**Seedling Preparation**
**1. Selection and Disinfection of the Chicken House**
The chicken house should be located in the central area of the breeding zone, on the sunny side of Yangping. The construction materials can be locally sourced, such as wood, bamboo, plastic, oil felt, canvas, or straw, to build a simple structure. It is recommended to construct the house in a north-south orientation, with a pyramid or greenhouse design for better insulation and ventilation. The southern side should have an open door, while the height of the walls should be 1.5–2 meters and the roof height around 2–2.5 meters. The ground should be flat, compacted, and covered with bedding material. The chicken house must be insulated, windproof, leak-proof, and free from water accumulation. A density of about 8–10 chickens per square meter is ideal. An outdoor playground should be set up, at least twice the size of the chicken house, with trees planted for shade, a resting shelter, feeding troughs, and drinking fountains.
Before housing the chicks, all foreign materials such as droppings, litter, sinks, feed troughs, and brooding nets should be removed. The floor and walls should be cleaned, the soil replaced, and the doors and windows sealed for fumigation using formalin (30 ml per square meter). Mix 15 ml of potassium permanganate with the formalin, seal the room for 24 hours, then ventilate thoroughly before introducing the chicks.
**2. Feeding Methods**
There are several feeding methods to choose from depending on the scale of the operation:
- **Full-range Free-Range**: All chickens are raised together, with a single batch sold out or sold quickly. Stalls are disinfected weekly between batches.
- **Divided Section Feeding**: Use two or more separate houses—one for brooding and one for growth. After transferring the group, disinfect the empty house for a week before starting the next batch.
- **Retail Segmented Feeding**: Use three or more rooms—brooding, pre-growth, and post-growth—with an area ratio of 1:2:4. Chicks are moved after 25–30 days, then transferred again after 30 days. After 20 days, they are ready for sale. Chickens should weigh at least 1 kg each and be sold within 10 days. Any that don’t meet the weight requirement are discarded. This method increases the rearing rate significantly compared to daily sales.
**Brooding Management (0–8 Weeks)**
The brooding period is critical for the survival, growth, and health of the chicks. Key considerations include:
- **Chick Selection**: Choose breeds like Xuefeng black bone chicken, Jiangshan white feather black bone chicken, Sichuan mountain black chicken, Taihe black bone chicken, and gold silk chicken, based on local preferences. Healthy chicks are active, with bright eyes, well-absorbed yolk sacs, clean cloaca, and no signs of illness.
- **Temperature and Humidity**: Maintain temperatures at 36–37°C for the first 4 days, gradually decreasing by 2°C per week until reaching 23–25°C at 5 weeks. Humidity should be around 65% during the first week and 55% thereafter. Adjust with misting or increased ventilation if needed.
- **Feeding and Watering**: Provide warm boiled water (20°C) mixed with glucose, electrolytes, and diluted potassium permanganate. Feed 6–7 times daily initially, reducing to 5–6 times as the chicks grow. Transition to feeding troughs after 2–4 weeks. A balanced diet formula includes corn, soybean meal, fish meal, and vitamins.
- **Density and Lighting**: Keep chick density at 50 per square meter for the first 14 days, decreasing to 15 per square meter by day 15. Provide 20–24 hours of light for the first 7 days, gradually reducing to 13 hours. Light intensity should be 4 watts per square meter initially, then reduced to 1–2 watts after 15 days.
- **Debeaking and Disinfection**: Debeak at 7–10 days to prevent pecking, and add vitamin K3 to drinking water to reduce stress and bleeding. Disinfect the house every 3 days using a 1:2000 dilution of disinfectant, alternating between different types for better results.
**Mid-range Chick Management (9–25 Weeks)**
At this stage, the focus shifts to growth and preparation for market. Broiler chickens are raised in flat systems, while layer hens are either caged or allowed to graze. Ensure proper feeding with full-price diets, increase energy and protein levels, and monitor weight to meet market standards (0.8–1.2 kg).
**Seasonal Management**
During summer, focus on cooling the environment to prevent heat stress. Use shade, ventilation, and adjust feeding to include more protein and vitamins. In winter, prioritize warmth, reduce humidity, and ensure dry bedding. Increase dietary energy and limit fasting periods during cold nights.
**Environmental Hygiene**
Maintain clean and well-ventilated conditions. Replace litter regularly, disinfect weekly, and implement biosecurity measures to prevent pests like rats and birds. Ensure the chicken house is secure and free from disease risks.
By following these detailed practices, you can ensure healthy, productive, and profitable chicken farming.
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