ESTABLISHING A POULTRY FARM
There are two alternatives for flock establishment . The farmer can either rear day-old chickens or buy started pullets .
Rearing Day-Old Chicks
The farmer can buy day-old chicks to rear , or breed his or her own chickens . If he or she buys , the chicks must be vaccinated against Mareks disease .
Criteria of Selecting Quality Day Old Chicks
� Bright round eyes , strong legs , dry and soft feathers .
� Uniformity in size . The chicks should not be too small .
� The chicks should be free from blemishes
� Purchase day-old chicks from accredited suppliers .
Management of chicks in a brooder Raising brooder chickens is the first step in poultry production . The period from hatching until the chickens no longer require supplementary heat is called the " brooding period ". Day old chicks are purchased from a supplier and are supplied in a delivery box . These chicks are then raised in a brooder for approximately three to four weeks , where after they are further raised either for egg production as layers , or for meat production as broilers .
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