Poultry Flashcards
Life span of a broiler
6 weeks
Life span of a layer hen
2-3 years
Lifespan of a turkey used for meat production
14-18 weeks
Why are migrating birds a risk for commercial poultry?
They harbor diseases in their droppings
What is a pullet
Female chicken under 12 months
What affects molting
Light has an impact on molting. Short days increase the chance of molting
What physical factors determines illness/diseases in chickens
Waddle and comb
What does the crop do
Store food
What’s the job of the gizzard
Breaks down food
Why do chickens eat rocks
To help break down the food they consumed
What are the most important housing requirements for poultry
Temperature control
Predator control
No loud noises
About how many chickens are in a house
25,000
When are chickens sent out
The day they hatch
Which operation has the highest biosecurity
Breeders
How long are eggs incubated for
21 days
Why are eggs tilted during incubation
Mimics the hen turning the eggs. It helps keep the egg membrane from sticking
At what age are chicks vaccinated
2 days before hatching then they get a spray vaccine at 1 day old
In-Ovo
Vaccine administered into egg a few days prior to hatching
Spray
Thin spray over 1 day old
In water
Vaccine given in drinking water. 14-21 days old
When do layer hens reach adulthood
18-20 weeks
What are signs of sick chickens
Lethargy
Decreased feed intake
Swelling
Nasal discharge
Coughing, wheezing, sneezing
Lack of coordination
Diarrhea
Where will sick birds lay neck to
Water or food
What can indicate a chicken is sick
Swollen neck, feathers are flared up, head down
How long should you wait before replacing chickens if you want to keep the same litter
14 days
What are signs of incorrect stocking density
Scratching
Brushing
Mortality
Impaired litter quality
How can you determine the temperature of chickens
Touching the feet
How can you tell if litter is too wet
It can be squeezed into a ball
What does improper litter management lead to
Breast blisters, and footpad dermatitis
What percentage of moisture must be in the litter
35% moisture
Why is ventilation important
Helps control moisture and humidity, provides oxygen, and helps maintain litter conditions
What are the different methods of depopulization
Foam
Gas
Cervical dislocation
Ventilation shutdown
What is the most common way of depopulation in a huge production
Foam- nitrate filled
Gas- CO2,CO,N
If a bird/house gets avian influenza what needs to be done
Depopulation of house/euthanasia
