Key Technical Points and Precautions for Raising Chickens in Summer

Summer is hot with high temperatures, which is very uncomfortable weather for people, but for chickens, which are covered in thick feathers, it is even more unbearable. Moreover, summer is also a season with a high incidence of diseases, and every day on many farms large numbers of chickens die in summer. So what should be paid attention to when raising chickens in summer? Let's take a look at summer chicken raising techniques together with QinNong Wang.

1. Reduce stocking density

Chickens have full, plump feathers and are cold-resistant but especially afraid of heat. Therefore, in summer when temperatures are high, reduce the stocking density according to how the temperature rises. If the stocking density is too high, the chickens cannot dissipate heat well, which at best makes them listless, reduces their appetite, and causes them to gradually become emaciated. Generally in summer, raising 4-5 chickens per sq m is most suitable, and this should be adjusted appropriately as the temperature changes.

2. Cooling and heat prevention

When temperatures are high in summer, chickens can only dissipate heat by panting with their mouths open. Generally, they start panting when the temperature is above 25°C. Moreover, when the temperature is too high, the feed intake of chickens decreases and growth slows down, affecting profits. Therefore, in summer the temperature of the chicken coop should be lowered. When the temperature is above 25°C, the doors and windows of the chicken coop should be opened in time to allow air convection and take away heat; and when the temperature is above 30°C, a shade shed should be built at the chicken coop to provide shade from the sun. When the temperature continues to rise, water can be sprayed on the ground and the roof of the chicken coop at high temperatures to cool it down, but ventilation measures must be paid attention to. High temperatures cause water to evaporate and can easily create a high-temperature, high-humidity environment, which is even more unfavorable for chicken growth.

3. Scientific feeding

Summer days are long and nights are short, so the number of feedings should be appropriately increased, preferably once every 3-4 hours. When feeding, attention should also be paid to the timing and method. In summer, temperatures in the morning and evening are lower, so more should be fed in the morning and evening periods, while at noon, when temperatures are high, the chickens' appetite is poor, so less should be fed. In feeding, the protein content should be reduced. In addition, the proportion of corn and sorghum should also be reduced to avoid burdening the chickens' liver and kidneys and making them prone to diseases.

4. Frequently change drinking water

In summer with high temperatures, the water intake of chickens is several times that of usual, so in summer sufficient, clean, and cool drinking water must be provided. The drinking water is best placed in a cool place to prevent it from being heated by the sun. The drinking water must be changed frequently. In summer with high temperatures, water quality is prone to deterioration, affecting the health of the chickens. Generally, the water should be changed 1-2 times a day.

5. Disease and epidemic prevention and control work

In summer, bacteria, microorganisms, and mosquitoes and flies breed, making it easy for diseases to occur and spread. Therefore, strengthening the environmental hygiene and disinfection work of the chicken coop is essential to prevent diseases. The chicken coop should be cleaned 1-2 times a day and disinfected once a week. In addition, feeding utensils should also be cleaned regularly, and vaccines should be administered in time to prevent and control diseases. When disease occurs, sick chickens should be isolated in time, and the right medicine should be prescribed after determining the disease.

The above is the summer chicken raising technique brought to you by QinNong Wang. That is all for what should be paid attention to when raising chickens in summer. For more information, please stay tuned to QinNong Wang.