Raising Organic Chicken Materials

COMPETENCY BASED-LEARNING MATERIALS
MATERIALS
Sector: AGRI-FISHERY
Qualification:
Qualification: ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION NC II
Unit of Competency : Raise Organic Chicken
Module Title: : Raising Organic Chicken
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: Page 1 of 60
Developed by:
Raise Organic
Bernadith I. Gallaza, EdD
Chicken Revision # 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Pages
Competencies 3
How to use this CBLM 4
Module Content 5
Learning Outcome # 1 6
Learning Experiences # 1 7
Information Sheet # 1.1-1 8-12
Self –
Self – Check
Check 1.1-1 13
Answer Key 14
Information Sheet # 1.1-2 15
Self –
Self – Check 16
Self -Check 20
Answer Key 21
Information Sheet #1.1-4 22-24
Self - Check 24
Answer Key 25
Information Sheet # 1.1-5 26
LO2 Set up Cage Equipment 27
Learning Experiences #2 28-29

Self- Check 36
Answer Key 37
Self –
Self – Check
Check 43
Answer Key 44
Task Sheet 1.1-1 45
Performance Criteria Checklist 46
Self-Check 53
LO3 Feed Chicken 54-56
Self -Check 57
Answer Key 58
Self- Check 60

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COMPETENCIES
CORE COMPETENCIES
( 96 hours)
No. Units of Competency Module Title Code
1 Raise Organic Chicken

Chicken Raising Organic chicken AGR612301
2 Produce Organic Vegetable Producing Organic AGR611306

Vegetable
Vegetable
3 Produce Organic Fertilizer Produce Organic Fertilizer AGR611301
4 Produce various concoctions Producing various AGR611302

and extracts concoctions and extracts
ELECTIVE COMPETENCIES
( 54 hours)
No. Units of Competency Module Title Code
AGR612302
1 Raise Organic Hogs Raising Organic Hogs
Hogs
Raising Organic Small AGR612303

2 Raise Organic Small Ruminants Ruminants
Ruminants

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HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL
Welcome to this learners guide for the module in “ Raising Organic Chicken”.
Chicken”. This
learner’s guide contains materials and activities to complete.
comple te.
The units of competency “Raise

“Raise Organic Chicken” contains the knowledge, skills and
attitude required to prepare tools, farm implements and simple equipment for horticultural
h orticultural
farm operations.
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete

each learning outcomes such as Information Sheets, resources materials and references
materials for further reading that help you for a better understanding and answer self-check
basing the information sheet provided. You may use a paper or bond paper to reflect your
answer for each self-check. Questions should be raise if encounter difficulties so you would
be assist by your trainer.
These module were prepared to help you achieve the required competency in
“Raising Organic Chicken”
Chicken” .These will be the source of information for you to acquired
knowledge and skills in this particular trade with minimum super vision or help from your
instructor .With the aid of this materials you will a
acquire
cquire the competency independently
and in your own pace . Read this learning guide carefully so you will be guided.
Work through all the information and complete the activities in each section
suggested references are included to supplement the materials provided in this module

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MODULE CONTENT
UNITS OF COMPETENCY : RAISE ORGANIC CHICKEN
MODULE TITLE : RAISING ORGANIC CHICKEN
MODULE DESCRIPTION : This module covers the knowledge, skills and attitudes
required to raise organic chicken efficiently and effectively.
It includes selecting healthy stocks, determine suitable
chicken house requirements, install cage equipment, feed
chicken, manage health and growth of chicken and
harvesting activities.
SUGGESTED DURATION
DURATION : 30 hours
hours
QUALIFICATION LEVEL : NC II
SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of this module, the students/trainees will be able to:

LO1. Select healthy stocks
LO2. Determine suitable chicken house requirements
LO3. Install cage/ housing equipment
LO4. Feed chicken
LO5. Grow and Harvest chicken
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
1. Breed/strains are identified as per PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP

Guidelines
2. Healthy chicks are selected based on industry acceptable indicator for healthy
chicks.
chicks.
3. Suitable site for chicken house are determined based on PNS recommendations.
4. Chicken house design is prepared based PNS recommendations.
5. House equipment installation design is prepared in line with PNS recommendation
and actual scenario.

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LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 1
LO1. SELECT HEALTHY STOCKS AND SUITABLE HOUSING
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
1. Breed/strains are identified as per PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP

Guidelines
2. Healthy chicks are selected based on industry acceptable indicator for healthy
chicks.
chicks.
3. Suitable site for chicken house are determined based on PNS recommendations.
4. Chicken house design is prepared based PNS recommendations.
5. House equipment installation design is prepared in line with PNS recommendation
and actual scenario.
CONTENTS:
 Types, breeds and ststrains

rains of chicken
 Characteristics of desirable and undesirable strains for organic chicken
 Selection of healthy chicks based on industry acceptable in PNS-Organic
Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP Guidelines

Culling parameters
CONDITIONS:
The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

following:
 Training farm
 Reference materials
 PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP Guidelines
METHODOLOGIES:
 Lecture and hands-on

 Demonstration
 Video Presentation
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Written examination
 Demonstration of practical skills
 Direct observation
 Interview/ Questioning

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Learning Experiences
Experiences
Learning Outcome 1
LO1. SELECT HEALTHY STOCKS AND SUITABLE HOUSING
Learning Activities
Activities Special Instructions
Instructions

1. Read
“Types,
“Types, information
breeds and strainssheet no. 1.1-1
of chicken”
chicken” Read Information Sheet 1.1-1 then answer the Self-
Check 1.1-1 and compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.1-1.
2.Answer self- check. 1.1-1 Compare answers with

the Answer Key 1.1-1
3. Read information sheet no 1.1-2

“Characteristics of desirable and undesirable Read Information Sheet 1.1-2 then answer the Self-
strains for organic chicken”
chicken” Check 1.1-2 and compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.1-2.
4. Answer Self-Check 1.1-2

Compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.1-2
5. Read information sheet 1.1-3

1.1-3 “Selection of
healthy chicks based on industry acceptable in
PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP Read Information Sheet 1.1-3 then answer the Self-
Guidelines”
Guidelines” Check 1.1-3 and compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.1-3
Key 1.1-3
Read Information Sheet 1.1-4 then answer the Self-
. Key 1.1-4
7.Read information Sheet 1.1-4

1.1-4 on “Culling
“Culling
parameters”
parameters”

Key 1.1-4

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Information Sheet 1.1-1

Types, Breeds and Stra
Strains
ins of Chicken
Learning Objectives:
After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:
Identify types, breeds and strains of chicken
Breeds refer
Breeds refer to a group of bird that have similar body shape and conformation, they
breed true to the type and are descended from common ancestry. Within a breed, a sub-
group which differ either in comb shape or plumage colour or both is referred to as
“Variety”. Within a variety, another sub-group may be developed by a breeder with a
“Variety”.
specific desired characteristic is called “Strain”
“Strain”
Ex: Babcock strain of Single comb White Leghorn
Before learning about the different breeds, varieties and strains of chicken, it is
suggested to go through the different parts of a chicken thoroughly (Fig. 1.1) for better
understanding.
Fig. 1.1: Parts of a chicken
Beak -
- The chicken's beak serves three functions. First, it is the chicken's mouth. Second,
it is used for fighting and protection.
pr otection. And third, it functions as the teeth of the chicken,
enabling the bird to break grass, bananas and other foods into pieces small enough to
swallow.
Comb and wattles -

wattles - It is believed that the comb and wattles of chickens serve to cool
their blood.
Ear lobes -
lobes - The ear lobes of chickens serve hearing and other ear functions.
Eyes - The eyeball of a chicken is stationary; thus, a chicken must move its head to vary
Eyes -
the range of vision
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Feathers - Feathers provide insulation and bufter extremes of heat and cold.
Wings - Chickens cannot fly very well. They can flap their wings sufficiently to raise
themselves about three meters (m) off the ground
Tail and tail feathers -

feathers - The tail is used for balance while walking and, in flying, as a rudder
for up - and - down and
a nd side - to - side motion.
Feet and claws -

claws - In addition to walking, feet and claws are used in fighting (for
protection) and in finding food.
There are several differences between male and female chickens that should help in
identification.
These are:
Size - The male will

