What are the fast fattening methods for squabs? Practical breeding tips shared
In pigeon farming, some small-scale pig farmers often neglect squab fattening methods, which frequently leads to lower squab quality, weak market competitiveness, and usually lower prices, affecting profits. Such situations should be corrected promptly, and attention should be paid to squab fattening measures. Let's take a look at squab fattening methods with Qinnong Web below.
1. Feed the parent pigeons well
For a period after squabs hatch, they are fed by their parent pigeons. Only with the careful care of the parent pigeons can squabs grow and develop, so if you want squabs to grow well, you need to feed the parent pigeons well. During the squab nursing period, increase the nutritional supply to the parent pigeons and provide high-quality feed. Beans should account for about 60% of the total feed, and other nutrients should also be supplemented, such as adding cod liver oil to the drinking water every day. Observe carefully when the parent pigeons are nursing to prevent partial feeding, which can cause uneven growth among some squabs and reduce the marketable rate.
2. Artificial tube feeding
Artificial tube feeding is a fattening method used in the later growth stage of squabs. It can also improve the reproductive capacity of pigeons. Select squabs aged 15-17 days and weighing more than half a jin. Prepare fattening feed according to a professional formula, then add hot water and stir it into a paste, and use a feeding tube to send the feed into the squab's crop. The feeding motion should be quick and gentle to avoid injuring the squabs. Feed 50-100 grams each time, 3-4 times a day. After feeding, place the squabs in a slightly dark place in the pigeon house and let them rest naturally to fatten.
3. Supplement with nutrient pellets
During rapid growth, squabs have extremely high nutritional requirements. To avoid malnutrition caused by rapid growth, nutrient pellets can be fed as a supplement to achieve the goal of rapid fattening. Nutrient pellets can be purchased or made at home. You can use 50 grams each of fish meal, milk powder, bone meal, and growth hormone, then mix with some other nutrients and honey, roll into small pellets, and dry them. Feed 2-3 times a day, 2-3 pellets each time, for more than ten consecutive days, which can increase squab weight by 100-150 grams.
4. Feather pulling
When squabs are half a month old, their feathers grow extremely fast, consuming a large amount of physical energy and nutrition, causing the squabs to become thin and weak and failing to achieve the fattening effect. So at this time, pull out a few primary wing feathers and tail feathers from each squab to reduce the consumption of physical energy and nutrition and stimulate meat growth.
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