmental sanitation and disinfect the chicken house and exercise area twice a week. Sodium aminate, Baidusha, Junmieling, etc. can be used. Water troughs and feeders should be cleaned every day.