Size - w ill grow taller and usually weighs between 0.5 and 1 kg (1 to 2 pounds)
more than females of the same age upon reaching maturity. A male of one breed may
weigh less than the female of another breed. This greater size is not apparent until the
chicken attains four weeks of age. At one day old there is no difference at all between
b etween
male and female chicks.
Comb and spurs -

spurs - The comb of the male will become much larger than the comb of a
female. On the female, spurs hardly develop at all when compared to the male.
Vocal expressions - Everyone

- Everyone knows that a rooster crows while a hen doesn't. What is not
generally known is that roosters crow intermittently all day long, not just in the morning.
Feathers -
Feathers - Adult males have
ha ve distinguishably different feathers from those of adult fem
females.
ales.
The most distinguishable are the tail feathers which are long and stringy on the male.
Usually male chickens of improved layer breeds are destroyed within a day or two
after they are taken from the incubator because it is uneconomical to raise them for meat.
In the case of improved meat breeds, both female and male are of economic value and
are raised.
Chicken Breeds
Selecting the best breed of chicken can be difficult as there are so many
choices. Understanding their differences will help to save you time and money. The
following chart highlights characteristics considered by producers when determining
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the breeds for their flocks. It is designed to be a starting point when deciding between
all the breeds. Once you pick the breed you are most interested in, further research of
the breed is encouraged.
Primary
Breed Varieties Egg Color Egg Size Characteristics
Usage
Black, Blue, Blue Medium sized
Ameraucana Wheaten, Brown

Red, Buff, Silver, Blue/Green Large chicken, colorful
feather patterns. Eggs
Wheaten, White Excellent egg layers.
Known for being
Single Comb and Extra
Anconas White excellent large egg Eggs
Rose Comb Large
layers. Non- setting.
Popular breed for light
brown eggs, heavy
Australorps Black Brown Large Dual
bird used for meat as
well.
Heavy-bodied,
Brahmas Light, Dark, Buff Brown Large Eggs
broody breed.
Heavier and wider

bodied breed,
Buckeye Only one variety Brown Large Dual
excellent dual-
purpose.
Mainly used for egg
Buttercups Gold, Silver White Medium Eggs
production.
Smaller-bodied breed
Campines Silver, Golden White Medium more suitable for egg Eggs
laying.
Buff, Partridge.
White, Black, Fluffy feather, broody
Barred, Silver breed, and
Cochins Brown Small Eggs
Laced, Golden considered one of the
Laced, Blue, largest breeds.
Brown
Dark, White, White
Excellent meat
Cornish Laced, Blue, Meat
chickens.
Brown
Mostly white with
Delawares Only one variety Brown Large barred tail and hackle Dual
(neck feathers).
An American white
Dominiques Only one variety Brown Large and black barred Exhibition
breed (also known as
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Primary
Usage
cuckoo pattern).
Adapt well to
climates.
Versatitle breed used
Silver Gray, for meat and egg
Dorkings-Single
Colored, Cuckoo, White Medium production. Has red Dual
Comb Red, White ear lobes, but
produces white eggs.
Dual Purpose breed,
mainly used for
Faverolles Salmon, White Light Brown Medium Dual
exhibition and has 5
toes.
Black, Golden
Penciled, Golden Excellent large egg
Hamburg Spangles, Silver White Medium layers and good Eggs
Penciled, Silver foragers.
Spangled, White
Large, heavy breed
Jersey Giants Black, Blue, White Brown Large used for egg Dual
production and
meat.
Light Brown, Dark
brown, White,
Extra
Leghorn Buff, Black, Silver, White Prolific egg layer Eggs
Large
Red, Black Tailed
Red, Columbian
Excellent egg layers
Black Copper, Extra with very dark brown
Maran Dark Brown Dual
Wheaten Large eggs. May be used for
meat.
Single comb
black, Single
comb white, Rose Extra Large framed, hardy
Minocra White Eggs
comb black, Large and active breed.
Single comb buff,
Rose comb white,
Dual Purpose breed,
New Extra
Red Brown used more for meat Dual
Hampshire Red Large
production.
Heavy dual purpose
Black, Blue, Buff,
Orpington Brown Large breed, and an Dual
White
excellent egg layer.

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Primary
Usage
Known to lay well in
the winter months
too.
Dual purpose broody
Barred, White,
chickens that will
Buff, Partridge,
Plymouth Rock Brown Large make good mothers, Dual
Silver Penciled,
Blue, Columbian and do not mind the
cold.
Golden Silver,
Polish-Bearded White, Buff Laced,
Prolific egg layers,
and Non- White Crested White Medium Eggs
similar to Leghorns.
Bearded Blue, Black,
Crested White
This breed is a good
egg layer, meat
RedCaps Only one variety White Medium Dual
chicken and exhibtion
breed.
Known for being the
Rhode Island Single Comb and
Reds Rose Comb Brown Large best egg layer as a Dual
dual purpose breed.
Speckled, Red,
Sussex Light, Brown, Brown Large Dual purpose breed. Dual
Silver, Buff
Good egg production
Very Dark chicken, cold
Welsummers Only one variety Large Eggs
Brown weather hardy with a
docile temperment.
Silver Laced,
Golden Laced, Dual purpose breed.
White, Black, Buff, Cold weather hardy
Wyandottes Brown Large Dual
Partridge, Silver and make a good
Penciled, exhibition bird.
Columbian, Blue
Egg and Meat Production
Some chicken breeds are referred to as dual-purpose breeds that will lay an
adequate amount of eggs and grow large enough for meat production. The
downside, though, is that the chicken will not mature quickly like other breeds of meat
chickens. Hybrid birds, also called sex-linked,
sex -linked, tend to be good dual-purpose, but hybrid
birds cannot reproduce.
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Meat Production
Chickens that are bred solely for meat producti on are generally poor egg layers
because these birds are faster growing. Because of their faster growth, meat birds
require a larger amount of feed daily with a higher protein content compared to egg -
laying birds. The fastest growing birds are a Cornish chicken crossed
cr ossed with a White Rock,
which is referred to as a Cornish Cross. Using good livestock care practices, producers
will have fryers at approximately seven weeks weighing 4 to 6 pounds, reaching
roasting stage of 6 to 10 pounds in eight to 12 weeks.

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Self –
Self – Check
Check
Identification.. Fill in the blank with the correct word

Identification
___________________1.
___________________1. It is within a breed, a sub-group which differ either in comb
shape or plumage colour or both.
___________________
___________________ 2. refer to a group of bird that have similar body shape and
conformation, they breed true to the type and are descended
from common ancestry.
___________________3.
___________________3. It is within a variety, another sub-group may be developed
by a breeder with a specific desired characteristic.
__________________
__________________ 4. used for balance while walking and, in flying, as a rudder for
up - and - down and side - to - side motion.
__________________5.
__________________5. Known for being the best egg layer as a dual purpose breed.

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ANSWER KEY
1. variety

2. breed
3. Strain
4. Tail and tail feathers
5. Rhode island red

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Information Sheet No. 1.1-2

Characteristics of desirable and undesirable strains ffor
or organic Chicken
Characteristics of chickens
Chickens come in many sizes and colors. They lay eggs which can range in color
from pure white, to dark brown, to olive green, to speckled. The number of eggs an adult
female lays in a year varies from none to 365, or one a day. The typical country chicken
which has had no breed improvement usually will lay between 25 and 100 eggs per year,
depending mostly on conditions such as feed, exposure to disease and predators, weather,
and others. Layers usually start producing eggs between six and eight months of age,
depending upon their health and the time of the year. The improved breeds start laying at
five to six months of age, and under good conditions will lay between 180 and 365 eggs
yearly, with an average flock of 100 birds producing 240 to 280 eggs per layer. There also
are improved breeds which are intended specifically for meat production. Chickens from
such breeds can weigh over 2 kg at only seven to eight weeks of age.
Chickens hatch from fertilized eggs after

a fter 21 days of incubation. In
I n poultry production,
incubation can either be by natural means (a broody hen) or by artificial means (an
incubator). Before hatching, chicks absorb the yolk of their egg into their lower body in the
yolk sac. This yolk supplies them with enough food and water for up to two days, at which
time they must begin drinking and eating on their own. Chicks hatch by breaking through
an air cell in the large end of the shell. Using their upper beaks, chicks peck a hole through
the shell, then continue to peck at it until the shell is weakened enough so that it can be
entirely broken open. This process is called pipping
called pipping..
At hatching, chicks are wet. Within a few hours they dry out and are covered with a
soft down. The first feathers appear within a week on the wing tips and tail; other feathers
grow in later.
Chickens mature at different rates, depending on breed, nutrition and

environmental factors. Most will be mature by six months of age.
age . Males are called cockerels
until they reach maturity, when they are called roosters or cocks.
c ocks. Before reaching maturity,
female chickens are called pullets, once they begin laying, they are called hens. Some

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farmers will refer to a whole flock of female chickens as pullets until the entire fl ock reaches
full egg production.
Self -Check
Explain:
1. What are the characteristics of desirable and undesirable strains for organic
chicken?

