Scheduled feedings provide a steady dose.Ĭoccidiosis is a chicken disease that is hard to control environmentally, and mature chickens can develop a resistance if exposed to a mild case. Soybeans are a readily available and popular feedstuff and are always processed before being sold as a feed ingredient.Īntibiotics and other medications can be added to poultry feed. Raw, unprocessed beans contain enzyme inhibitors that interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. They are then switched to a finisher or developer diet with more energy than protein.Īll types of beans and peas provide good protein in poultry diets, but they must be processed (roasted or steamed). It’s easy to repurpose an existing outbuilding for a chicken house, and if it’s in your backyard, decorative design elements may be desired.Ĭommercially raised chickens are generally fed what is known as a complete feed that includes all the protein, energy, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients necessary for proper growth, egg production, and bird health.Ĭhicks are fed a high-protein starter diet from soon after hatching until 6 to 8 weeks of age. Predator protection is likely a prime concern. Some add perches, lighting, windows, even green roofs of drought-resistant plants that keep the coop cool in summer.
Breeding systems also include rearing cages that allow for chick growth.įor those looking at raising chickens in backyard chicken coops, there are endless options.
If you are breeding chickens, you will want parent stock cages that allow mating and where minimal egg breakage is of primary concern. In a layer cage, there are holes for the eggs to drop. They may be stacked or spread across the floor, depending on available space.Ĭonventional systems work well for broiler production, where supplying adequate feed for growth is the primary concern. Water is provided through an overhead system, and feed is offered in a trough along the front of the cage. Various options for meat birds or layers have pros and cons.Ĭonventional housing systems are most common and consist of solid metal or mesh poultry cages with a sloped floor that house 3 to 8 birds. Housing at commercial chicken farms has seen much scrutiny in recent years. The Kentucky Corn Growers Association and Kentucky Soybean Association helped with the effort. In Kentucky, Hayden Farms offers a public viewing room, where guests can watch the chickens through glass, as well as a view of the technology in the control room, and an education facility. Like other livestock operations, turkey farms rely on a nutritionist to ensure adequate diet – a diet that will change as many as 10 times over the life of the bird.Īlso like other forms of livestock, antibiotic use requires oversight by a veterinarian, and it is illegal to give any type of poultry hormones or steroids.Ĭhicken farms that raise broilers have worked to improve their image by increasing transparency. Raised in the wild, they eat bugs and worms in addition to vegetation.
Though some turkeys in today’s market are billed as “vegetarian fed” turkeys are not, by nature, vegetarians. Researchers credit increased crop yields, better equipment and production processes, genetic improvements, and nutritional advancements. Egg Industry, compiled by Iowa State University, the environmental footprint of one dozen eggs has been reduced by up to 71% over the last 50 years. Turkeys are a Thanksgiving staple.Īccording to the 2010 Assessment of the Environmental Impact of the U.S. Pathogen-free eggs are raised for medical purposes. Even single birds are kept as pets and show birds. Markets Analysis Back to Markets Analysisįlocks range from large commercial operations to backyard flocks.
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