TLDR;
This video provides a guide on raising parent stock chickens from the first week up to the 20th week. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring temperature, crop fill, chick behavior, feeder and water levels, and lighting. The video also touches on the purpose of demarcation in the poultry house for weight management and the adjustment of feeding based on individual chick needs.
- Monitoring key environmental and physical factors is crucial for healthy chick development.
- Proper feeding and weight management strategies are essential for parent stock.
- Adequate lighting and space allocation contribute to the well-being of the chicks.
Introduction to Parent Stock [0:00]
The video introduces the topic of raising parent stock chickens, which are the birds that lay eggs that hatch into broilers. The speaker expresses gratitude for reaching 1,000 subscribers and commits to creating more videos. The video will cover the process of raising parent stock from the first week up to the 20th week, showcasing a specialized poultry farm and the necessary steps for raising these birds.
Key Observations: Temperature and Physical Checks [1:37]
Five key things to observe in parent stock chickens. The first is temperature, which should be monitored using a thermometer at the level of the birds and by checking their body temperature. The ideal body temperature is around 37.5 degrees Celsius, and vent temperature should be about 36.6 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the crop fill should be checked to ensure the chicks are feeding and drinking adequately, with attention to the texture of the crop to determine if they have consumed both feed and water.
Behavior, Feeders, and Water [4:40]
Observing the behavior of the chicks, specifically their distribution, is important. An even distribution indicates a comfortable environment, while clustering may suggest temperature issues. The level of the feeders should be adjusted so that the chicks raise their heads slightly when feeding. Water pressure should be checked, and the water temperature should ideally be around 20 degrees Celsius to encourage drinking.
Demarcation and Space Management [6:34]
The poultry house includes a demarcation to separate chicks based on weight, allowing for adjusted feeding strategies to ensure uniform growth. Overweight chicks receive less feed, while underweight chicks receive more. The available space is managed according to the chicks' growth stage, with additional space being opened up as they grow.
Automatic Feeders and Lighting [7:45]
The poultry house uses automatic feeders to reduce labor, delivering feed from pipes into containers. The chicks are fed approximately four times a day. Lighting is also a critical factor, with lower intensity lighting used for younger chicks and even distribution of light throughout the house to prevent dark spots. Any defects in lighting should be addressed promptly.