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INFORMATION 1.1-3
Selection of healthy chicks based on industry acceptable in PNS-Organic
Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP Guidelines
Chicken Breed Selection
There are various reasons people raise chickens: for eggs, meat, show and exhibition
or simply to enjoy caring for and watching chicks grow. For some, raising chickens is
a hobby while others see it as a sustainable part of living. This fact sheet will explore
characteristics of chicken breeds to help select the right breed for you.
What are your goals for raising chickens?

chickens?
Before selecting the breed of chick to purchase, you need to ask yourself several
questions. The first one is: What are your needs for your flock? This is important
because you are looking at a commitment of potentially seven to eight years, which
is the average lifespan of a chicken. Other questions include:
What is your end goal for raising chickens?
Do you want a certain type of egg, or are you looking for meat production chickens?
Is your goal egg production, egg and meat production, or just meat production?
Are you interested in raising chickens for show purposes and production is not
important?
Each breed of chicken has traits that make them better suited for exhibition, egg,
meat or dual purpose production.
Terminology
Terminology
Being able to talk “chicken” is important. Here are a few terms used for poultry:
Hen: a
Hen: a female adult chick
chicken
en
Rooster: a
Rooster: a male adult chicken
Chick: a baby chicken of either sex

Chick: a
Pullet: a
Pullet: a female chick (immature chicken)
Cockerel: a
Cockerel: a male chick (immature chicken)
Broody: a
Broody: a hen inclined or wishing to incubate eggs
Non-Setting: a
Non-Setting: a hen that does not have the inclination or wish to incubate eggs
Dual Purpose: chicken
Purpose: chicken practical for meat and egg production

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Good Quality Chicks
-Bright eyes
-Clean, downy and fluffy feathers
-uniformity
-Well healed navels
-Come from reputable source
Difference between Good and Bad Stock
Character Good Stocks Bad Stocks

Stocks
Vents Dilated most oval shaped Dry, small and round
large and moist
Span Three- four fingers in width Only about one-two fingers
on width
Comb,Wattles, Earlobes Fully developed, bright and Pale, small, dry and cold
red warm
Pubic Bones Spread apart, thin and Close together, thick and
pliable hard
Abdomen Soft with thin skin Hard with thick skin
FEED MATERIALS
Nutrient requirements of Chicken
Protein (madre
Protein (madre de agua,
a gua, ipil-ipil)
Carbohydrates (root
Carbohydrates (root Crops)
Calcium –
Calcium – eggshells
eggshells and seashells
Potassium –
Potassium – tubers
tubers (banana)
FEEDING MANAGEMENT
-Restricted
-Restricted
-Adlibitum

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-Combination
HEALTH CARE PROGRAM

PROGRAM
-Deworming
_vitamins/minerals supplementation using concoctions
SANITATION AND CLEANLINESS PROGRAM
-cleaning
-application of beneficial micro-organisms
-collection of manures
FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL BROODING
A. Proper Temperature
Ages of chicks Temperature (oC )
1-7 days 32.2-35
8-14 days 29.4-32.2
15-21 days 26.7-29.4
Behavior of Chicks in Brooder
-Proper Temperature
Chicks are evenly distributed in the brooding area.
-Temperature is lower than the chick is needed
They huddle with each other.
_Temperature is higher than the chick is needed
They stay away from the source of heat.
B. Adequate Space Allowance

C. Proper Ventilation
D. Proper Sanitation
E. Adequate Lighting Facilities

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Self –
Self – Check
Check
Enumeration : Enumerate the following;
Characteristics of a good quality chicks
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Nutrient requirements of chicken
6.
7.
8.
9.
Factors for Successful brooding
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

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Answer Key
Characteristics of a good quality chicks
1.Bright eyes
2. Clean, downy and fluffy feathers
3. uniformity
4. Well healed navels
5. Come from reputable source
Nutrient requirements of chicken
6. Protein
Protein (madre
(madre de agua,
a gua, ipil-ipil)
7. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates (root
(root Crops)
8. Calcium
Calcium –
– eggshells
eggshells and seashells
9. Potassium
Potassium –
– tubers
tubers (banana)
Factors for Successful brooding
10. Proper
Proper Temperature
11. Adequate
Adequate Space Allowance
12. Proper
Proper Ventilation
13. Proper
Proper Sanitation
14. Adequate
Adequate Lighting Facilities
INFORMATION SHEET No. 1.1-4

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Culling parameters
When is the Right Time to Cull a Chicken?
CULLING-- is the removal of undesirable, unprofitable and unproductive stock

CULLING
How to Cull: What to Look for in Your Chickens
Things to look for in a non-producing hen when culling your chicken flock:
1. Feathers.
Feathers. The feathers of a laying hen should be dirty, worn, and ragged looking,
since they are concentrating their energy on producing eggs and not on preening
and replacing their dirty feathers.
2. Combs and wattles. A

wattles. A non-producing hen will have scaly, pale,
pale , and shriveled
combs and wattles, while a good layer will have waxy, full, bright red ones.
3. Pubic bones. Pubic

bones. Pubic bones should be flexible and you should be able to fit two or
three fingers between them. A non-layer will have tight pubic bones that are quite
rigid.
4. Vent.
Vent. Pull back the hen’s tail feathers and inspect the vent. It should be large, oval,
and moist if she’s laying well. A non-
non -layer’s vent will be dry, tight, and round.
r ound.
5. Carriage.
Carriage. A good layer will be alert
aler t to her surroundings and not be listless and lazy.
la zy.
Her eyes should be bright and she should be relatively active (such as scratching in
the litter, running around with her companions, etc.).

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6. Skin.
Skin. Depending on when you check, a hen’s skin should be bleached, while non -
layers will have dark-pigmented skin.
Of all the indicators of good and non-layers,

non -layers, the pubic bones and the vent are the most
m ost
reliable.
CULLING:
1. In case of diseases outbreaks happen in farm

- Isolate affected birds.
- Implements biosecurity in the farm.
- Review medication program
- Consult organic expert immediately when disease out breaks in the farm strikes.
2. Poultry record keeping
- Strain and source of chicks
- Feed consumption

- Medication
- Production
- Financial record
- Mortality
- Inventory
3. In case of cannibalism occurs in the farm?
- Isolate injured birds
- Identify its cause
- Give the right ratio of protein
- Provide with adequate floor, feed and drinking
- Maitain right tempearture
- De beaking
Safety equipment should you use when cleaning and disinfecting poultry diseses.
Four Reasons a Hobbyists Should Cull
1. Culling removes the risk of your other chickens

chickens catching a disease from the sick or
injured one.
2. Culling increases food and water space for the productive chickens.

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3. Culling increases the flock’s overall

overal l egg-per-hen ratio or per-bird average growth rate.
4. Finally, culling inferior chickens increases the living space for the producing chickens.
Self –
Self – Check
Check
1. What is culling?

