What are the signs of a healthy bird?

Some signs of a healthy bird are - good weight, shiny feathers, bright eyes, red comb, dry nostrils, clean feathers under the tail, and being alert and active.

Commercial farming vs natural and organic small farmers ?

Commercial farming in lots in large scale is run by big fish, it is difficult for small farmers to compete with them, so suggest small farmers to do backyard chickens, natural harvest, free range, specialised farming dor meat or eggs, where the big fish cant control and do , the profits on small scale specialed products are high and good for long term gains.

Record keeping ?

feed, composition, supplements used, symptoms, water consumption, staff in house, temperature, humidity, eggs, mortalitys all to be recorded on a daily baisis

Routine inspection ?

specific routine inspections to be carried out on a regular basis depending on the symptoms and mortalitys on the day, have a inspection checklist in hand and update ur records

protection from sunlight ?

what ever the summer , the flock in the shed shoul be directly protected from direct sunlight

protection from rain ?

what ever the rain , the flock has to be directly protected from getting wet in the rain

protection from cold ?

proper brooders, room heaters, to be in place in cold weather season,

protection from heat ?

room coolers, water sprinklers, gunny bag curtains should be used to bring the temprature down in summer or jigh heat areas.

type of floorig required ?

a levelled mud or dry soil flooring is sufficiend with a god dry mulch, the floor should always be dry

lighting required ?

an average 60 watt bulb for 200 sft place of 12 ft ht or

new 10 wt led bulb for 200 sft place 12 ft ht is

suggested distance between sheds ?

where there is an option to have multiple sheds we suggest a min 100 ft distance betwee 2 sheds

proper sunshades ?

to protect from sun, rain wind to be on the windows . meshes, doors of the housing,

What is brooder ?

it is a chicken warmer when the chicks are days old. there are various types available.

Types of housing ?

Caged, Barns, Free range and backyard are most common types

Who decides chick rates ?

it is as per the association and board, they decide the rate and sell the chicks accordingly.

Overcrowding ?

have sufficient area for the birds 1+ sft per bird . lesser area or overcrowding leads to stress, pecking, mortality, decreased food intake.

Feeders & drinkers ?

an approximate 50 birds per feeder and drinker is a standard calculation in closed premesis, that is 100 birds to have 20 feeds and drinkers.

What is culling ?

slaughtering a sick, diseased or infested bird and discarding is called culling, it is common in poultry to isolate and seperate sick birds from good ones.

Storing of feed ?

store in a cool dry place, away from sunlight and moisture , keep are well ventilated.

Control rats at storage area ?

rats end up eating lots of feed and loss of revenue, have some rat traps or cats to control the rats

What is moulting ?

is a routine feather fall and getting new feathers , its takesplace 1-2 times a year and takes 3 months, no eggs laid during this period

Dress and uniform code ?

Have a suitable dress code and uniform that is meant to be used witin the farm, outside dress and shoes not allowed inside and vice versa. This will help in preventing transmission of infections from outside to inside.

Strangers and vsistors not allowed ?

Not allowed , this is not a place of recreation

How to keep low Stress levels ?

Use stress supplements, give fresh water, keep clean, give fresh feed.

Why does my chicken have a pale comb?

The common reasons for a pale comb are - anaemia, external & internal parasites, heat exhaustion, nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption syndrome, dehydration, mineral deficiency, commonly calcium.

Selection of Professional staff ?

Employ those with minimum 10 yrs experience 

How many hours of lighting is required ?

A minimum of 12 hrs of lighting is required for meat birds and non egg laying birds

Why do feather fall off all over ?

what is the reason for featherless birds ?

Skin disease, skin infection, external parasites, moulting, mineral and vitamin defieciency, improper feed, insufficient feed quantity, excessive egg laying by unhealthy bird, feather pecking,

What are side effects of feather loss ?

Skin infections, reduced egg laying, skin damage and wounds due pecking , unable to bear the weather conditions, mortality, skin injuries.

Do feathers grow back ?

Yes, just like human hair, if the bird is back to normal health , feathers start growing , it may take a few months for full feathers to form

What are battery cages ?

