The process of raising native chickens from 1 day old to adulthood - chicken farm

Raising native chickens from 1 day old to adulthood involves several stages, each requiring specific care in terms of housing, feeding, health management, and environmental control. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Brooding Stage (Day 1–4 Weeks)
Temperature Control:

Week 1: 32–35°C (reduce by 2–3°C each week until reaching ambient temperature).

Use a heat lamp or brooder to maintain warmth.

Housing:

Clean, dry, and draft-free brooder (cardboard box, plastic tub, or dedicated brooder).

Bedding: wood shavings, rice hulls, or dry grass (avoid newspapers—slippery).

Feeding:

Starter feed (20–22% protein) for the first 4 weeks.

Provide clean water with vitamins/electrolytes (especially in the first few days).

Feed finely crushed grains (optional) after 1 week.

Health:

Vaccinate against Newcastle Disease (ND) and Gumboro (IBD) if needed.

Watch for pasting (sticky droppings)—clean vents gently with warm water.

2. Growing Stage (4–8 Weeks)
Housing:

Move to a larger coop with proper ventilation.

Provide perches for roosting.

Outdoor access (if biosecurity allows).

Feeding:

Switch to grower feed (16–18% protein).

Supplement with kitchen scraps, greens, and insects.

Health:

Deworm every 4–6 weeks (use natural dewormers like garlic or commercial anthelmintics).

Monitor for respiratory diseases, mites, and lice.

3. Pre-Laying/Finishing Stage (8–20 Weeks)
Housing:

Ensure 1 sq. ft. per bird in the coop.

Provide nesting boxes (if raising hens for eggs).

Feeding:

Layer feed (16% protein, calcium-rich) for egg-laying hens.

Finisher feed (14–16% protein) for meat birds.

Free-range foraging (if applicable).

Health:

Continue regular deworming.

Check for external parasites (dust baths help control mites).

4. Adulthood (20+ Weeks)
Egg Production (for Layers):

Hens start laying at 5–6 months.

Provide oyster shell or limestone for calcium.

Meat Production (for Broilers):

Slaughter at 16–24 weeks (native chickens grow slower than commercial breeds).

Breeding (if applicable):

Maintain 1 rooster per 8–10 hens.

Collect eggs for hatching (if natural incubation isn’t used).

Key Tips for Success
Biosecurity: Limit exposure to wild birds/diseases.

Clean Water: Always provide fresh, clean water.

Free-Ranging: Improves meat flavor but increases predator risk.

Record Keeping: Track growth, feed consumption, and health issues.

Common Challenges & Solutions
High Mortality in Chicks: Ensure proper temperature and hygiene.

Slow Growth: Increase protein in feed or supplement with worms/insects.

Diseases: Vaccinate and quarantine sick birds.

By following these steps, you can successfully raise healthy, productive native chickens for eggs, meat, or breeding.