Step 1: Transition to Coop
- Introduce to Coop: Move your birds to the coop once they are 3-4 weeks old.
- Acclimatization: Allow them to explore and get used to their new environment, ensuring they feel secure.
Step 2: Dietary Management
- Feed Quality: Provide grower feed that is 18-20% protein. This helps promote healthy muscle development.
- Free-Choice Feeding: Allow chickens to eat at their own pace, encouraging natural feeding behavior.
- Water Supply: Ensure a constant supply of fresh, clean water; placing waterers in multiple locations can help reduce competition.
Step 3: Space and Shelter
- Coop Size: Make sure there is enough space—approximately 3-4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet in the run.
- Outdoor Access: Using a chicken tractor is a great way to allow the chickens fresh grass each day.
Step 4: Environmental Considerations
- Temperature Management: Ensure the coop maintains a comfortable temperature, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the warm months.
- Ventilation: Make sure the coop has good airflow to prevent overheating and humidity buildup.
Step 5: Provide Enrichment
- Foraging Opportunities: Scatter grains or vegetables on the ground to encourage foraging, which helps keep them active.
Step 6: Regular Health Checks
- Monitor Health: Check for signs of illness, such as lethargy, changes in appetite, or abnormal droppings.
Step 7: Prepare for Harvest
- Timing: Decide on the best time for processing. Most broilers are ready for harvest at around 8-12 weeks, depending on the breed and weight you desire.
- Fattening Phase: In the weeks leading up to harvesting, you might increase their protein intake to help them gain the desired weight.
- Night Before: It is best practice to remove all food 6-8 hours prior to butchering. This results in a cleaner process when removing the innards of the bird.