The most inhuman way of jailing a bird from birth to death for the purpose of space and grown in captivity for meat or eggs is place called a battery cage. This wouldnt happen in my grandfathers days as they were not as commercial as us now.

Barn System ?

It is a big house build for the birds to stay, in the farm and constructed to house the hens as per the agreed farm quantity, they move freely in the house and the farm outside.

Free range hens?

Those hens that move freely in the farm through out the day and go to their housing at night.

Are old layer hens sent for meat ?

Yes old uneconomical hens are sent for meat

Can chicken fly ?

Yes they can fly but not much high.

What is the height of the fencing compound suggested ?

A standard 8 - 10 ft high fence is suggested

Taking care of chickens 1-21 days ?

Yes, younger and just born birds need special care for 3 weeks, good feed, good immunity programme. Children in growing age require more nutrition, just take special care.

Do you suggest home food or ready feed ?

Make your own feed and you know what is in that, they like their mother cooked feed, and it is always nutritious than hotel feed.

Is bullying common in chicken with different batches sizes ages ?

Yes, they need to be segregated in small batches as per their type, don't mix them. Keep seperate

Can we grow cats, dogs with chicken ?

Yes, but keep a distance and avoid attacks, and have seperate housings to avoid stampedes.

Giving stale food for poultry ?

It's dangerous to feed on stale infested feed, just avoid. Fungal infections and digestive disorders are common when fed stale food.

Trimming beaks ?

We dont suggest this and thing inhuman ,

there are a lots of ayurvedic ways for birds to stop pecking just follow that

What are the basic factors required for a good poultry farm?

a decent size open area. a decent sized shed, good ventilation form various sides depending on the location, fresh good water, good feed, clean floor,

What is yhe basic area required for a caged poultry farm ?

1 sft per bird is required for a caged broiler or layer farm as per norms, but that is pathetic, where possible more than than and support the free range backyard ckickens.

What is the grain size of feed that we can make and give the birds ?

the smaller the size the better the fcr and absorption, we suggest powder type feed

Is commercial ready made chicken full of medicines ?

yes many of the comercial feeds may alswys be full of antibiotics, steroids, medicices, cheap ingriedents, sand, urea, manay many cheap and may be hazardous ingriedents.

How to save on feed quantity ?

give fresh feeds everyday, fill feeders only half level and see that they are not spilled, have a construction on feeders that the bird cant put their legs in, give a good appetite and digestion supplement.

how to get fcr on feeds ?

do not change feed formulae often, give a good herbal liver supplement

What to do with the chicken litter ?

when you get a chance to clean your poultry , clean th littter amd discard is far away from the farm, you may use it for agriculture plants once it is decomposed.

What disinfectants can be applied over litter during the course of running the farm ?

On an average weekly routine, spray a herbal disinfectant or a pine disinfectant over the litter area so flies and other insects does not breed there

Palletability?

the ability to eat as the taste changes is not so comfortable with birds, take extra care and design ur birds feed, acontact ur docts for all requirements. Any querys contact us ,

Changing of feed formulae frequietly ?

Changing the flocks feed composition , will result in birds not eating, any changes that are required, makes only 10% feed change per day.

Birds not eating stomach full or daily designated?

birds fall sick if they dont eat their stomach designated daily capacity, it is the farmers duty to observeand record the daily quantity, an appetite, liver and digestion supplement,

Do we have to change the uneaten feed?

feed not eaten in the past 24 hrs should be taken out , sun dried dried and mixed at a seperate day at 10% ratio. flocks dont like stale food, and when stale food is served they tend to fast and show no intrest in todays meal if old meal is mixed in todays meal.

what level of reduced feed is acceptable ?

any level of lesse than 10-20% in a 24 hrs is dangerous and drops the immunity of the flock, utmost cate is needed

How much quantity of meal can be added to feed?

3-4% of feather meal, bone meal, meat bone meal, or fish meal can be used

How much maise can be used ?

Upto 60-65% maize can be added to all poultry feeds

how much oil cakes can be added to feed?

depending on the type of seed cake - soya, groundnut, til, coconut, 25% can be added . for others they have to be examined seperately and individually.

Feeders and designs?