2. Reasons for culling.
3. What to look in culling the chicken?

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Answer Key
1. CULLING- is the removal of undesirable, unprofitable and unproductive stock

2. Reasons for culling:
a. Culling removes
removes the risk of your other chickens catching a disease from
from the sick
or injured one.
b. Culling increases food and water space for the productive chickens.
c. Culling increases the flock’s overall egg-per-hen
egg -per-hen ratio or per-bird average
growth rate.
d. Finally, culling inferior chickens increases the living space for the producing
chickens.
3. What to look in culling the chicken?

a. Feathers
b. Vents
c. Comb and wattles
d. Skin
e. Pubic bones
f. carriage

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INFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.1-5

Housing Equipment
Poultry Farming: Poultry Housing and Equipment
The need for a Poultry Housing:-
a) Protection from other climatic extremes such as di

direct
rect su
sun,
n, wind, rain and even ag
against
ainst
theft and attack from natural enemies of the birds such as, fox, dog, cat, kite, snake, etc.
The birds also should be protected against external parasites like ticks, lice, mice, etc.
b) Comfort: The best egg production is secured from birds tthat hat are comfortable and
happy. To be comfortable, a house must provide adequate accommodation, be
reasonably cool in the hot weather, free from drafts and sufficiently warm during the cool
weather. Above all, provide adequate supply of fresh air and sunshine; and remain dry
always.
c) Provision of dry condition which are hygienic and do not predispose the birds to
diseases and parasites.
d) Allowing, as far as possible, for inherent behavior patt

patterns
erns of the birds, and minimizing
the effect of social dominance.
e) Convenience: The house should be located at a convenient place, and tthe

he equipment
so arranged as to allow cleaning and other necessary operation as required.
f) Provision of accessible food and clean water a

and
nd for effective disposal of waste.
g) Providing condition so tthat

hat good stockmanship can be practiced.
Location of Poultry Housing
a. Relation to other Buildings:- The

Buildings:- The poultry house should not be close to the home as too
create unsanitary condition.
condition. On the other hand, it should not be too far away either
because this will require more time in going to and fro in caring for the birds. In general, at
least three trips should be made daily to the poultry house in feeding, watering, gathering
the eggs.
b.Exposure:- The poultry house should face south or east in most localities. A southern
b.Exposure:-
exposure permits more sunlight in the house than any of the other possible exposures. An
eastern exposure is almost as good as a southern one. Birds prefer morning sunlight to that
of the afternoon. The birds are more active in the morning and will spend more time in the
sunlight.
c. Soil and Drainage:- If

Drainage:- If possible, the poultry house should be placed on a sloping hillside
rather than a hilltop or in the bottom of a valley. A sloping hillside provides good drainage
and affords some protection.

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LO2. SET-UP CAGE EQUIPMENT
1. House equipment are installed in line with housing equipment installation design
2. Bedding materials are

materials are secured based on availability in the locality
3. Bedding is prepared in accordance with housing equipment housing design
4. Brooding facility is

facility is set-up in accordance with the housing equipment installation
design.
CONTENTS:
 Characteristics of a suitable site

 Housing designs and housing materials/equipment specifications
 In door/Out door space requirements
 PNS, Animal Welfare Act, Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), DENR,
government zoning ordinances


Local materials
Brooding facilityfor chicken house and ranging area
CONDITIONS:
The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

following:
 Tools and materials:

-paper
-pencil
-learning materials (PNS, Animal Welfare Act, GAHP, DENR/government zoning

ordinances)
METHODOLOGIES:
 Lecture
 Video presentation
 Lakbay Aral
 Demonstration
ASSESSMENT METHODS:
 Demonstration
 Written examination
 Questioning (oral)
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Learning Experiences
Learning Outcome 2
SET-UP CAGE EQUIPMENT
Learning Activities
Activities Special Instructions
Instructions
1.Read information sheet no. 1.2-1
“Characteristics of a suitable site”
site” Read Information Sheet 1.2-1 then answer the Self-
Key 1.2-1.
2.Answer self- check. 1.2-1 Compare answers with
the Answer Key 1.2-1
3. Read information sheet no 1.2-2

1.2- 2 “Housing
“Housing
designs and housing materials/equipment Read Information Sheet 1.2-2 then answer the Self-
specifications” Check 1.1-2 and compare answers with the Answer
Key 1.2-2.
Key 1.2-2
5. Read iinformation
nformation sheet 1.2-3
1.2-3 “In door/Out
door space requirements”
requirements”
Read Information Sheet 1.2-3 then answer the Self-
6. Answer Self-Check 1.2-3 Key 1.2-3
Key 1.2-3
Read Information Sheet 1.2-4then answer the Self-

7. Read information sheet 1.2-4
1.2-4 “Local Check 1.2-4and compare answers with the Answer
materials for chicken house and ranging Key 1.2-4
area”
area”

Key 1.2-4
9. Read information Sheet 1.2-5

1.2- 5 “Brooding facility”
facility” Read Information Sheet 1.2-6 then
then answer
answer the Self-
Self-
Key 1.2-6
Key 1.2-5
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
PRODUCTION NC II Date Developed:
October 2019 Document
Issued by: No. TM 1Page
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IINFORMATION SHEET NO. 1.2-1
Characteristics Of A Suitable Site
Poultry farming is a good business and a very profitable one for that matter.
However, there are some major challenges when it comes to proper housing systems for
the poultry.
A good poultry housing systems with a good ventilation system, flooring, lighting,
fencing etc. areavery

the beginning, important
lot of forbe
costs will the success
saved of every poultry
in combating farm. Ifdisease
predators, you getcontrol
it right from
and
preventions and controlling unfavorable climatic conditions.
Factors to consider in choosing a good Poultry Housing System

System
1. Your Research
Research
This is one of the most important first things to do. Make the best decisions on your
poultry housing system from the valuable information you gather.
2. The Purpose
Purpose
What is the purpose for starting your poultry farm? The question seeks to guide the
choice of the best and suitable poultry housing system for your farm. The answer to this will
help avoid all the inconveniences and costly readjustments and also help to put up the
right housing for your poultry farm. For example; if the purpose is to build a hatchery and
produce day-old-chicks for sale, then you need to plan your poultry housing. You need to
know all the operations entailed including how to handle the chicks before they are sold,
disease handling etc. All these considerations go into the planning of a poultry housing
system.
If you are considering egg production, the housing must suit egg collection and
storage. The purpose should be well defined to properly design and construct a suitable
housing for your poultry.
3. The Climatic Conditions

Conditions
It is very important to consider the climatic conditions in the environment you hope
to see before you choose the right poultry
p oultry housing system. Enquire from the poultry farmers
in your area to know the climatic challenges they have. If it is a cold area, the housing must
be insulated to provide heat for the poultry. Ventilation is also a key factor to consider. Bad
ventilation easily leads to spread of diseases.
4. The Location
The location of the farm is also an important factor to consider in poultry housing
system construction. If you intend to put up your poultry farm in an area which is easily
accessible to predators, then consider fencing the farm. Cats, snakes, dogs and some wild
animals could be a threat to your birds. Fencing will help protect your birds.
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5. The Type / Breed of Birds
The number of chickens that are accommodated in a specific space per time is
different from turkeys and other birds and so is the space dimensions. Therefore, it is
important to know the type of birds you intend to raise. This will help design the appropriate
housing with appropriate spacing. Some birds like guinea fowls and a nd quails can fly and their
pr event them from flying beyond restricted areas.
housing should be designed to prevent
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD POULTRY HOUSING SYSTEM

SYSTEM
If you have ever been to a good poultry farm, then you sure would realize that
having a good poultry housing system is one way to ensure that things run smoothly in the
farm as well as one factor that determines how healthy the animals might grow.
1. Controlled Access
Access
A good poultry housing system should be designed in such a way that workers can
move easily, unrestricted by obstacles. Ease of movement will help in feeding, providing
water and effective cleaning of the farm. Also, the movement of objects and birds from
the farm would be easier.
However, the design should make the birds not easily accessible to visitors and
unauthorized people. Easy access to this group of people can increase the incidence of
diseases and even theft. The position of the housing on the farmland from the main
entrance to the farm is very vital to consider to prevent easy access to unauthorized
people.
2. Comfortable flooring/bedding for the birds

birds
A good poultry housing should have a comfortable flooring/bedding for the birds. It
should also be safe for the eggs. If your bedding is poor, eggs can easily get cracked and
you incur losses.
3. Convenient To Clean
Clean
A poultry housing system should be built in a way that makes every part of the farm
easy to access and clean. In poultry production, hygiene is key and may determine the
success or failure of the poultry farm business. A good and well-planned poultry housing
system is easy and convenient to clean to minimize the death of birds.
4. Easy Egg Collection

