How to Raise 2kg-Broilers in 4 Weeks with Zero Deaths
Kelvin Wairimu 
Broilers are the new gold in farming, which every farmer is rushing into with the hope of making good profits. The ability to have ready broilers for sale in under 6 weeks seems like a faster return on farmers’ investment.
The dark side of broiler farming is the heavy costs of feeds, delayed maturity, mortality due to diseases, low prices, and lack of market, especially in warm seasons.
In this article, we shall focus on everything you need to know in raising broilers under 4 weeks with a weight of 1.5 kg to 2 kg.
Hygiene Preparation
Good hygiene is paramount for successful broiler farming. In a new coup spray disinfectant such as Norocleanse twice two weeks before entry of chicks. For older coups with a history of chicken deaths or not, apply diluted Jik or Dettol Solutions after the removal of manure.
Ensure the coup is warm and well-ventilated to avoid the effects of excess ammonia. When constructing a chicken coup, it should face away from the direction of the wind. Install curtain sleeves that can be rolled based on temperature changes.
How to Make a Good Brooder
Ring brooder is the best, though boxed works well too. For 100 chicks, a 3 m-diameter ring brooder is ideal. Spray disinfectant on the brooder and add sawdust (a coarse one). The brooder should have clean water and feed placed away so chicks can eat with ease.
It should also have lighting and a heat source. Jiko, or infrared bulb, is good, though it consumes a lot of electricity.
The Best Chicks:
Before sourcing, carry out market due diligence from other broiler farmers on how the previous batch performed. Some batches have high mortality rates, defects, or diseases, such as water berry. For example, the December 2023 lot suffered from waterberry.
Currently, Suguna Chicks are the best. They are fast-growing with few defects and disease challenges.
How to Handle Broiler Chicks on Day 1
On day 1, clean water with chick start, antibiotic (Alisyrl), and liquid paraffin for an hour before introducing starter crumbs. This should continue for at least 3 weeks, day and night.
Vaccinate Newcastle and Gumboro on the 7th and 14th days, respectively. Do not vaccinate sick chicks. Treat first, then vaccine. Ensure good ventilation at all times to prevent ammonia poisoning.
The Best Broiler Feeds
Feed Broiler Starter Crumbs the first 3 weeks, followed by Broiler Finisher Crumbs last weeks. This should be supplemented with boosters and poultry microbes.
Check Out This:The best broiler chicken feeds in Kenya for faster growth
The broiler coup should remain warm at all times. This enables more feeding and feed conversion and ultimately high food conversion.
Under good feeding and management, broilers take 4 months to mature with a weight gain of 1.5–2 kg. You will need 15-20 bags of feed to raise 100 chicks from day one to maturity.
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