Broiler chicken

What breeds of chickens are best suited for raising for meat (broilers) or for eggs (layers)?

• Broilers: Ross 308, Cobb 500, Hubbard – fast weight gain.

• Layers: Lohmann Brown, Hy-Line, Isa Brown – high egg-laying performance.

What are the differences between organic, barn and cage farming?

• Organic – natural feeds, free range, low stocking rate, BIO certifications.

• Littering – poultry stay on bedding, without cages, greater freedom of movement.

• Caged – least space, cheapest production, limited freedom.

What conditions do I need to provide poultry to achieve high productivity?

• Adequate temperature and ventilation,

• High-quality feed and water,

• Cleanliness and bioassurance,

• Lighting (timing and intensity),

• Proper stocking rate (number of birds per m²).

How many chickens can I raise in a certain area?

• Broilers: about 33-39 kg/m² (or about 15-20 chickens/m²),

• Laying hens: in a litter system – min. 9 hens/m², in cages – 750 cm²/head.

• Starter (0-10 days): rich in protein (22-23%),

• Grower (11-24 days): less protein (20-21%), more energy,

• Finisher (from day 25): lower protein (18-19%), more fat and energy.

How often should poultry be fed and how to control the amount fed?

• Feed is usually given ad libitum (constant access),

• Control: weighing birds and monitoring feed intake daily.

Can natural feed additives be used to improve poultry health?
Yes – garlic, oregano, aloe vera, probiotics, brewer’s yeast – support immunity and digestion.

What are the most common poultry feeding mistakes and how to avoid them?

• Unbalanced diet,

• Feed quality too low,

• No permanent access to water,

• Storage of feed in poor conditions (moisture, mold).

What are the most common poultry diseases and how to prevent them?

• Coccidiosis, avian influenza, Marek’s disease, salmonellosis, infectious bronchitis.
  Prevention: vaccination, cleanliness, isolation of new birds, disease vector control.

What vaccinations are required for chickens and when should they be administered?

• Marek – 1 day old,

• Gumboro, ND (Newcastle), IB (infectious bronchitis) – according to the vaccination program (usually at 1-4 weeks of age).

How to recognize the first symptoms of diseases in poultry?

• Apathy, decreased appetite, diarrhea, decreased egg production, changes in plumage, sneezing, coughing.

What sanitary conditions should be maintained on the farm to avoid infections?

• Regular cleaning and disinfection,

• Bioassurance (protective clothing, disinfection mats),

• Limited third-party access,

• Rodent and insect control.

What should be the optimal temperature and humidity in a chicken coop?

• Chicks: 32-35°C (gradually lowered),

• Older birds: 18-24°C,

• Humidity: 50-70%.

What ventilation systems work best for poultry farming?

• Tunnel, transverse, mechanical – depending on the size of the poultry house and the climate,

• Good removal of ammonia, moisture and temperature maintenance.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of free-range farming?

• Advantages: better welfare, natural diet, consumer appeal,

• Disadvantages: higher risk of disease, predation, lower productivity.

How to minimize stress in poultry during breeding and transportation?

• Avoiding sudden changes (light, noise),

• Gentle handling,

• Minimizing overcrowding,

• Comfortable transportation (temperature, time).