BEPPA, GENERAL CARE FOR BROILERS PDF Print E-mail
General Care for Broilers

Since broilers have a relatively short lifespan (6 to 7 weeks) compared with other classes of poultry it is important that they do not suffer any setbacks during their short growing period.  Poor management, inadequate housing and insufficient equipment are the major factors leading to inefficient production.  Poor ventilation, damp pens and the lack of sufficient feeding and water space all have a significant effect on growth rate and feed conversion.  Poultry farmers should check their waters every day to ensure that they are all clean and working; insufficient water will not allow the birds to consume ample feed.  
Birds need to be kept in as cool and comfortable environment as possible, here farmers should try to ensure that their poultry houses are properly ventilated.  Thus the temperature in the house should be monitored regularly to ensure that the birds do not suffer any stress due to extreme high temperatures (heat stress) or become chilled from being exposed to extremely low temperatures.