Feeders and drinkers where possible should be raised a few inches above the ground , and have a mesh so only the beaks go in to eat and drink, keeping them over the floor makes them put their feet in and contaminate them with dirt and soil.

Can boats, sheep or other animals or birds be housed in same farm ?

No , house different breeds differently, othere there will be stampade and bullying.

Common causes of not eating proper feed quantity per day ?

change in taste, change in quality or composition, change in feed brand, sickness, akward temperatures, strangers in the farm, unhealthy birds.

managing wet litter flooring ?

It has to covered with soil , saw dust or paddy husk or similar mulch.

Areas of heavy leaks ?

these need be isolated and blocked from chicken access

a lot of diseases bread in areas of water

What vaccines do u suggest ?

contact ur local govt rules and your doctor for chemical based vaccinations, we only suggest a herbal immunasition programme.

Can we run a farm without vaccinations, antibiotics?

Yes definitely, contact ur veterinarian regarding the schedule , the ayurvedic system is the best when followed lately by many many corporate farmers to mitigate risks and avoid landing in emergencies.still in doubt , just contact us. every farm has to have a immunisation programme, that may be with herbs or with commercial vaccines

How do we treat sick birds?

All sick birds must be seperated and quarantined into seperate area, where they can have individual attention and care during treatment. Taking special care would ensure faster recovery, whereas negligence can lead to mortality.

Can we give stale food and left overs and old vegetable matter to our poultry ?

Never if you wish to , pls give fresh but not stale, it will bring in unknown diseases.

Can we leave the birds outside in rain or when it is raining ?

It is highly risky to do so, and it will loose immunity fast and get respiratory diseases. make sure they are in warm dry place when outside raining

Can we leave the birds outside in hot sun ?

No, you are risking the flock, they will get heat stroke and get dehydrated, they require cool dry place with ample water and place to relax

Should we have dedicated staff, supervisors for the farm?

Should  the owner stay in the farm ? dedicated supervisors, experienced staff and their duties streamlines are the basis of a good farm. The difference between the owner in the farm and not is the difference between the own mother and step mother. Only put

What is proper Staff management ?

Each staff has to be explained and identified his duties and be guided in areas they are unable to perform, a proper reporting procedure is to be followed. Employ only experienced staff with designated duties.

Feeder trays and drinker trays

Professional feeders and drinkers to us used to avoid the birds putting their lege in their bows and not to contaminate and waste feed or water. Or waste them.

How frequently should deworming be done?

To be practiced on a weekly / monthly basis by a herbal dewormer. It must be ensured that the dewormer clear all intestinal parasites.

Can all diseases and infections be cured?

Yes, ask your veterinarian,  and take ample advance precautions when the disease strikes the farm, take emergency care  

Why is mortality a big issue in the farm even in large experienced farms ?

A herbal immunization programme, an experienced doctor, stocks of supplements in hand, quarantining the sick, daily care of the birds and timely nutritious feed will prevent mortality and cure the disease. Not following the above, and trying to save the animal in its last stages, will not help.

What happens when food intake is insufficient?

The immunity drops, and disease enters, thereby we have to spend a lot more on medication and treatment and may not always cure. When you observe feed drop below 20% than normal, use an immunity, appetite, digestion supplement. Bring back feed to normal stage.

Immunisation for your flock

Contact your veterinarian for the schedule or email us for details.

How do we protect the sick and the healthy ?

It is important to protect the healthy from the sick, the healthy have to protected from spread of disease or infection and the sick have to cured and protected form mortality, Make sure you have an experienced doctor in hand, the sick flock has to be seperated and quarantined and treated as a case of emergency, with timely supplements, food and water.

What is Cleanliness & Hygiene routine?

A mandatory cleanliness & hygiene routine must be adopted in each farm. You can write to us for a customised cleanliness chart for your farm. In broiler farms, ensure that the floor is dry with necessary mulch or paddy husk or sand, and clean & disinfect the area completely once a stock is transferred in 40 days. In layers, ensure the litter is thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis. In free range farms, make sure the area is cleaned regularly, and necessary herbal disinfectants are applied.

How far can the flock be protected with preventative high immunity programe?