Collection
The safety and easiness of egg collection should be considered in poultry housing
system. If eggs production is the main purpose or part of the purposes for a poultry farm
business, then the way eggs are collected to prevent cracks and damages should be
considered when building the poultry housing. Eggs must be collected in good condition
and so cracked eggs are a loss to the business.
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5. Good Lighting and Heating System

System
Surely, a good lighting and heating system is a very important consideration in

poultry housing system. You need to provide adequate warmth for the birds for good
health. A good lighting and heating system ensures that. A good lighting system lightens
the house enables the birds to find water and feed.
6. Proper Ventilation
Ventilation
Proper ventilation prevents the spread of flu

fl u and other contagious diseases. A good
ventilation is another key feature of a good poultry housing system and key to the success
of your poultry farm.
7. Effective Waste Disposal Unit

Unit
An effective waste disposal unit reduces the risk of exposing the birds to diseases.
Birds dying in poultry production is inevitable. However, leaving
le aving the carcass in or around the
farm poses health risks to the birds. If dead birds are not well disposed of, they produce
some foul smell and may result in flu for both humans and birds. Bad eggs also produce an
offensive smell. So, incorporating am effective waste disposal unit in the poultry housing will
help manage waste.
8. Divisions for Different Ages and Species of Birds

Birds
A good poultry housing system should be designed such that birds of different ages
or species and separated. The must be divisions in the house that allows you to do that.
Older birds may kill your chicks by stepping on them or pecking them. Moreover, other types
of birds when mixed with
w ith other different types may result in fighting. They must be kept and
confined to different room/pen.
9. Standard Hatchery Unit

Unit
Since it is more economical to hatch your own eggs than buying day-old chicks,
having a standard hatchery unit in your poultry housing is very much recommended.
Poultry Housing Design
The economical growing of chickens starts from the correct and adequate design
of the building for the appropriate breed
br eed and the environment of the location. The designs
of the poultry house for hens or broilers in some countries dose not always based on
engineering and scientific foundation, but on some incorrect information, and practices or
lack of accurate information. For these reasons and others there is a high mortality rate. In
many situations it is not adequate for large production, or using standard mechanization
(feeding, drinking systems) for poultry production. Selecting the correct dimensions for the
poultry house helps in use of standard mechanization and adequate design of the
ventilation system. Not using scientific rules in poultry building design could create
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production problems, high production cost, lower returns, and wastage of different types
of energy.
There are three types of House
1. Open-side Poultry house
2. Front and Back sides
3. Controlled Environment house

OPEN-SIDED POULTRY HOUSE
Most of the poultry houses in the world are conventional or open-sided that is, they
rely on the free flow of air through the house for ventilation. Certain requirements must be
met if such a ventilated house is to provide an adequate environment. Care in following
these rules during the course of construction will avoid pitfalls later.Width of house. The width
of the open-sided poultry house should be about 30 ft (9.8 m) and no more than 40 ft (12.2
m) wide. Houses that are wider will not provide ample ventilation during hot weather. Wide
houses also require additional interior supports that may interfere with
w ith equipment or manure
removal. This width recommendation is basic for growing birds, broilers, and laying hens.
Height of house
Most open-sided houses have a stud that is 8 ft (2.4 m) long. The study represents
the distance from the foundation to the roofline. In areas where the temperature is
exceptionally high throughout the year, the stud length should be increased to 10 ft (3 m).
High-rise houses, with manure storage areas below the cages or slats, should be as high as
14 ft (4.3 m) or more at the eaves.
Length of house
house
Poultry houses may be almost any

an y convenient length. The terrain on which
w hich they are
to be built often determines the length; rolling land means more grading before
construction can start. Because automatic feeding equipment will limit the length of the
poultry house, the equipment manufacturer should be consulted about the optimum
length of the feeding system. Many times the feed hopper is placed in the center of long
houses to provide better use of automatic feeders.
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Shape of roof
roof
Practically all poultry houses built today have a gable

gab le roof, the pitch varying from
one-quarter to one-third. A good overhang should be provided to protect the inside from
driving rains and to afford interior shade.
Roof exhausts
Houses should be equipped with a covered exhaust area at the peak of the roof to
allow excess heat to escape. Various systems are available to close the exhaust during the
colder months in order to conserve heat.
Insulation
Open-sided and environmentally controlled houses use a variety of building

materials. The choice is dependent on the structural strength required, the isolative
characteristics of the material, material availability, and material cost. Galvanized steel or
aluminum are most commonly used for roofing and siding. Framing is usually done with
wood or steel and some houses constructed recently have used the tilt-up concrete wall
method of construction.
Foundation
A solid and adequate foundation should support the building. Concrete, concrete
blocks, bricks, or other permanent and termite-proof material should be used. Evenness of
the foundation is important, for it will determine the evenness of the completed structure.
Floor.
With certain disease-control programs, a concrete or similar floor is mandatory. It is

also necessary when the soil is very dense and can
c an absorb and transfer moisture from lower
subsoil, but in certain areas, where the soil is sandy, and where commercial broilers or
commercial layers or breeders are kept, a concrete slab is not used when birds are placed
on the floor. Cage houses usually have concrete
c oncrete walks to facilitate the movement
moveme nt of hand
egg collection carts and mobile feed carts. The area beneath the cages may or may not
be paved depending on the manure removal program and method.
Doors.
Doors at the end of the house should be large enough for a truck, tractor, or m
manure-
anure-
handling equipment to pass through. Such equipment will be used when the house is
cleaned.
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Orientation.
Houses must be oriented in a direction to take advantage of prevailing airflow

patterns. Orientation must also be considered relative to solar heat transfer into the building
from exposed roofs or sidewalls. Pullet-rearing areas should always be located
l ocated upwind from
adult birds.
Open front and back Sides
With this type of house most of the side areas are open. The height of the opening will
be determined by climatic conditions, and by the type of bird being housed, as follows:
a. Broilers and young chicks

From one-half to two-thirds of each side is left open, the exact amount being
determined by summer and winter temperatures. When
Whe n both heat and cold are to be dealt
with, the size of the opening should be medium. Where heat is continuous, the opening
should be larger; sometimes almost all of the side is left open.
b. Growing birds and layers

The opening size is greater for older birds. They should be provided with more air
because bird density is greater and more ventilation is necessary.
c. Cage houses

Houses equipped with cages necessitate the greatest amount of air movement. The
bird density is the greatest of any
a ny type of flock. Sides should be almost completely open.
d. Curtains during cold weather.

Young chicks and older birds should be given some protection during periods of cold
weather and extreme winds. Curtains made of some durable and plasticlike material
usually provide this protection. They are installed down the length of the building and hung
so that the entire curtain may be rolled up or down by cables and a winch located at one
end of the building or by thermostatically controlled automatic winches.

