Rearing of the growing stock

Rearing of the Growing Stock Broilers are marketed when they reach 45-60 days of age depending on strain. Birds are given anti-stress drugs, either in the feed or in the drinking water, 2-5 days before and after they are transferred to the growing houses. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the growing houses prior to the transfer of the growing stock. Transfer birds only during good weather. During summer, birds’ appetite diminishes but this may be sufficiently restored by wet mash feeding or by taking appropriate measures like spraying, misting, or sprinkling the roofing with water to lower house temperature. Selection of Stock to Raise Stock should be purchased from a reliable hatchery or dealer where the parent stocks are well housed and well managed. Select/buy only healthy chicks (i.e. dry, fluffy feathers, bright eyes, and alert and active appearance; free from diseases, and abnormalities, chicks should have uniform size and color; and in the case of broiler chicks, it should be less than 33 grams at day-old). Choose those that have high livability and are fast growers.