Professional Documents
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Raise Organic Chicken (CBLM) f3
Raise Organic Chicken (CBLM) f3
Sector: AGRI-FISHERY
Title Pages
Competencies 3
How to use this CBLM 4
Module Content 5
Learning Outcome # 1 6
Learning Experiences # 1 7
Information Sheet # 1.1-1 8-12
Self –Check 1.1-1 13
Answer Key 14
Information Sheet # 1.1-2 15
Self – Check 16
Information Sheet # 1.1-3 17-19
Self -Check 20
Answer Key 21
Information Sheet #1.1-4 22-24
Self - Check 24
Answer Key 25
Information Sheet # 1.1-5 26
LO2 Set up Cage Equipment 27
Learning Experiences #2 28-29
Information Sheet # 1.2-1 30-35
Self- Check 36
Answer Key 37
Information Sheet # 1.2-2 38-43
Self –Check 43
Answer Key 44
Task Sheet 1.1-1 45
Performance Criteria Checklist 46
Information Sheet # 1.2-3 47-50
Information Sheet # 1.2-4 50-51
Information Sheet # 1.2-5 51-53
Self-Check 53
LO3 Feed Chicken 54-56
Self -Check 57
Answer Key 58
Information Sheet # 1.3-2 59-60
Self- Check 60
CORE COMPETENCIES
( 96 hours)
ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES
( 54 hours)
AGR612302
1 Raise Organic Hogs Raising Organic Hogs
Welcome to this learners guide for the module in “ Raising Organic Chicken”. This
learner’s guide contains materials and activities to complete.
The units of competency “Raise Organic Chicken” contains the knowledge, skills and
attitude required to prepare tools, farm implements and simple equipment for horticultural
farm operations.
These module were prepared to help you achieve the required competency in
“Raising Organic Chicken” .These will be the source of information for you to acquired
knowledge and skills in this particular trade with minimum super vision or help from your
instructor .With the aid of this materials you will acquire the competency independently
and in your own pace . Read this learning guide carefully so you will be guided.
Work through all the information and complete the activities in each section
suggested references are included to supplement the materials provided in this module
MODULE DESCRIPTION : This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to raise organic chicken efficiently and effectively.
It includes selecting healthy stocks, determine suitable
chicken house requirements, install cage equipment, feed
chicken, manage health and growth of chicken and
harvesting activities.
QUALIFICATION LEVEL : NC II
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
Training farm
Reference materials
PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP Guidelines
METHODOLOGIES:
Written examination
Demonstration of practical skills
Direct observation
Interview/ Questioning
Learning Outcome 1
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
Identify types, breeds and strains of chicken
Breeds refer to a group of bird that have similar body shape and conformation, they
breed true to the type and are descended from common ancestry. Within a breed, a sub-
group which differ either in comb shape or plumage colour or both is referred to as
“Variety”. Within a variety, another sub-group may be developed by a breeder with a
specific desired characteristic is called “Strain”
Before learning about the different breeds, varieties and strains of chicken, it is
suggested to go through the different parts of a chicken thoroughly (Fig. 1.1) for better
understanding.
Comb and wattles - It is believed that the comb and wattles of chickens serve to cool
their blood.
Ear lobes - The ear lobes of chickens serve hearing and other ear functions.
Eyes - The eyeball of a chicken is stationary; thus, a chicken must move its head to vary
the range of vision
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 8 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
Feathers - Feathers provide insulation and bufter extremes of heat and cold.
Wings - Chickens cannot fly very well. They can flap their wings sufficiently to raise
themselves about three meters (m) off the ground
Tail and tail feathers - The tail is used for balance while walking and, in flying, as a rudder
for up - and - down and side - to - side motion.
Feet and claws - In addition to walking, feet and claws are used in fighting (for
protection) and in finding food.
There are several differences between male and female chickens that should help in
identification.
These are:
Size - The male will grow taller and usually weighs between 0.5 and 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds)
more than females of the same age upon reaching maturity. A male of one breed may
weigh less than the female of another breed. This greater size is not apparent until the
chicken attains four weeks of age. At one day old there is no difference at all between
male and female chicks.
Comb and spurs - The comb of the male will become much larger than the comb of a
female. On the female, spurs hardly develop at all when compared to the male.
Vocal expressions - Everyone knows that a rooster crows while a hen doesn't. What is not
generally known is that roosters crow intermittently all day long, not just in the morning.
Feathers - Adult males have distinguishably different feathers from those of adult females.
The most distinguishable are the tail feathers which are long and stringy on the male.
Usually male chickens of improved layer breeds are destroyed within a day or two
after they are taken from the incubator because it is uneconomical to raise them for meat.
In the case of improved meat breeds, both female and male are of economic value and
are raised.
