What are the points to note when raising free-range chickens?
Free-range chicken farming is a very common phenomenon in rural areas, and free-range chickens are increasingly becoming a trend in the chicken-raising world. The meat of free-range chickens is much better than that of feed-raised chickens, and the price is much higher as well. But now it is hard to say, as the health issues of some free-range chickens have been questioned, so people's requirements are getting higher and higher. So what do we need to pay attention to when raising free-range chickens? Let's take a look below!
1. Control the body temperature and humidity of chicks
The body temperature regulation ability of chicks is relatively poor. The body temperature of chicks is closely related to their drinking water, digestive absorption and the ambient temperature. If the temperature is too low, once the chicks feel cold, they will huddle together to raise the temperature, which will affect the normal activities of the chicks such as movement and eating, and it is very easy for the chicks to freeze to death or be crushed to death. When chickens huddle together, it is more likely to cause respiratory diseases. Therefore, the ambient temperature should be adjusted well. Generally, the indoor temperature should be kept above 32 degrees and below 35 degrees, and this temperature is the most suitable.
2. Cleaning of chicks
After the chicks have just broken out of their shells, they should be given clean water or cooled boiled water to drink, and their bodies should be cleaned. They should drink water before eating feed, and the feed must be the best feed.
3. Reasonable lighting
Sufficient lighting conditions can be more conducive to the chicks' movement, eating and drinking, and will have a direct impact on their health. Ensure that the daily lighting reaches 22-23 h, and 24 h lighting can also be used, but the lighting time should be reduced as time goes on, and normal lighting should be used again when the chicks are truly ready for market. A 40-50 w incandescent lamp can be installed in the brooding room for the chicks, which can make the chicken coop look more attractive.
4. Immunization work
For free-range chicken farming, there is no specific immunization program, but there are still many diseases in free-range chickens. For example, most of them die from pullorum disease in chicks (Salmonella Pullorum), so the corresponding drugs can be used for prevention. At the same time, air is also a way for pathogens to spread, so attention should also be paid to indoor air circulation, and the chicken coop should be cleaned regularly to prevent the breeding of pathogens.
The above are the points to note when raising free-range chickens. In fact, compared with adult chickens, chicks need more careful care, so adequate work should be done on the early diet, hygiene and immunization of chicks, otherwise it is very easy to cause early death.