1) Project Requirements
Raise 15, 20 or more day-old chicks for a period of six to seven weeks. Select three that weigh at least 9 pounds (combined weight); exhibit three broilers at Livestock Shows. Sell or use remaining broilers as layers or for meat.
2) Shelter
House chicks in a brooder or enclosed floor space (old stall), which allows ½ to 1 square foot per chick. Cover floor with at least 2 inches of litter. Add new litter on top of soiled litter as needed. Provide two 250 heat lamps per 50 chicks to keep temperature at 90-95 degrees F during first few days (gradually reduce to 65-70 degrees F). Broilers require 24 hours of light per day to encourage eating.
3) Feed
Begin with a 30% turkey starter for the first two weeks and switch to a 20% to 22% feed for the remaining four or five weeks. Ensure chicks are drinking before feed is given. A powdered electrolyte can be purchased at feed stores (Gator Aid is a good substitute). Feed should be available at all times, and chicks may have to be encouraged to eat (see growth rate chart on back). Top of feeders should be even with birds’ backs. Gradually blend in ground corn during last two weeks to give birds a good finish - creamy or yellowish color to the skin.
4) Water
Always have clean, fresh water available (one 1-gallon fountain per 50 chicks). If tap water is used, no special additives are required.
5) Sanitation
Keep brooder and/or floor space dry and clean. Dispose of/separate dead birds or sick birds immediately. Store feed in cool, clean, dry, and well-ventilated area free from pests.
6) Preparation for Show
As the birds grow, separate slow-growing ones. Two weeks before show, select two birds for every one needed that have the following: (a) good health and vigor; (b) good conformation (rectangular body shape); (c) good distribution of flesh; (d) good finish; (e) mature feathering (absence of pen feathers); (f) freedom from defects (breast blisters, deformed wings, dented/crooked/ v-shaped breasts, wedge-shaped body); (g) minimum weight requirements. Mark selected birds for easy identification. As day of show approaches, re-examine birds (see a-g, above) and identify your best three. Separate “best three” and alternates in special pens two days before show. Before going to the show, use a soft bristled brush and bathe birds in a container of warm, soapy water (do not submerge heads); rinse birds in warm clean water and blow dry. Before exhibiting at show, sponge bath dirty birds and blow dry.
7) Records
Keep information on purchase, feed, deaths, weight and selection. Records help you make decisions about your project.
Table 1. Estimated Growth Rate and Feed Consumption of Broilers
| Age |
Ave. Wt |
Weekly Feed (lb) |
Consump. (lb) |
Feed/lb gain |
| 1 |
.27 |
.26 |
.26 |
.96 |
| 2 |
.69 |
.56 |
.82 |
1.19 |
| 3 |
1.27 |
.89 |
1.71 |
1.35 |
| 4 |
1.90 |
1.23 |
2.94 |
1.55 |
| 5 |
2.53 |
1.48 |
4.42 |
1.75 |
| 6 |
3.26 |
1.80 |
6.22 |
1.91 |
| 7 |
4.00 |
1.87 |
8.09 |
2.02 |
| 8 |
4.74 |
2.19 |
10.28 |
2.17 |
Notes
Age is in weeks; Ave Wt., in pounds; Consumption is in pounds-to-date. Growth rate and feed consumption figures serve as guides only and should not be taken as absolutes. Feed consumption is influenced by factors such as management, disease level, environment and energy level of the diet. Four- or five-week-old birds could possibly grow to 3 lbs or more.
References
LSU and USDA printed materials. Evergreen Feeds Research Pub., Small Poultry Flocks (LSU Pub.# 2250).