Chicken Breeds
Selecting the best breed of chicken can be difficult as there are so many
choices. Understanding their differences will help to save you time and money. The
following chart highlights characteristics considered by producers whe n determining
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 9 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
the breeds for their flocks. It is designed to be a starting point when deciding between
all the breeds. Once you pick the breed you are most interested in, further research of
the breed is encouraged.
Primary
Breed Varieties Egg Color Egg Size Characteristics
Usage
Black, Blue, Blue Medium sized
Wheaten, Brown chicken, colorful
Ameraucana Blue/Green Large Eggs
Red, Buff, Silver, feather patterns.
Wheaten, White Excellent egg layers.
Known for being
Single Comb and Extra
Anconas White excellent large egg Eggs
Rose Comb Large
layers. Non- setting.
Popular breed for light
brown eggs, heavy
Australorps Black Brown Large Dual
bird used for meat as
well.
Heavy-bodied,
Brahmas Light, Dark, Buff Brown Large Eggs
broody breed.
Heavier and wider
bodied breed,
Buckeye Only one variety Brown Large Dual
excellent dual-
purpose.
Mainly used for egg
Buttercups Gold, Silver White Medium Eggs
production.
Smaller-bodied breed
Campines Silver, Golden White Medium more suitable for egg Eggs
laying.
Buff, Partridge.
White, Black, Fluffy feather, broody
Barred, Silver breed, and
Cochins Brown Small Eggs
Laced, Golden considered one of the
Laced, Blue, largest breeds.
Brown
Dark, White, White
Excellent meat
Cornish Laced, Blue, Meat
chickens.
Brown
Mostly white with
Delawares Only one variety Brown Large barred tail and hackle Dual
(neck feathers).
An American white
Dominiques Only one variety Brown Large and black barred Exhibition
breed (also known as
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 10 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
Primary
Breed Varieties Egg Color Egg Size Characteristics
Usage
cuckoo pattern).
Adapt well to
climates.
Versatitle breed used
Silver Gray, for meat and egg
Dorkings-Single
Colored, Cuckoo, White Medium production. Has red Dual
Comb
Red, White ear lobes, but
produces white eggs.
Dual Purpose breed,
mainly used for
Faverolles Salmon, White Light Brown Medium Dual
exhibition and has 5
toes.
Black, Golden
Penciled, Golden Excellent large egg
Hamburg Spangles, Silver White Medium layers and good Eggs
Penciled, Silver foragers.
Spangled, White
Large, heavy breed
used for egg
Jersey Giants Black, Blue, White Brown Large Dual
production and
meat.
Light Brown, Dark
brown, White,
Extra
Leghorn Buff, Black, Silver, White Prolific egg layer Eggs
Large
Red, Black Tailed
Red, Columbian
Excellent egg layers
Black Copper, Extra with very dark brown
Maran Dark Brown Dual
Wheaten Large eggs. May be used for
meat.
Single comb
black, Single
comb white, Rose Extra Large framed, hardy
Minocra White Eggs
comb black, Large and active breed.
Single comb buff,
Rose comb white,
Dual Purpose breed,
New Extra
Red Brown used more for meat Dual
Hampshire Red Large
production.
Heavy dual purpose
Black, Blue, Buff,
Orpington Brown Large breed, and an Dual
White
excellent egg layer.
Some chicken breeds are referred to as dual-purpose breeds that will lay an
adequate amount of eggs and grow large enough for meat production. The
downside, though, is that the chicken will not mature quickly like other breeds of meat
chickens. Hybrid birds, also called sex-linked, tend to be good dual-purpose, but hybrid
birds cannot reproduce.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 12 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
Meat Production
Chickens that are bred solely for meat production are generally poor egg layers
because these birds are faster growing. Because of their faster growth, meat birds
require a larger amount of feed daily with a higher protein content compared to egg-
laying birds. The fastest growing birds are a Cornish chicken crossed with a White Rock,
which is referred to as a Cornish Cross. Using good livestock care practices, producers
will have fryers at approximately seven weeks weighing 4 to 6 pounds, reaching
roasting stage of 6 to 10 pounds in eight to 12 weeks.
___________________ 2. refer to a group of bird that have similar body shape and
__________________ 4. used for balance while walking and, in flying, as a rudder for
__________________5. Known for being the best egg layer as a dual purpose breed.
1. variety
2. breed
3. Strain
Characteristics of chickens
Chickens come in many sizes and colors. They lay eggs which can range in color
from pure white, to dark brown, to olive green, to speckled. The number of eggs an adult
female lays in a year varies from none to 365, or one a day. The typical country chicken
which has had no breed improvement usually will lay between 25 and 100 eggs per year,
depending mostly on conditions such as feed, exposure to disease and predators, weather,
and others. Layers usually start producing eggs between six and eight months of age,
depending upon their health and the time of the year. The improved breeds start laying at
five to six months of age, and under good conditions will lay between 180 and 365 eggs
yearly, with an average flock of 100 birds producing 240 to 280 eggs per layer. There also
are improved breeds which are intended specifically for meat production. Chickens from
such breeds can weigh over 2 kg at only seven to eight weeks of age.