Yes , if you are on a high immunity programme on preventative health, 50-75% of the diseases can be fought by the body immune system and mortality can be prevented. And you don't land up in unexpected emergencies.

What are the common diseases in poultry ?

Fevers, Respiratory Diseases, Microbial diseases, digestive system related diseases, liver & kidney failure, bone diseases, nutrient deficiencies are very common.

How can nutritional deificiencies be overcome on a daily basis?

Most vegetables, herbs & shrubs are nutritionally rich. They can be included in their daily diet. Administration of herbal supplements daily will also keep deficiencies away. 

What are some emergencies in poultries ?

Organ failures, respiratory distress, bloody diarrhoea, paralysis are very common

What is the average lifespan of a hen?

Normal broilers are sold off between 35-45 days when the weigths are achieved,

layers are used for 18-22 months.

Country chicken achieve weights at 6 months

Many hens have lived for over 10 years though they are sold off when they are commercially not viable for feeding.

What should we be able to identify in the farm with the flock ?

We should be identfying between healthy birds and weak and sick birds, we should be also knowing the symptoms of diseases and post mortem lesions for the mortalities, we should know infections and their causes and symptoms.

Why many a times birds die even if we give them medicines ?

Wrong diagonis is the most common in the farm even with experienced persons. Giving wrong supplements for the wrong disease, the treatment is not done and birds die. If we observe closely symptoms are common for many diseases, and identification of the correct diseases is very important.

What is an emergency and what is not ?

When more than 0.1 % of flock die in any 24 hrs, an emergency mode has to be observed. Look out for symptoms and identify the disease, and tackle to cure the disease.

When can we observe the symptoms of diseases and mortality?

Birds don't die from disease directly. First the birds become sick, then they stop having feed and water as they are tired or sick , they become even sick and neglect food, on the other hand, their body immunity drops and unless special care is taken to segregate birds and spoon-feed them hourly and give them sufficient feed supplements and water, it becomes difficult to save them. Mortality is the last stage normally in 3 or 4 days, people neglect to identify closely the symptoms on initial sickness. Either not spending enough time with the hens or due to man power costs.

Water requirement and management

Proper and fresh hygienic water free from chemicals and a herbal water disinfectant to avoid water borne diseases

What can be used for the chicken farm flooring?

Paddy husk is the best available for the flooring during the movement and living of the birds, cleaning in intervals is necessary for maintaining hygiene. Along with that, herbal floor disinfectants are important for a good start.

How much do chickens eat?

How can we identifying sick birds?

Chickens eat an average of 0.06% - 0.08% of their body weight on a daily basis in intervals, the consumption depends on the nutrition levels of the dry feed and the activity they have in the farm. Sick birds usually stop eating, are not active, prefer isolation, have ruffled feathers, lose their shine and become dull.

What FCR can we achieve with wet fresh grass, vegetable, leaves, spinatch etc?

These contain only nutrition, and no calories, so the FCR is 1:40-50 and not ecnomical, unless they are left to graze on free lands.

How do fresh leaves and vegetables help our flock?

Because of high nutritional values, they give good health and immunity

What is the best way to dispose off dead poultry carcasses?

It is recommended to dig a deep pit of at least 5 ft under the grown, far away from human or animal inhabitation. Bury them in the pit and cover well with soil.

How often should a doctor visit my farm?

We recommended a doctor visit to every farm twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.

Is good air and ventilation mandatory?

Proper temprature control and maintaining optimum temprature in very cold and hot climates is important, proper air circulation and blowers or manula ventilation has to taken care of.

How do we manage leaking pipes, stagnant water and wet flooring ?

If any leaks are found , they have to be mended and leaks stopped, wet areas make farm prone to infestion and microbes breeding. Any pits of stagnant water must be filled up with soil and levelled to ensure no harmul microbes are bred.

How to handle emergencies ?

Contact our veterinarian and have one ready on call for your farm who knows what is happening to them. do u have an emergency handling kit or programme in place. have a chart for handling the emergencies and having a doctor on call for urgent works.

Why do you always prescribe herbal supplements or products?

As you know, with consumption of herbal products, the end beneficiary is the farmer. Our aim is to have a successful & happy farming community. We do not prescribe any inorganic substances or chemicals.