Animal Raising Guidelines - Chickens (Broilers)

      As a professional 4-H Agent I learned that the university I worked for did not provide any short papers on how to raise animals. And so, I developed  guidelines that youth and their parents could use when thinking about the kind or kinds of animals they would like to raise as 4-H or FFA (Future Farmers of America) projects. I soon found the guidelines were useful to adults raising animals for a profit. In these times of unknown economic conditions, I feel these brief papers on how to raise animals will be beneficial to those interested in raising their own food. Future blogs will involve brief papers on how to raise animals in addition to those on leadership and character. Enjoy this first, short paper on raising chickens bred for meat or broilers.

                           4-H Broiler Project  Guidelines

1) Project Requirements. Raise 15, 20, or more day old chicks for a period of six to seven weeks. Select three, which weigh at least 9 pounds (combined weight); exhibit three broilers at Livestock Shows. Sell or use remaining broilers as layers or for meat.

2) Shelter. House chicks in a brooder or enclosed floor space (old stall), which allows ½ to 1 square foot per chick. Cover floor with at least 2 inches of litter. Add new litter on top of soiled litter as needed. Provide two, 250 heat lamps per 50 chicks that will keep temperature at 90-95 degrees F during first few days (gradually reduce to 65-70 degrees F). Broilers require 24 hours of light per day to encourage eating.

3) Feed. Begin with a 30% turkey starter for the first two weeks and switch to a 20-22% feed for the remaining four or five weeks. Ensure chicks are drinking before feed is given. A powdered electrolyte can be purchased at feed stores (gator aid serves as a good substitute). Feed should be available at all times, and chicks may have to be encouraged to eat (see growth rate chart on back). Top of feeders should be even with birds’ backs. Gradually blend in ground corn during last two weeks to give birds a good finish - creamy or yellowish color to the skin.

                                               

4) Water. Always have clean, fresh water available ( one, 1 gallon fountain per 50 chicks). If tap water is used, no special additives are required.

5) Sanitation. Keep brooder and/or floor space dry and clean. Dispose of/separate dead birds or sick birds immediately. Store feed in cool, clean, dry, and well-ventilated area free from pests.

6) Preparation for Show. As the birds grow, separate slow growing ones. Two weeks before show, select two birds for every one needed that have the following: (a) good health & vigor; (b) good conformation (rectangular body shape); (c) good distribution of flesh; (d) good finish; (e) mature feathering (absence of pen feathers); (f) freedom from defects (breast blisters, deformed wings, dented/crooked/ v-shaped breasts, wedge-shaped body); (g) minimum weight requirements. Mark selected birds for easy identification. As day of show approaches, re-examine birds (see a-g, above) and identify your best three. Separate “best three” and alternates in special pens two days before show. Before going to the show, use a soft bristled brush and bathe birds in a container of warm soapy water (do not submerge heads); rinse birds in warm clean water and blow dry. Before exhibiting at show, sponge bath dirty birds and blow dry.

7) Records. Keep information on purchase, feed, deaths, weight, and selection. Records help you make decisions about your project.

Estimated Growth Rate and Feed Consumption of Broilers

Age in Weeks	Ave. Wt. in lb’s	Weekly lbs of Feed	Consumption to date in lbs	Feed per lb Of Gain
1	.27	.26	.26	.96
2	.69	.56	.82	1.19
3	1.27	.89	1.71	1.35
4	1.90	1.23	2.94	1.55
5	2.53	1.48	4.42	1.75
6	3.26	1.80	6.22	1.91
7	4.00	1.87	8.09	2.02
8	4.74	2.19	10.28	2.17

            Growth rate and feed consumption figures serve as guides only and should not be taken as absolutes. Feed consumption is influenced by factors such as management, disease level, environment, and energy level of the diet. Four or five week old birds could possibly grow to 3 lbs or more.

  

References. LSU and USDA publications/mimeos, Evergreen Feeds Research Pub., Small Poultry Flocks (LSU Pub.# 2250).