Chickens hatch from fertilized eggs after 21 days of incubation. In poultry production,
incubation can either be by natural means (a broody hen) or by artificial means (an
incubator). Before hatching, chicks absorb the yolk of their egg into their lower body in the
yolk sac. This yolk supplies them with enough food and water for up to two days, at which
time they must begin drinking and eating on their own. Chicks hatch by breaking through
an air cell in the large end of the shell. Using their upper beaks, chicks peck a hole through
the shell, then continue to peck at it until the shell is weakened enough so that it can be
entirely broken open. This process is called pipping.
At hatching, chicks are wet. Within a few hours they dry out and are covered with a
soft down. The first feathers appear within a week on the wing tips and tail; other feathers
grow in later.
Self -Check
Explain:
1. What are the characteristics of desirable and undesirable strains for organic
chicken?
There are various reasons people raise chickens: for eggs, meat, show and exhibition
or simply to enjoy caring for and watching chicks grow. For some, raising chickens is
a hobby while others see it as a sustainable part of living. This fact sheet will explore
characteristics of chicken breeds to help select the right breed for you.
Before selecting the breed of chick to purchase, you need to ask yourself several
questions. The first one is: What are your needs for your flock? Thi s is important
because you are looking at a commitment of potentially seven to eight years, which
is the average lifespan of a chicken. Other questions include:
Do you want a certain type of egg, or are you looking for meat production chickens?
Is your goal egg production, egg and meat production, or just meat production?
Are you interested in raising chickens for show purposes and production is not
important?
Each breed of chicken has traits that make them better suited for exhibition, egg,
meat or dual purpose production.
Terminology
Being able to talk “chicken” is important. Here are a few terms used for poultry:
Non-Setting: a hen that does not have the inclination or wish to incubate eggs
-Bright eyes
-uniformity
FEED MATERIALS
FEEDING MANAGEMENT
-Restricted
-Adlibitum
-Deworming
-cleaning
-collection of manures
A. Proper Temperature
-Proper Temperature
3. uniformity
Things to look for in a non-producing hen when culling your chicken flock:
1. Feathers. The feathers of a laying hen should be dirty, worn, and ragged looking,
since they are concentrating their energy on producing eggs and not on preening
and replacing their dirty feathers.
2. Combs and wattles. A non-producing hen will have scaly, pale, and shriveled
combs and wattles, while a good layer will have waxy, full, bright red ones.
3. Pubic bones. Pubic bones should be flexible and you should be able to fit two or
three fingers between them. A non-layer will have tight pubic bones that are quite
rigid.
4. Vent. Pull back the hen’s tail feathers and inspect the vent. It should be large, oval,
and moist if she’s laying well. A non-layer’s vent will be dry, tight, and round.
5. Carriage. A good layer will be alert to her surroundings and not be listless and lazy.
Her eyes should be bright and she should be relatively active (such as scratching in
the litter, running around with her companions, etc.).
Of all the indicators of good and non-layers, the pubic bones and the vent are the most
reliable.
CULLING:
1. Culling removes the risk of your other chickens catching a disease from the sick or
injured one.
2. Culling increases food and water space for the productive chickens.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 24 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
3. Culling increases the flock’s overall egg-per-hen ratio or per-bird average growth rate.
4. Finally, culling inferior chickens increases the living space for the producing chickens.
Self – Check
1. What is culling?
2. Reasons for culling.
3. What to look in culling the chicken?
b. Vents
d. Skin
e. Pubic bones
f. carriage
a) Protection from other climatic extremes such as direct sun, wind, rain and even against
theft and attack from natural enemies of the birds such as, fox, dog, cat, kite, snake, etc.
The birds also should be protected against external parasites like ticks, lice, mice, etc.
b) Comfort: The best egg production is secured from birds that are comfortable and
happy. To be comfortable, a house must provide adequate accommodation, be
reasonably cool in the hot weather, free from drafts and sufficiently warm during the cool
weather. Above all, provide adequate supply of fresh air and sunshine; and remain dry
always.
c) Provision of dry condition which are hygienic and do not predispose the birds to
diseases and parasites.
d) Allowing, as far as possible, for inherent behavior patterns of the birds, and minimizing
the effect of social dominance.
e) Convenience: The house should be located at a convenient place, and the equipment
so arranged as to allow cleaning and other necessary operation as required.
f) Provision of accessible food and clean water and for effective disposal of waste.
a. Relation to other Buildings:- The poultry house should not be close to the home as too
create unsanitary condition. On the other hand, it should not be too far away either
because this will require more time in going to and fro in caring for the birds. In general, at
least three trips should be made daily to the poultry house in feeding, watering, gathering
the eggs.
b.Exposure:- The poultry house should face south or east in most localities. A southern
exposure permits more sunlight in the house than any of the other possible exposures. An
eastern exposure is almost as good as a southern one. Birds prefer morning sunlight to that
of the afternoon. The birds are more active in the morning and will spend more time in the
sunlight.
c. Soil and Drainage:- If possible, the poultry house should be placed on a sloping hillside
rather than a hilltop or in the bottom of a valley. A sloping hillside provides good drainage
and affords some protection.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. House equipment are installed in line with housing equipment installation design
design.
