Raising broiler chickens involves several key stages, starting with the initial care of the chicks. Once purchased, the chicks are kept in a brooding house where the temperature is carefully controlled. In the first week, the room should be maintained at 32°C to 34°C, gradually decreasing by 2-3°C each subsequent week. By day 30, the temperature can be reduced as outdoor temperatures reach 18°C to 21°C. Humidity levels are also important—65% to 70% in the first week, then lowered to 50% to 60% afterward. The feed can either be commercially purchased or homemade, depending on availability and cost.
Next, choosing suitable grazing areas is essential for free-range farming. Forests, shrubs, grassy hills, slopes, and orchards all make excellent grazing lands, providing natural forage and space for the chickens to roam.
Building a chicken house requires careful planning. It should be simple yet durable, ideally a plastic greenhouse that’s easy to maintain. The structure should face south to maximize sunlight and heat retention. A density of 8 to 10 chickens per square meter is recommended for optimal space and comfort.
Stocking and managing the flock includes several important steps. Before placing the chicks in the house, they should be immunized against Newcastle disease at 7-10 days old, with a second dose at 30 days. When the chicks are about one month old and weigh between 0.25 to 0.3 kg, they can be moved to the mountains in batches, depending on their strength. Grazing should start from distant areas and gradually move closer, while increasing grazing time over time. During the initial days, adding vitamin C or multivitamins to their feed or water helps reduce stress.
Training the chickens to respond to commands is also crucial. Using a whistle and feeding them near the mountain helps create a conditioned response, making them more likely to return for food. Evenings can be used to reinforce this behavior with additional feed and water.
Supplemental feeding and watering must be adjusted based on the weather and the chickens’ needs. Typically, feed 1-2 times a day and water 2-3 times. During bad weather or when outdoor access is limited, especially in winter, supplemental feeding is necessary. A sample diet could include: 68% corn, 18% soybean meal, 8.5% fishmeal, 4% rice bran, 0.75% shell powder, 0.5% bone meal, 0.25% salt, and 100 grams of feed per chicken daily.
Monitoring the weather is vital. If conditions are poor, avoid letting the chickens out. In case of storms or hail, bring them back to the house immediately to prevent injury or loss.
Predator control is another critical aspect. Ensure the area is secure from foxes, rats, weasels, and snakes. Regularly check for signs of intrusion and take preventive measures.
Finally, managing the feeding cycles and slaughter schedule ensures a steady supply. Slaughtering 2-3 batches a year is common, with hatching from March to May, brooding from April to June, raising until July, and slaughtering from August to November. To maintain market balance, year-round hatching is possible, combining both caged and free-range methods for better production efficiency.
