Winter-warm plastic greenhouses were initially designed for growing vegetables and other crops. However, by raising chickens during the winter and spring seasons—when chicken prices are favorable and temperatures are low—it can take advantage of the fast-growing, short-cycle nature of broilers. When vegetable prices rise, the greenhouses can be converted back to grow off-season vegetables. After raising chickens, the fermented manure and bedding can be used as organic fertilizer for vegetable cultivation, which reduces environmental pollution and improves fertilizer efficiency. This integrated system maximizes the use of greenhouse space and enhances overall breeding and farming benefits.
First, properly transform the greenhouse. The goal is to ensure that the renovated structure supports proper ventilation, temperature control, and humidity management for broiler production, while also making it easier to manage daily tasks like feeding, cleaning, and disease prevention.
1. Arrange the greenhouse along an east-west axis, replacing the south-facing slope with horizontally placed cement boards on the north wall. Leave some areas open for ventilation and keep the rest intact.
2. Install a foot membrane for ventilation, adjusting it according to the moisture and air needs of chickens at different growth stages.
3. Connect bamboo rafts to north-south steel rods, aligning them flush with the north wall. Cover with plastic film and straw curtains. Part of the straw curtain should hang down, and ventilation openings should be properly sealed. During summer, shade nets and rainproof membranes are laid over the sheds to prevent overheating and rain damage. In other seasons, these materials remain in place, but during winter and spring, care must be taken to prevent straw curtains from getting wet and rotting. Wind protection is essential to avoid disturbing the chickens; securing the rainfilm with lines helps prevent this.
Second, prepare for brooding.
1. Level and compact the ground, then lay a raised platform if needed to prevent chickens from escaping. For floor-based systems, install netting at a height that allows easy removal of waste. Typically, the netting is 1–1.3 meters high and 2–3 meters wide, with walkways in between.
2. Ensure all equipment, such as lighting, heating, thermometers, and hygrometers, is ready. Clean and disinfect all tools before placing them in the greenhouse.
3. Disinfect thoroughly using formalin and potassium permanganate fumigation. A common ratio is 15ml formalin + 7.5g potassium permanganate per cubic meter. Seal vents during fumigation and maintain humidity. Apply lime water or other disinfectants to hard-to-reach areas to ensure complete cleanliness.
4. Prepare vaccines, medications, and feed. At the start, separate a small area of the shed for brooding using plastic film, gradually expanding it as the chicks grow.
Third, implement feeding and management practices.
The greenhouse should be warmed up 48 hours in advance, and steam should be vented out. Twenty-four hours before hatching, adjust the temperature and humidity so that the brooding area reaches 35°C and 65–70% humidity.
1. Temperature: Chickens have different temperature needs depending on their age. Generally, they require 35°C for the first three days, 35–32°C in the first week, 32–29°C in the second week, 29–27°C in the third week, 27–24°C in the fourth week, and 21–18°C after 4 weeks. Temperature adjustments should be gradual and based on the comfort of the chickens.
2. Humidity: Maintain 65–70% humidity for the first 21 days, then reduce to 60–65% afterward.
3. Light: Provide continuous light for the first 48 hours at about 25 watts per 10 square meters, then switch to 23 hours of light. After 21 days, reduce light to 16 hours, with 8 hours of darkness. Adjust timing based on seasons.
4. Water: Provide water continuously unless during vaccination. Offer warm water with 5% brown sugar and electrolytes for young chicks. Distribute feed every 25–30 minutes for the first week, then reduce to 4–5 times a day. Use large trays to minimize feed waste.
5. Ventilation: Ensure good airflow to remove harmful gases and provide oxygen. In summer, increase ventilation by opening straw covers. If heat stress occurs, cool chickens with water or baking soda solution.
6. Health: Limit access to the shed and maintain hygiene. Remove droppings regularly, clean utensils, and isolate sick or dead chickens. Change shoes and clothes when entering or exiting the greenhouse.
7. Vaccination: Follow local guidelines, but generally, vaccinate at 7 days (Newcastle disease), 14 days (Infectious Bursa), and 28 days (Newcastle again). Add anti-stress supplements before and after vaccination, and use cold boiled water with skim milk to extend vaccine effectiveness.
Finally, keep detailed records to monitor performance and address issues promptly. This approach ensures efficient, sustainable, and profitable broiler production in winter-warm greenhouses.
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