CONTENTS:
Characteristics of a suitable site
Housing designs and housing materials/equipment specifications
In door/Out door space requirements
PNS, Animal Welfare Act, Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), DENR,
government zoning ordinances
Local materials for chicken house and ranging area
Brooding facility
CONDITIONS:
Lecture
Video presentation
Lakbay Aral
Demonstration
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
Demonstration
Written examination
Questioning (oral)
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 28 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome 2
9. Read information Sheet 1.2-5 “Brooding facility” Read Information Sheet 1.2-6 then answer the Self-
Check 1.2-6 and compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.2-6
10. Answer Self-Check 1.2-5
Compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.2-5
Poultry farming is a good business and a very profitable one for that matter.
However, there are some major challenges when it comes to proper housing systems for
the poultry.
A good poultry housing systems with a good ventilation system, flooring, lighting,
fencing etc. are very important for the success of every poultry farm. If you get it right from
the beginning, a lot of costs will be saved in combating predators, disease control and
preventions and controlling unfavorable climatic conditions.
1. Your Research
This is one of the most important first things to do. Make the best decisions on your
poultry housing system from the valuable information you gather.
2. The Purpose
What is the purpose for starting your poultry farm? The question seeks to guide the
choice of the best and suitable poultry housing system for your farm. The answer to this will
help avoid all the inconveniences and costly readjustments and also help to put up the
right housing for your poultry farm. For example; if the purpose is to build a hatchery and
produce day-old-chicks for sale, then you need to plan your poultry housing. You need to
know all the operations entailed including how to handle the chicks before they are sold,
disease handling etc. All these considerations go into the planning of a poultry housing
system.
If you are considering egg production, the housing must suit egg collection and
storage. The purpose should be well defined to properly design and construct a suitable
housing for your poultry.
It is very important to consider the climatic conditions in the environment you hope
to see before you choose the right poultry housing system. Enquire from the poultry farmers
in your area to know the climatic challenges they have. If it is a cold area, the housing must
be insulated to provide heat for the poultry. Ventilation is also a key factor to consider. Bad
ventilation easily leads to spread of diseases.
4. The Location
The location of the farm is also an important factor to consider in poultry housing
system construction. If you intend to put up your poultry farm in an area which is easily
accessible to predators, then consider fencing the farm. Cats, snakes, dogs and some wild
animals could be a threat to your birds. Fencing will help protect your birds.
The number of chickens that are accommodated in a specific space per time is
different from turkeys and other birds and so is the space dimensions. Therefore, it is
important to know the type of birds you intend to raise. This will help design the appropriate
housing with appropriate spacing. Some birds like guinea fowls and quails can fly and their
housing should be designed to prevent them from flying beyond restricted areas.
If you have ever been to a good poultry farm, then you sure would realize that
having a good poultry housing system is one way to ensure that things run smoothly in the
farm as well as one factor that determines how healthy the animals might grow.
1. Controlled Access
A good poultry housing system should be designed in such a way that workers can
move easily, unrestricted by obstacles. Ease of movement will help in feeding, providing
water and effective cleaning of the farm. Also, the movement of objects and birds from
the farm would be easier.
However, the design should make the birds not easily accessible to visitors and
unauthorized people. Easy access to this group of people can increase the incidence of
diseases and even theft. The position of the housing on the farmland from the main
entrance to the farm is very vital to consider to prevent easy access to unauthorized
people.
A good poultry housing should have a comfortable flooring/bedding for the birds. It
should also be safe for the eggs. If your bedding is poor, eggs can easily get cracked and
you incur losses.
3. Convenient To Clean
A poultry housing system should be built in a way that makes every part of the farm
easy to access and clean. In poultry production, hygiene is key and may determine the
success or failure of the poultry farm business. A good and well-planned poultry housing
system is easy and convenient to clean to minimize the death of birds.
The safety and easiness of egg collection should be considered in poultry housing
system. If eggs production is the main purpose or part of the purposes for a poultry farm
business, then the way eggs are collected to prevent cracks and damages should be
considered when building the poultry housing. Eggs must be collected in good condition
and so cracked eggs are a loss to the business.
6. Proper Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents the spread of flu and other contagious diseases. A good
ventilation is another key feature of a good poultry housing system and key to the success
of your poultry farm.
An effective waste disposal unit reduces the risk of exposing the birds to diseases.
