Page 214 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

When temperature is correct, chicks spread evenly and their noise level signifies
satisfaction and chicks distribute themselves as shown in Figure 9.6 (a). When
temperature is too low, chicks crowd to heat source in the brooder and will have
noisy and distress calling. Their distribution can be as shown in Figure 9.6 (b).
When temperature is too high, chicks stay away from source of heat, make no noise,
and they pant while drooping their heads and wings. Their distribution can be as
shown in Figure 9.6 (c). Sometimes chicks show distress which might be caused
by an uneven light distribution, external noises or draught. This kind of distribution
of chicks (refer to Figure 9.6 (d)) require investigation so as to establish the actual
cause and provide remedy.

Management of poultry for eggs

Management of poultry for eggs has three folds: starting from DOC to 8 week,
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from the 8 week to point of laying and from the point of laying to culling.
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Management of DOC to 8 weeks
Upon the arrival of the chicks, make sure that you adhere to the already explained
practices for brooding. The house in which the brooder is placed should have a
footbath at the entrance which will be used to disinfect the sole part of the feet. It
should have enough light. Do not keep chicks in a shipping box if they have been in
shipment for a long time (more than 24 hours).

Major management requirements from day one to the 28 day are:
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(a) Keep brooder temperature at 32 - 35 °C. Throughout the rearing period in the
brooder, watch the chicks to see that they do not pile up due to temperature drop
in the brooder.
(b) Feed chick starter mash from day one (1) up to the 28 day (4 weeks). It is
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better to place some feed before the chicks on paper plates or sheets of paper
until the chicks learn to eat out of hoppers. The starter feeds should be either
commercial feeds from the feed companies or homemade feeds using local
ingredients/materials available to minimise feed costs. But, make sure you get
an assistance from livestock extension workers to get a good formula for your
feed you wish to formulate. Ensure proper feeder arrangement. If the chicks
are to grow and remain healthy, they must have an ample room for comfort,
eating and drinking. Provide well placed feeders that will allow 7 - 12 cm per
chick up to 8 weeks. Use appropriate feeders for chicks (refer to Figure 9.7 (a)
and (b)).

Student’
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