Controlled environment house
A controlled-environment house is one in which inside conditions are maintained as

near as possible to the bird's optimum requirements. Air is removed from the house by
exhaust fans and fresh air is brought in through intake openings. Artificial light, rather than
natural daylight, is used to illuminate the interior. Where high outside temperatures are
involved, some method of controlling the temperature inside of the house is provided. The
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houses are not heated except for brooders. The heat from the birds is used to keep inside
temperature within the range required for maximum feed efficiencies.
Self-Check
1. What are the factors to consider in choosing a good Poultry Housing System?
2. What are the three types of poultry house?
3. Why poultry housing important?
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Answer Key
1. Factors to consider in choosing a good Poultry Housing System

a.research
b. purpose
c. climatic condition
d. location
e. type/ breed of birds
2. Types of poultry house

a. Open
Open –
– side
side poultry house
b. Front and back sides
c. Controlled environment house
Information No. 1.2-2
Housing designs and housing materials/equipment specifications

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The type of soil is also very important if the birds are to be given a range. A fertile
well drained soil is desired. This will be a sandy loam rather than a heavy clay soil. A fertile
soil will grow good vegetation which
wh ich is one of the main reason
r eason for providing range. If poultry
house is located on flat poorly drained soil, the yards should be tiled, otherwise, the birds
should be kept in total confinement.
1-15 DAYS OLD CHICKS

CHICKS
16-30 DAYS OLD
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document

PRODUCTION NC II October 2019 Issued by: No. TM 1Page
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31-45 DAYS OLD

OLD
Housing Requirements:
(1) Floor Space:

Space: The smaller the house, the more square feet are required for each
hen. Bigger pens have more actual usable floor space per bird than smaller pens. The
recommendations suggested below might be useful regarding floor, feeders and watering
space. For economic production of laying hens, it is always better to keep them in small
unit of 15-25 birds. This number can go up to a maximum limit of 250 or so are advisable.
When there is a long house, partitioning at every unit should be made to eliminate drafts
etc.
Table 1: Floor space requirement per bird

bird
No.
No. Age (weeks)
(weeks) Floor space per birds(Cm2)
birds(Cm2)
1 0-8 700
2 9-12 950
3 13-20 1,900
4 21-above 2,300-2,800
bird
Table 2: Feeder space requirement per bird
No.
No. Age (weeks)
(weeks) Feeder space per
birds(linear Cm)
Cm)
1 0-2 2.5

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2 3-6 4.0
3 7-12 7.5
4 13 and above 10.0
Table 3: Amount of water required and watering

wa tering space for chicken
Age (weeks)
(weeks) Water space per chick(linear Amount of water per 1000
cm)
cm) birds (liters)
(liters)
0-4 0-6cm 2.8-4
5-8 1.2cm 12-14
9-12 10cm 20-25
13-16 12.5cm 35-40
16 and above 15cm 45-48
(2) Ventilation:: Ventilation in the poultry house is necessary to provide the birds with
Ventilation
fresh air and to carry off moisture. Since the fowl is a small animal with a rapid metabolism,
its air requirements per unit of the body is high in comparison with that of other animals. A
house that is well tall enough for the attendant to move around comfortably will supply far
more air space than will be required by the birds that can be
b e accommodated in the given
floor space.
(3) Temperature:
Temperature: Hens
Hens needs a moderate temperature of 50-70oF. Birds need a warmer
temperature at night, then they are inactive, than during the day. The use of insulation with
straw pack or other materials not only keeps the house warmer during the rainy seasons,
but also cooler during the dry seasons. Cross ventilation also aids in keeping the house
comfortable during hot weather.

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(4) Dryness:: Absolute dry conditions inside a poultry house is always an

Dryness a n ideal condition.
Dampness causes discomfort to the birds and also gives rise to diseases like colds,
pneumonia. Dampness in poultry house is caused by:- (a) Moisture rising through the floor,
(b) leaky roofs or wall, (c) Rain or snow entering through the windows, (d) leaky water
containers, (e) Exhalation of birds.
(5) Light:: Daylight in the house is desirable for the comfort of the birds. They seem more
Light
contented on bright sunny days than in dark, cloudy weather. Sunlight in the poultry house
is desirable not only because of the destruction of disease and germs, it also for supplying
vitamin D; but also because, it brightens the house and makes the birds happy. Birds do
fairly well when kept under artificial light.
(6) Sanitation:: The worst enemies of the birds, i.e. lice, ticks, fleas, and mites are
Sanitation
abundant in poultry houses. They do not only transmit diseases, but also retard growth and
laying capacity. The design of the house should be such which admits easy cleaning and
spraying. There should be minimum cracks and crevices.
Poultry House Equipment
The poultry house should be equipped with roasts, nests, feed hoppers, water
containers and any other items which is essential for satisfactory production.
It should be simple in construction
Cheap
Movable
Easily Cleaned
Easily disinfected whenever necessary
1.Perches or Roosts:
Roosts:
Chickens start roosting when they are 8weeks old. Apart from catering
cater ing for the natural
instinct or desire of the chickens to get above the ground at night, perches help materially
to keep the bird’s feet and plumage clean. Perches can be made from long wooden bars
of two squares inches about rounded at the top and flat at the bottom. Fix these parches
about 16 inches above the ground and near the walls In such a way that they can be
removed for disinfection. Allow a space of 12-inches between two perches. Each bird will

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need about 8-inches of the perch to roost. The rear perches should rest a little higher than
those at the front if they are arrange to be horizontal with the length of the house. This will
encourage some of the birds that like to roost high to go to the back perches. Paint the
perches occasionally with creosote to prevent insects.
2 .NEST BOXES:-
BOXES:- Each pen of laying birds should be provided with nest boxes for laying eggs.
It should be roomy, movable, cool and well ventilated, dark and conveniently located.
Nests are usually constructed 14 inches square, 6 inches deep and about 15 inches head
allowance. All metal nests are preferred to wood nests because of easy cleaning and less
chance of becoming infested with mites. Empty kerosene tins make excellent boxes. One
nest should be provided for every five or six hens. Dark nest are desirable because they
result in less scratching in the nest, less egg breakage and less egg eating. A wooden
packing case 18 inches square or a wide mouthed earthen pot can be a suitable nest.
Place some sand or soft hay or straw inside. Nests sometimes are also placed inside a run
but in that case, care should be taken to prevent crows
crow s etc, by covering the top of the run
with wire netting.
3.TRAPNESTS:-
3.TRAPNESTS :- Each nest is provided with a trap door so that when the poultry attendant
releases the hen from the nest, he/she can identify her and mark her leg-band number on
the egg. There should be one nest for every three or four birds. Trapnests differ from regular
nests in that they are provided with trap doors by which birds shout themselves in when they
enter. For the convenience of the poultry attendant, the nests should be placed 18-20
inches above the floor. Trapnests are needed in the poultry houses (Deep litter houses)
interested n knowing the performance or breeding of the hens.
4.FEED HOPPERS:-
HOPPERS:- The essential features of satisfactory feed hoppers are that they;
Avoid wastage of feed
Prevent the birds from getting their feet into the feed and from roosting on the hopper
Are easy to clean
Make it easy for the birds to eat from

fro m the bottom of the hopper
hopp er Troughs, pots and pans used
for feeding should be of suitable size depending on the age and size of the birds.
1.Watering Devices:-
Devices:- An ample supply of water should be made available at all times or
egg production is liable to be affected. The water container should contain clean water,

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kept cool in dry seasons and be easily cleaned because contaminated water tends to
spread certain diseases fr om chicken to chicken. Different designs of water containers
(mostly plastic containers) satisfying the above needs can be provided.
2.HOVERS:-
2.HOVERS :- This is a heat providing unit. It is made up of pan or Terpaulin. Brooder unit are
maintained with a range of temperature selections for hatchlings. At the warmest, usually
the center of the unit, the temperature is maintained at or above 90oF. At the outer edges,
the temperature may be as low as 60oF. As the young birds grow; the peak temperature is
gradually reduced to about 70oF. Hovers are often used until the birds have reached 4-
6weeks of age.
Self- Check
1. What are the housing requirements?
2. What are the poultry house equipment?
3. Why poultry housing is important?

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Answer Key
1. Floor space, ventilation, temperature, dryness, light and sanitation
2. The poultry house should be equipped with roasts, nests, feed hoppers, water
containers and any other items which is essential for satisfactory production.
3. Poultry housing is important for protection from other climatic extremes, comfort,
convenience and provision of accessible food and clean wa

water
ter and for effective
disposal of waste.

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Task Sheet 1.1-1
Title:
Install brooding house
Performance Objectives:
To be able to install a brooding house for a day old chicks
Materials:
Bamboo
Wood
Plywood
Nails
Cutting saw
Hammer
Wire
Feeders
Waterers
lighting
Steps/Procedure:
Given are the tool and materials, install a brooding house with a 25 day old
chicks to be put inside it.Measure it correctly.
Assessment Method:
Use the Performance Criteria Checklist

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Performance Criteria Checklist for

Task Sheet 1.1-1
Criteria YES NO
1. House equipment are installed in line with housing

equipment installation design
2. Bedding materials are secured based on availability in

the locality
3. Bedding is prepared in accordance with housing

equipment housing design
4. Brooding facility is set-up in accordance with the

housing equipment installation design.