Birds dying in poultry production is inevitable. However, leaving the carcass in or around the
farm poses health risks to the birds. If dead birds are not well disposed of, they produce
some foul smell and may result in flu for both humans and birds. Bad eggs also produce an
offensive smell. So, incorporating am effective waste disposal unit in the poultry housing will
help manage waste.
A good poultry housing system should be designed such that birds of different ages
or species and separated. The must be divisions in the house that allows you to do that.
Older birds may kill your chicks by stepping on them or pecking them. Moreover, other types
of birds when mixed with other different types may result in fighting. They must be kept and
confined to different room/pen.
Since it is more economical to hatch your own eggs than buying day-old chicks,
having a standard hatchery unit in your poultry housing is very much recommended.
The economical growing of chickens starts from the correct and adequate design
of the building for the appropriate breed and the environment of the location. The designs
of the poultry house for hens or broilers in some countries dose not always based on
engineering and scientific foundation, but on some incorrect information, and practices or
lack of accurate information. For these reasons and others there is a high mortality rate. In
many situations it is not adequate for large production, or using standard mechanization
(feeding, drinking systems) for poultry production. Selecting the correct dimensions for the
poultry house helps in use of standard mechanization and adequate design of the
ventilation system. Not using scientific rules in poultry building design could create
Most of the poultry houses in the world are conventional or open-sided that is, they
rely on the free flow of air through the house for ventilation. Certain requirements must be
met if such a ventilated house is to provide an adequate environment. Care in following
these rules during the course of construction will avoid pitfalls later.Width of house. The width
of the open-sided poultry house should be about 30 ft (9.8 m) and no more than 40 ft (12.2
m) wide. Houses that are wider will not provide ample ventilation during hot weather. Wide
houses also require additional interior supports that may interfere with equipment or manure
removal. This width recommendation is basic for growing birds, broilers, and laying hens.
Height of house
Most open-sided houses have a stud that is 8 ft (2.4 m) long. The study represents
the distance from the foundation to the roofline. In areas where the temperature is
exceptionally high throughout the year, the stud length should be increased to 10 ft (3 m).
High-rise houses, with manure storage areas below the cages or slats, should be as high as
14 ft (4.3 m) or more at the eaves.
Length of house
Poultry houses may be almost any convenient length. The terrain on which they are
to be built often determines the length; rolling land means more grading before
construction can start. Because automatic feeding equipment will limit the length of the
poultry house, the equipment manufacturer should be consulted about the optimum
length of the feeding system. Many times the feed hopper is placed in the center of long
houses to provide better use of automatic feeders.
Practically all poultry houses built today have a gable roof, the pitch varying from
one-quarter to one-third. A good overhang should be provided to protect the inside from
driving rains and to afford interior shade.
Roof exhausts
Houses should be equipped with a covered exhaust area at the peak of the roof to
allow excess heat to escape. Various systems are available to close the exhaust during the
colder months in order to conserve heat.
Insulation
Foundation
A solid and adequate foundation should support the building. Concrete, concrete
blocks, bricks, or other permanent and termite-proof material should be used. Evenness of
the foundation is important, for it will determine the evenness of the completed structure.
Floor.
Doors.
Doors at the end of the house should be large enough for a truck, tractor, or manure-
handling equipment to pass through. Such equipment will be used when the house is
cleaned.
With this type of house most of the side areas are open. The height of the opening will
be determined by climatic conditions, and by the type of bird being housed, as follows:
c. Cage houses
Houses equipped with cages necessitate the greatest amount of air movement. The
bird density is the greatest of any type of flock. Sides should be almost completely open.
Self-Check
1. What are the factors to consider in choosing a good Poultry Housing System?
The type of soil is also very important if the birds are to be given a range. A fertile
well drained soil is desired. This will be a sandy loam rather than a heavy clay soil. A fertile
soil will grow good vegetation which is one of the main reason for providing range. If poultry
house is located on flat poorly drained soil, the yards should be tiled, otherwise, the birds
should be kept in total confinement.
Housing Requirements:
(1) Floor Space: The smaller the house, the more square feet are required for each
hen. Bigger pens have more actual usable floor space per bird than smaller pens. The
recommendations suggested below might be useful regarding floor, feeders and watering
space. For economic production of laying hens, it is always better to keep them in small
unit of 15-25 birds. This number can go up to a maximum limit of 250 or so are advisable.
When there is a long house, partitioning at every unit should be made to eliminate drafts
etc.
1 0-8 700
2 9-12 950
3 13-20 1,900
4 21-above 2,300-2,800
1 0-2 2.5
3 7-12 7.5
Age (weeks) Water space per chick(linear Amount of water per 1000
cm) birds (liters)
(2) Ventilation: Ventilation in the poultry house is necessary to provide the birds with
fresh air and to carry off moisture. Since the fowl is a small animal with a rapid metabolism,
its air requirements per unit of the body is high in comparison with that of other animals. A
house that is well tall enough for the attendant to move around comfortably will supply far
more air space than will be required by the birds that can be accommodated in the given
floor space.
