I want to know something about chickens.?

Question

I'm supposted to get some broilers for county fair today, what would be the best type of pen for them? Also what would be the best feed? I'll ask my Ag teacher when he gets back from his vaction...but for now ya'll will do.

Answer 1

call your county's agricultural department.  you can find them in the county section of your white pages phone book.

Answer 2

You don't say how many broilers you'll be raising so an exact answer will be hard to say.  They should be started out inside with at least one square foot of space each.  After two weeks they need at least two square feet per chick. Chicks need a temperature of 90°- 95° F at chick level; an infrared bulb suspended by a chain works well as a heat source. Chicks also need room to get away from the heat. Chicks do a good job of moving closer or further away from the heat to maintain the heat they need if given the room.  If the temperature is too cold they will pile up and you may lose some chics. Drop the temperature five degrees each week. After two weeks I like to have a fenced in yard, preferably with grass, that the chicks can have assess to from their indoor quarters.  Professional growers say this is unnecessary, but I think it makes their life a little better.  

To be successful raising broilers, use a broiler feed specially developed to meet their requirements for rapid growth. A 100-lb. bag of broiler starter is enough to start 25 broiler chicks. After this is finished, change to broiler grower or finisher.

Feed and water should be ready in the chick pen when the chicks arrive. Feed in something very shallow for a couple of weeks then switch to metal or wooden trough feeders.

It is important that the chicks drink as soon as you get them.  Water them with chick waterers.  Open water trough can get the chicks wet and chilled.  Crowding can drown some chicks in open water trough.