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Information Sheet no. 1.2-3
In door/Out door space requirements
Outdoor area
 Keep grass short. Long strands can become trapped in the chickens' digestive system.
Size

Large enough to allow wet, muddy or barren areas to be sectioned off to recover and
to minimize the risk of disease, while still allowing enough space for chickens to roam on
good pasture.
Enrichment outdoors
 Provide overhead cover, such as small trees or purpose-built shelters, to give protection
p rotection
from the sun, bad weather and wild animals, and encourage exploration.
 Chickens should have access to dry soil where they can dustbathe and forage.
Food and water outdoors
 Feed or water provided outside should be sheltered to keep it clean and dry. Avoid
attracting rodents and wild birds.

Fencing
 Fences should be well maintained and provide protection against wild animals.
 Ensure that the birds cannot escape or become trapped/injured.

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Local materials for chicken house and ranging area

The Complete Guide to Free Range Chicken Farming in the Philippines
Philippines
Site Selection for Free Range Chicken Farming in the Philippines
The very first and most important thing to keep in mind is that whether or not you
choose a good site for your free range chicken farming venture in the Philippines will have
a large impact on the chance of its success.
For example, the farming site should be

b e flat and should not be in a tough terrain.
terra in. Also,
the site should be shaded with trees as this serves as a windbreaker and also helps protect
the poultry from predators.
Separately, the site should be grassy to allow for enough pasture for free range
chicken forage. There should be easy access to clean water and electricity
elec tricity as you will need
them when maintaining your free range chicken farm in the Philippines.
Finally, the site should be far from roads and train tracks with high traffic to protect the
birds from theft and possible spread of diseases.
Ensuring the Chickens Have a Ranging Area
Under a free range model of farming in the Philippines (and around the world), the
birds need a ranging area around the house where they can be exposed to sunlight and
also forage for their own food in the pasture.

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As a rule of thumb, allow for at least one square foot per bird. That said, the larger area
you have for the chickens, the better. To protect the birds, the pasture range should be
properly fenced off with barbed wire, chicken wire, and a net. Other types of fencing
materials such as wooden boards or iron sheets can be used as well.
Besides fencing the area off, make sure that there is proper water distribution
throughout the ranging area and pasture area.
Also, if possible, ensure that the pasture area is situated among trees. And, that it is free
of chemical agents and chemical fertilizers so as to provide the chickens with a healthier
pasture where they can source clean food.
Chicken Housing for Free Range Farming in the Philippines
Just as properly selecting

sele cting a site and providing enough space for the chickens, providing
suitable housing is an important step in setting up your chicken farming enterprise.
Ideally, just like with the outside pasture, you should aim for one square foot per hen as
your stock density. However, if you have limited space, two hens per square feet are
acceptable as well.
The chicken house should have in-and-out openings on both sides to give the
chickens easier access to the outside pasture.Preferably,
pa sture.Preferably, it should be elevated, and it must
also be well ventilated.
Building a Herbal Garden to Support Your Free Range Farming Venture
A herbal garden will be essential in your chicken farming venture –

venture – especially
especially if you are
planning to undertake organic farming.
The garden will be a great supplement in maintaining the health of your flock. Some of
the most common herbs that you will find useful in your free range chicken farming venture
in the Philippines include the following:

 Garlic: It
Garlic: It can serve as a natural antibiotic that you can give the chickens by either
putting it in the feed or in the water they drink.

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 Chilli: Can
Chilli: Can be useful for its antiviral and antibiotic effects.

 Oregano: You can give your free range chickens this if they are suffering from
Oregano:
respiratory conditions.

 Ginger: Similarly
Ginger: Similarly to garlic, it can serve as a natural antibiotic.

 Lemongrass: You
Lemongrass: You can its juice for detoxification.

 Guava: The
Guava: The leaves of guava plants can be used as an antibiotic.

 Ipil-Ipil: Can
Ipil-Ipil: Can be useful as an anti-parasitic and a de-wormer.
Of course, beside their medicinal

med icinal value, the herbs can also be used for natural flavoring of
chicken feed.
Equipment for Free Range Chicken Farming
Besides just fencing off a range and building a house for the chickens, you will also
need to purchase a variety of equipment to support the chicken.
Among other items, you will have to buy drinkers, feeders, brooding equipment,
heaters and heating bulbs, and chicken plucker machines.
machine s.
Bedding / Litter for Free Range Chicken Farming in the Philippines
Bedding (also referred to as litter in its unused state) is material used for the comfort of the
hens as well as for hygienically reasons. It is especially important during the brooding stage.
Generally, the bedding (or litter) should be changed on a regular basis with the
frequency depending on how heavily it gets contaminated. Usually, it should be changed
anywhere between two to three weeks.
One thing to make sure is that the bedding you use in your free range chicken house
provides for proper ventilation. Some of the materials that can be used as litter include
sawdust, rice straw, and rice hull. Usually, this can be after a duration of two to three
weeks.On a side note, after the bedding has been used, it can be used as a healthy
organic manure.
Cleaning & Disinfecting Your Free Range Chicken Farm

Farm
Proper cleaning of the house, drinkers, and other equipment is crucial to the
biosecurity of a free range chicken farming venture in the Philippines. It will protect your

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birds from infections and other diseases, and provide for an ideal environment to grow the
chickens in.
Some of the steps you can do to ensure the cleanliness of your chicken farm include:
 Having a foot bath that is at least 4 inches deep where visitors can dip and disinfect
their feet before entering the farm
 Using cleaning materials such as a dustpan, broom, brush, pale, and web broom to
clean the farming equipment as well as the range and chicken house regularly
 Using detergents and disinfecting materials like chlorine and powder soap in
addition to the above.

Brooding Facility
What is Brooding in Poultry Production?
Brooding is
Brooding is defined as the management of chicks from one day old to about 8 weeks
of age, and it involves the provision of heat and other necessary care during chicks’ early
growing period. Brooding units are designed to house
h ouse chicks from one day old until they no
longer need supplementary heat (0-8 weeks). Growing pens are used from the end of the
brooding period until the broilers are sold
sol d or the pullets moved into permanent
per manent laying houses
(up to 20 weeks). Laying pens or cages are used for pullets and hens from the time they
start laying until they are culled and sold at the end of the laying period (up to 78 weeks).
Types of Brooding
1. Natural brooding

2. Artificial brooding
Natural Brooding
The natural method of brooding is used on farms where only a few chickens are
raised each year. Depending on her size, a hen will brood 15-20 chickens. The broody hen
will provide all the warmth required by the chicks. Before placing the chicks with the hen

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she would be examined for her good health and free from lice, tick and other
ectoparasites.
Artificial Brooding
Artificial brooding can be defined as the handling of newly born chicks without the
aid of hens. It is accomplished by means of a temperature-controlled brooder (foster

mother). Artificial brooding has several advantages over the natural method, which are:

 Chicks may be reared at any time of the seasons.

 Thousands of chicks may be brooded by a single person.

 Sanitary conditions may be controlled.

 The temperature may be regulated.

 Feeding may be undertaken according to the plan.
The essentials of a good brooder are:
A dependable mechanism for controlling temperature and regular supply of fresh air,
dryness, adequate light, space, easy disinfection, protection against chick enemies,
ene mies, safety
from fire, and economic in construction.
Management of Chicks in the Brooder Adjust the temperature as per the requirement
of the chicks. In the case of oil heating, see that there is no defect in the stove or lamp.
Chicks should not have access to the heated parts of the lamp at any cost.

 Avoid a damp poultry house. You can use a deep litter system.

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 Discourage litter eating by the chicks, scatter mash over egg case flats when the
chicks are first taken out of their boxes.

 Provide balanced standard mash.

 Keep provision for the entrance of fresh air.

 Provide clean,
clean, fresh water in front of the birds at least twice daily.

 Chicks, after 3 weeks old may be provided chopped green grasses
grasses (to increase
Vitamin A intake)

 Clean the brooders including feed hoppers daily.

 Follow a regular
a regular vaccination program.
program.