(3) Temperature: Hens needs a moderate temperature of 50-70oF. Birds need a warmer
temperature at night, then they are inactive, than during the day. The use of insulation with
straw pack or other materials not only keeps the house warmer during the rainy seasons,
but also cooler during the dry seasons. Cross ventilation also aids in keeping the house
comfortable during hot weather.
(5) Light: Daylight in the house is desirable for the comfort of the birds. They seem more
contented on bright sunny days than in dark, cloudy weather. Sunlight in the poultry house
is desirable not only because of the destruction of disease and germs, it also for supplying
vitamin D; but also because, it brightens the house and makes the birds happy. Birds do
fairly well when kept under artificial light.
(6) Sanitation: The worst enemies of the birds, i.e. lice, ticks, fleas, and mites are
abundant in poultry houses. They do not only transmit diseases, but also retard growth and
laying capacity. The design of the house should be such which admits easy cleaning and
spraying. There should be minimum cracks and crevices.
The poultry house should be equipped with roasts, nests, feed hoppers, water
containers and any other items which is essential for satisfactory production.
Cheap
Movable
Easily Cleaned
1.Perches or Roosts:
Chickens start roosting when they are 8weeks old. Apart from catering for the natural
instinct or desire of the chickens to get above the ground at night, perches help materially
to keep the bird’s feet and plumage clean. Perches can be made from long wooden bars
of two squares inches about rounded at the top and flat at the bottom. Fix these parches
about 16 inches above the ground and near the walls In such a way that they can be
removed for disinfection. Allow a space of 12-inches between two perches. Each bird will
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 41 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
need about 8-inches of the perch to roost. The rear perches should rest a little higher than
those at the front if they are arrange to be horizontal with the length of the house. This will
encourage some of the birds that like to roost high to go to the back perches. Paint the
perches occasionally with creosote to prevent insects.
2 .NEST BOXES:- Each pen of laying birds should be provided with nest boxes for laying eggs.
It should be roomy, movable, cool and well ventilated, dark and conveniently located.
Nests are usually constructed 14 inches square, 6 inches deep and about 15 inches head
allowance. All metal nests are preferred to wood nests because of easy cleaning and less
chance of becoming infested with mites. Empty kerosene tins make excellent boxes. One
nest should be provided for every five or six hens. Dark nest are desirable because they
result in less scratching in the nest, less egg breakage and less egg eating. A wooden
packing case 18 inches square or a wide mouthed earthen pot can be a suitable nest.
Place some sand or soft hay or straw inside. Nests sometimes are also placed inside a run
but in that case, care should be taken to prevent crows etc, by covering the top of the run
with wire netting.
3.TRAPNESTS:- Each nest is provided with a trap door so that when the poultry attendant
releases the hen from the nest, he/she can identify her and mark her leg-band number on
the egg. There should be one nest for every three or four birds. Trapnests differ from regular
nests in that they are provided with trap doors by which birds shout themselves in when they
enter. For the convenience of the poultry attendant, the nests should be placed 18-20
inches above the floor. Trapnests are needed in the poultry houses (Deep litter houses)
interested n knowing the performance or breeding of the hens.
4.FEED HOPPERS:- The essential features of satisfactory feed hoppers are that they;
Prevent the birds from getting their feet into the feed and from roosting on the hopper
Make it easy for the birds to eat from the bottom of the hopper Troughs, pots and pans used
for feeding should be of suitable size depending on the age and size of the birds.
1.Watering Devices:- An ample supply of water should be made available at all times or
egg production is liable to be affected. The water container should contain clean water,
2.HOVERS:- This is a heat providing unit. It is made up of pan or Terpaulin. Brooder unit are
maintained with a range of temperature selections for hatchlings. At the warmest, usually
the center of the unit, the temperature is maintained at or above 90oF. At the outer edges,
the temperature may be as low as 60oF. As the young birds grow; the peak temperature is
gradually reduced to about 70oF. Hovers are often used until the birds have reached 4-
6weeks of age.
Self- Check
2. The poultry house should be equipped with roasts, nests, feed hoppers, water
containers and any other items which is essential for satisfactory production.
3. Poultry housing is important for protection from other climatic extremes, comfort,
convenience and provision of accessible food and clean water and for effective
disposal of waste.
Title:
Install brooding house
Performance Objectives:
To be able to install a brooding house for a day old chicks
Materials:
Bamboo
Wood
Plywood
Nails
Cutting saw
Hammer
Wire
Feeders
Waterers
lighting
Steps/Procedure:
Given are the tool and materials, install a brooding house with a 25 day old
chicks to be put inside it.Measure it correctly.
