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Broiler production is a very lucrative business. If done well, it can give the best rewards to the broiler farmer. What is the secret behind a successful broiler production business? In the next two weeks, we share seven important tips that every broiler farmer should know should they desire to be successful in their trade.

Part A

Tip 1: Planning
Planning is one of the most important parts of running a business. It is easy to start a project, but without careful planning it is like setting off on a journey to an unknown destination without a roadmap.

For your broiler business to be a success it is critical to plan. Before you venture into your broiler production business you need to sit back and do proper calculation and planning making sure you have an idea of all the costs involved. Decide on the number of chicks you will start with, bearing in mind the cost of feed and housing for the chicks. It is also very important to have all the necessary knowledge and skills regarding broiler production. Attend broiler production trainings if need be, that way you are well equipped and prepared to be a broiler farmer.

Tip 2: Proper brooding preparation
Brooding is the period immediately after hatch when special care and attention must be given to chicks to ensure their health and survival. It is therefore important for the broiler farmer to adequately prepare a brooder that will ensure the survival and good health of the chicks.

Housing for the chicks should be ready before the chicks arrive. A chicken farmer should not wait until the chicks arrive and then begin to prepare the housing for chicks. If you have an existing structure, attend to repairs and clean it thoroughly. If you are building a new structure get the correct plan and size according to the number of your chicks. The siting should be east westward. This positioning is recommended because it allows the natural breeze, which helps with disease control. It also ensures that the sun is not in the fowl run for long hours

After the correct fowl run is built, (made of 40cm plastered wall, chick wire mash & roof, facing east west to avoid the sun shining into the fowl run for long periods and to ensure adequate air circulation.), demarcate one third of your fowl run as the brooder, where chicks are kept for the first two weeks of their life.

Place bedding, which could be either grass or wood shavings ensuring that the bedding is 10cms deep. Your heat source should be placed such that heat is equally distributed within the brooder

Tip 3. Proper Brooder Management
Proper management of your brooder is very essential as the first two weeks of the broiler’s life determine whether your returns will be high or not. It is therefore very important for the broiler farmer to effectively manage the brooder, creating and maintaining an environment that encourages the well being and growth of your chickens. Always check that you have adequate feed, do not start running around when chicks have run out of feed. Ensure that the water in the drinkers is always clean and fresh, the kind you can drink too.

The temperature in the brooder should always be comfortable for the chicks. It is also important to ensure adequate ventilation in the brooder.

Next week we continue with more tips to successful broiler production.

For more information, visit the Higrow team at 47b Fife Street in Bulawayo between 3rd and 4th Avenue or Call 09 882602/3. Like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/HigrowZimbabwe for regular updates.