Accurate live weight and CV% determination are essential tools to predict broiler performance and ensure that processing weight-to-age targets are being met. Birds should be weighed at least once per week, and sample sizes large enough to be representative of the flock population. Increasing the frequency of weighing and sample size, especially closer to scheduled depletion, will provide more precise predictions of live weight and uniformity.
Regularly weighing broilers will:
From protecting to continuing tradition, Bruce Ingram walks us through excellent reasons to keep a rooster as part of your flock. Roosters absolutely fascinate me. Yes, I know hens and their eggs and/or meat are the reasons many folks raise chickens. But roosters add passion, personality, and, well, paternity, to any flock. Here are reasons to consider owning a rooster or two– provided local ordinances allow one where you live. Roosters Make Excellent Watc
By Kelly Klober Simple Poultry First Aid For scratches, cuts, tears and fighting injuries it is hard to beat a simple cleaning of the area and regular applications of Neosporin, Triple Antibiotic or other common wound ointment. Deep wounds can be a special problem, so clean them with hydrogen peroxide and then use a good ointment. These ointments seem to promote healing from the inside out. Respiratory ills may appear after sudden cold snaps, in very damp weather, following transpo
Biosecurity may sound like a hollow corporate catchphrase, but it’s a critical part of modern farming. Crop, greenhouse, livestock, and aquaculture farmers alike all understand the theory and importance of biosecurity, but the word hasn’t thoroughly spread to the small farm and homestead scene. Knowledge is power, so read on to up your farming game! Biosecurity The word biosecurity was coined by the agricultural sector as early as 1993. Biosecurity in the sense that I
The word “biosecurity” refers to an overall system for protecting chickens from infectious diseases. Each backyard chicken keeper will approach biosecurity differently based on personal risk tolerances, but implementing even the most basic biosecurity measures significantly limits potential health threats to a flock. Healthy chickens don’t stand a chance of remaining healthy if we schlepp pathogens into their yard. Potential disease car