Assessment Method:
Criteria YES NO
Outdoor area
Keep grass short. Long strands can become trapped in the chickens' digestive system.
Size
Large enough to allow wet, muddy or barren areas to be sectioned off to recover and
to minimize the risk of disease, while still allowing enough space for chickens to roam on
good pasture.
Enrichment outdoors
Provide overhead cover, such as small trees or purpose-built shelters, to give protection
from the sun, bad weather and wild animals, and encourage exploration.
Chickens should have access to dry soil where they can dustbathe and forage.
Food and water outdoors
Feed or water provided outside should be sheltered to keep it clean and dry. Avoid
attracting rodents and wild birds.
Fencing
Fences should be well maintained and provide protection against wild animals.
Ensure that the birds cannot escape or become trapped/injured.
The very first and most important thing to keep in mind is that whether or not you
choose a good site for your free range chicken farming venture in the Philippines will have
a large impact on the chance of its success.
For example, the farming site should be flat and should not be in a tough terrain. Also,
the site should be shaded with trees as this serves as a windbreaker and also helps protect
the poultry from predators.
Separately, the site should be grassy to allow for enough pasture for free range
chicken forage. There should be easy access to clean water and electricity as you will need
them when maintaining your free range chicken farm in the Philippines.
Finally, the site should be far from roads and train tracks with high traffic to protect the
birds from theft and possible spread of diseases.
Under a free range model of farming in the Philippines (and around the world), the
birds need a ranging area around the house where they can be exposed to sunlight and
also forage for their own food in the pasture.
Besides fencing the area off, make sure that there is proper water distribution
throughout the ranging area and pasture area.
Also, if possible, ensure that the pasture area is situated among trees. And, that it is free
of chemical agents and chemical fertilizers so as to provide the chickens with a healthier
pasture where they can source clean food.
Just as properly selecting a site and providing enough space for the chickens, providing
suitable housing is an important step in setting up your chicken farming enterprise.
Ideally, just like with the outside pasture, you should aim for one square foot per hen as
your stock density. However, if you have limited space, two hens per square feet are
acceptable as well.
The chicken house should have in-and-out openings on both sides to give the
chickens easier access to the outside pasture.Preferably, it should be elevated, and it must
also be well ventilated.
A herbal garden will be essential in your chicken farming venture – especially if you are
planning to undertake organic farming.
The garden will be a great supplement in maintaining the health of your flock. Some of
the most common herbs that you will find useful in your free range chicken farming venture
in the Philippines include the following:
Garlic: It can serve as a natural antibiotic that you can give the chickens by either
putting it in the feed or in the water they drink.
Of course, beside their medicinal value, the herbs can also be used for natural flavoring of
chicken feed.
Besides just fencing off a range and building a house for the chickens, you will also
need to purchase a variety of equipment to support the chicken.
Among other items, you will have to buy drinkers, feeders, brooding equipment,
heaters and heating bulbs, and chicken plucker machines.
Bedding (also referred to as litter in its unused state) is material used for the comfort of the
hens as well as for hygienically reasons. It is especially important during the brooding stage.
Generally, the bedding (or litter) should be changed on a regular basis with the
frequency depending on how heavily it gets contaminated. Usually, it should be changed
anywhere between two to three weeks.
One thing to make sure is that the bedding you use in your free range chicken house
provides for proper ventilation. Some of the materials that can be used as litter include
sawdust, rice straw, and rice hull. Usually, this can be after a duration of two to three
weeks.On a side note, after the bedding has been used, it can be used as a healthy
organic manure.
Proper cleaning of the house, drinkers, and other equipment is crucial to the
biosecurity of a free range chicken farming venture in the Philippines. It will protect your
Some of the steps you can do to ensure the cleanliness of your chicken farm include:
Having a foot bath that is at least 4 inches deep where visitors can dip and disinfect
their feet before entering the farm
Using cleaning materials such as a dustpan, broom, brush, pale, and web broom to
clean the farming equipment as well as the range and chicken house regularly
Using detergents and disinfecting materials like chlorine and powder soap in
addition to the above.
Brooding is defined as the management of chicks from one day old to about 8 weeks
of age, and it involves the provision of heat and other necessary care during chicks’ early
growing period. Brooding units are designed to house chicks from one day old until they no
longer need supplementary heat (0-8 weeks). Growing pens are used from the end of the
brooding period until the broilers are sold or the pullets moved into permanent laying houses
(up to 20 weeks). Laying pens or cages are used for pullets and hens from the time they
start laying until they are culled and sold at the end of the laying period (up to 78 weeks).
