Detailed Explanation of the Key Technical Points for Raising and Managing Silkie Chickens
The Silkie chicken has a small and delicate build. Because the hen's head feathers are lush like the feather hat of a European noblewoman, it is named the Silkie chicken. The Silkie chicken has high economic value. So, how should Silkie chickens be raised and managed? Let's take a look together!
1. Feeding management
The feeding management of Silkie chickens is relatively important, especially for chicks. After the chicks break out of their shells and are born, they must be immediately sent into the brooding house. After entering the brooding house, a series of tasks such as cleaning and disinfection and drinking water disinfection must first be carried out, and then the feed should be adjusted. Because the digestive system of chicks is not fully developed, the feed should be in a semi-dry and semi-wet state, and continuous feeding time must not be less than two days. Then feed with chicken starter feed for about 12-15 days, then feed with special chick feed available on the market until the middle chicken stage. After reaching the middle chicken stage, broiler feed can be used.
2. Temperature and light
Silkie chickens have certain changes in temperature requirements at each growth stage. For example, during the chick stage, the temperature within two days after hatching should be maintained at around 30 degrees, and the temperature within 7 days must not be lower than 30 degrees. Then, as the chicks grow, gradually reduce the temperature by about 2 degrees each week until the temperature drops to normal temperature. In addition, the temperature changes of chicks within half a month are the key to determining the survival rate and later growth ability. In addition to temperature, we must also strengthen ventilation and lighting in the chicken house. Sufficient light can improve the vitality of Silkie chickens, promote their growth, reduce the incidence of disease, and also benefit egg production of Silkie chickens.
3. Incubation management
Silkie chickens do not lay eggs according to a regular pattern and do not have the broodiness of domestic chickens. Generally, Silkie chickens can incubate breeding eggs within 5 days, and the incubation period generally does not exceed 3 weeks. The incubation method is similar to that of domestic chickens, but the annual egg production rate of Silkie chickens is not high, not exceeding 170 eggs at most. The appearance is similar to domestic chicken eggs. Silkie chickens have strong stress resistance, so incubation is also relatively easy. However, the fertilization rate is not high in winter because the temperature is lower. Therefore, in winter, temperature regulation must be done well to ensure fertilization and incubation of Silkie chickens and increase egg production.
4. Disease prevention and control
Although Silkie chickens have strong disease resistance, regular epidemic prevention work is still needed. Regularly observe the activities and feeding conditions of Silkie chickens. If disease occurs or abnormal conditions appear, timely measures should be taken, sick chickens should be isolated, disinfection should be carried out in time, management of the chicken house should be strengthened, sanitation and disinfection work should be done well, pathogens should be eliminated, and the incidence of disease should be reduced. During periods with a high incidence of epidemic infectious diseases, preventive measures must be taken well to reduce economic losses. Medicines for treating all diseases should be kept at home to avoid being caught unprepared when disease occurs.
The above is the raising and management of Silkie chickens summarized by the editor. I hope it can help you!