Types of Brooding
1. Natural brooding
2. Artificial brooding
Natural Brooding
The natural method of brooding is used on farms where only a few chickens are
raised each year. Depending on her size, a hen will brood 15-20 chickens. The broody hen
will provide all the warmth required by the chicks. Before placing the chicks with the hen
Artificial Brooding
Artificial brooding can be defined as the handling of newly born chicks without the
aid of hens. It is accomplished by means of a temperature-controlled brooder (foster
mother). Artificial brooding has several advantages over the natural method, which are:
A dependable mechanism for controlling temperature and regular supply of fresh air,
dryness, adequate light, space, easy disinfection, protection against chick enemies, safety
from fire, and economic in construction.
Management of Chicks in the Brooder Adjust the temperature as per the requirement
of the chicks. In the case of oil heating, see that there is no defect in the stove or lamp.
Chicks should not have access to the heated parts of the lamp at any cost.
Avoid a damp poultry house. You can use a deep litter system.
Self –Check
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Suitable feed materials are selected based on availability in the locality and nutrient
requirements of chicken
2. Feed materials are prepared following enterprise prescribed formulation
3. Animals are fed based on feeding management program
4. Feeding is monitored following enterprise procedure
CONTENTS:
Principles of feeding
Kinds and characteristics of acceptable feed materials (sources for protein,
carbohydate, mineral resources)
Preparation of feeds
Principles of Feeding
Laying Hens: Need a minimum protein of 16% and a maximum of 18%; a minimum calcium
of 3% and a maximum of 5%. All the other minerals are pretty standard in the various feeds:
phosphorous, salt, fats, etc.
Broilers (birds grown just for meat): Need a minimum protein of 18% and a maximum of 20%;
a minimum calcium of 0.90% and a maximum of 1.5%. Again, the other various minerals are
pretty standard.
Chicks: These fast-growing little critters need a minimum protein of 18% and the maximum
of 21%; a minimum calcium of 1% and a maximum of 1.45%.
Scratch feeds usually have protein and fat, but aren’t considered balanced. Most
keepers of backyard chickens only use them as a supplement to a nutritionally balanced
feed.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM
PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 54 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Chicken Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Revision # 1
Commercial organic chicken feed makes it easier for keepers of backyard
chickens to ensure the nutritional needs of their poultry in a way they’re comfortable. This is
especially true for hobby farmers who don’t have the space to grow their own feed or to
free range their birds. It may even be against the law to free range where they live.
For free range chickens in the Philippines, you will need a feed formulation that roughly
consists of:
70% cereal
You can either use commercial feeds or formulate your own free range chicken feeds
where you directly control the quality of the ingredients contained in the feeds.
The feed you provide the chickens will also be naturally supplemented by the chickens’
foraging in their pasture.
Just like with humans, clean drinking water is essential for the health of your chicken
flock – and subsequently for the success of your free range chicken farm in the Philippines,
and everywhere else in the world for that matter.
As one would expect, chickens are unforgiving when deprived of adequate drinking
water – and in that state, they rarely hit their peak production capability.
While it may not sound so at first, vaccination is acceptable under free range chicken
farming in the Philippines.
In fact, for the best possible health of your chickens and performance of your farm,
make sure that your flock has been vaccinated in a timely fashion against all of the possible
diseases. That is because any single disease puts stress on the chicken affected, and in turn,
the chicken’s production will be negatively impacted.
Limit the amount of feed in feeders to the extent necessary to avoid waste.
Feed the birds with sufficient food no more no less to ensure profitability
. Keep the feeds in a closed plastic container away from rats, birds and other animals.
Keep a close watch on birds weight and their feed consumption. A drop in food intake
usually is the first indication of trouble
-cereal
-corn
-rice bran
- banana stem
-ipil-ipil
-azolla
-madre de agua
- cheaper
- more nutritious
Limit the amount of feed in feeders to the extent necessary to avoid waste.
Feed the birds with sufficient food no more no less to ensure profitability
Free range and pasture raised chickens eat a lot of forage. From mice to bugs and
grass to your prize tomatoes, chickens will peck at anything. Add in your table scraps and
your chickens are probably getting a pretty balanced diet. You won't need to worry too
much about the proper balance of ingredients because the feed will be a supplement to
their diet rather than a primary component of it.
Obviously if you are going to make your own homemade organic chicken feed you
will want to use all organic ingredients. Beware of soy and fish meal, however. Soy has a
high concentration of phyto-estrogen and this is of concern to some people. Fish meal can
have a high level of mercury and that is something you want to watch as well. There are so
many good ingredients that can be added to homemade chicken feed there is no reason
to buy questionable things.
You should be able to find all of the following ingredients in an organic variety. Most,
like lentils, quinoa and barley, are sold at grocery and health food stores and are available
in bulk. You may need to run by your local feed store for a few ingredients, particularly the
oyster shells. Any ingredients that are hard to find in your area can be ordered online.
Mix the feed by hand so that it is thoroughly mixed. It doesn't hurt to run your hands through
it before feeding in case something settles. Keep the oyster shell calcium in a container so
the chickens can eat it as they need to.
Self –Check