 Avoid overcrowding as this will lead to slow growth and mortality.
mortality.

 Keep the brooder in such a place that cold wind and rain does not get in.

 Daily inspect the condition of birds and their faces for any sort of abnormality.

 Keep in touch with any veterinarian for help at the time of need.

 It is always advisable to check the fittings, temperature control, feed, and water
trough arrangement before shifting the chicks in the brooder.
Self –
Self – Check
Check
1. What is brooding and why brooding important?

2. What are the different types of brooding?
3. How to manage chicks in a brooder?

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LO3. FEED CHICKEN
1. Suitable feed materials are

materials are selected based on availability in the locality and nutrient
requirements of chicken
2. Feed materials are prepared following enterprise prescribed formulation
3. Animals are fed based on feeding management program
4. Feeding is monitored following enterprise procedure
CONTENTS:
 Principles of feeding
 Kinds and characteristics of acceptable feed materials (sources for protein,
carbohydate, mineral resources)
 Preparation of feeds

Principles of Feeding
What is Organic Chicken Feed?
There are strict guidelines for organic feeds, including organic chicken feed. It must
contain grains grown organically. This means with no pesticides, or chemicals of any kind.
These grains cannot be grown from genetically modified seeds or contaminated by them.
Non-organic, micro-ingredients like vitamins, minerals, salt, and the amino acid methionine
are allowed to be in organic chicken feed. There can be no drugs, antibiotics, or hormones
in it as the protein sources have to be organic.
Nutritional Requirements for Backyard Chickens
Laying Hens: Need
Hens: Need a minimum protein of 16% and a maximum of 18%; a minimum calcium
of 3% and a maximum of 5%. All the other minerals are pretty standard in the various feeds:
phosphorous, salt, fats, etc.
Broilers (birds grown just for meat): Need

meat): Need a minimum protein of 18% and a maximum of 20%;
a minimum calcium of 0.90% and a maximum of 1.5%. Again, the other various minerals are
pretty standard.
Chicks: These fast-growing little critters need a minimum protein of 18% and the maximum
Chicks: These
of 21%; a minimum calcium of 1% and a maximum of 1.45%.
Scratch feeds usually have protein and fat, but aren’t

are n’t considered balanced. Most
keepers of backyard chickens only use them as a supplement to a nutritionally balanced
feed.

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Commercial organic chicken feed makes it easier for keepers of backyard

chickens to ensure the nutritional needs of their poultry in a way they’re comfortable. This is
especially true for hobby farmers who don’t
don’t have the space to grow their own feed or
feed or to
free range their birds. It may even be against the law to free range where they live.
Free Range Chickens’

Chickens’ Feeding
Feeding Requirements
For free range chickens in the Philippines, you will need a feed formulation that roughly
consists of:
70% cereal
26% protein (mainly from plants)
4% minerals and vitamins
You can either use commercial feeds or formulate your own free range chicken feeds
where you directly control the quality of the ingredients contained in the feeds.
The feed you provide the chickens will also be naturally supplemented by the chickens’
foraging in their pasture.
Providing Your Chicken with Clean Drinking Water
Just like with humans, clean drinking water is essential for the health of your chicken
flock –
flock – and
and subsequently for the success of your free range chicken farm in the Philippines,
and everywhere else in the world for that matter.
As one would expect, chickens are unforgiving when deprived of adequate drinking
water –
water – and
and in that state, they rarely hit their peak production capability.
Vaccination of Free Range Chicken in the Philippines
While it may not sound so at first, vaccination

vac cination is acceptable under free range chicken
farming in the Philippines.
In fact, for the best possible health of your chickens and performance of your farm,
make sure that your flock has been vaccinated in a timely fashion against all of the possible
diseases. That is because any single disease puts stress on the chicken
ch icken affected, and in turn,
the chicken’s production will be negatively impacted.
impacted.

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Besides vaccines, you can also look at various other preventive medicines for your
free range chickens to boost their survivability to the maximum possible extent.
Feeding Ratio & Management
 To maintain healthy birds, keep fresh feeds available at all times.
Limit the amount of feed in feeders to the extent necessary to avoid waste.

Feed the birds with sufficient food no more no less to ensure profitability

. Keep the feeds in a closed plastic container away from rats, birds and other animals.

Always record all activities.


 Keep a close watch

w atch on birds weight and their feed consumption. A drop in food intake
intak e
trouble
usually is the first indication of trouble

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SELF –
SELF – CHECK
CHECK
1. What are organic chicken feeds?

2. What are the benefits of using organic feeds?
3. What are feeding ratio management?

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Answer Key
1.What are organic chicken feeds?
-cereal
-corn
-rice bran
- banana stem
-ipil-ipil
-azolla
-madre de agua
2. What are the benefits of using organic feeds?
- cheaper
-materials are available within the locality
- more nutritious
3. What are feeding ratio management?
 To maintain healthy birds, keep fresh feeds available at all times.
Limit the amount of feed in feeders to the extent necessary to avoid waste.

Feed the birds with sufficient food no more no less to ensure profitability


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Preparation of Poultry Feeds
Homemade Organic Chicken Feed
Free range and pasture raised chickens eat a lot of forage.

forage. From
From mice to bugs and
grass to your prize tomatoes, chickens will peck at anything. Add in your table scraps and
your chickens are probably getting a pretty balanced diet. You won't need to worry too
much about the proper balance of ingredients because the feed will be a supplement to
their diet rather than a primary component of it.
Obviously if you are going to make your own homemade organic chicken feed you
will want to use all organic ingredients. Beware of soy and fish meal, however. Soy has a
high concentration of phyto-estrogen and this is of concern to some people. Fish meal can
have a high level of mercury and that is something you want to watch
w atch as well. There are so
many good ingredients that can be added to homemade chicken feed there is no reason
to buy questionable things.
You should be able to find all of the following ingredients in an organic variety. Most,
like lentils, quinoa and barley, are sold at grocery and health food stores and are available
a vailable
in bulk. You may need to run by your local feed store for a few ingredients, particularly the
oyster shells. Any ingredients that are hard to find in your area can be ordered online.
Homemade Poultry Feed Mix
- 2 parts whole corn
- 3 parts soft white wheat
- 3 parts hard red winter wheat
- ½ part Diatomaceous Earth (not the kind you

y ou put in your pool)
- 1 part hulled barley
- 1 part oat groats
- 2 part sunflower seeds
- ½ part peanuts
- 1 part wheat bran
- 1 part split peas
- 1 part lentils
- 1 part quinoa

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- 1 part sesame seeds
- 1/2 part kelp
Mix the feed by hand so that it is thoroughly mixed. It doesn't hurt to run your hands through
it before feeding in case something settles. Keep the oyster shell calcium in a container so
the chickens can eat it as they need to.
Self –
Self – Check
Check
1. Why Organic feeds mixing important?

2. What are the elements needed by the chicken for feeding?
3. Where can we get the raw materials to be used in feed mixing?

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Unit of Competency : Raise Organic Chicken

Module Title: : Raising Organic Chicken

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

Learning Experiences #2 28-29

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

No. Units of Competency Module Title Code

1 Raise Organic Chicken

2 Produce Organic Vegetable Producing Organic AGR611306

4 Produce various concoctions Producing various AGR611302

No. Units of Competency Module Title Code

Raising Organic Small AGR612303

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

HOW TO USE THIS COMPETENCY BASED LEARNING MATERIAL

The units of competency “Raise

You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

UNITS OF COMPETENCY : RAISE ORGANIC CHICKEN

MODULE TITLE : RAISING ORGANIC CHICKEN

SUMMARY OF LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon completion of this module, the students/trainees will be able to:

LO2. Determine suitable chicken house requirements

LO3. Install cage/ housing equipment

LO4. Feed chicken

LO5. Grow and Harvest chicken

1. Breed/strains are identified as per PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

LEARNING OUTCOME NO. 1

LO1. SELECT HEALTHY STOCKS AND SUITABLE HOUSING

1. Breed/strains are identified as per PNS-Organic Agriculture-Livestock and GAHP

 Types, breeds and ststrains

The students/trainees must be provided with the following:

 Lecture and hands-on

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

LO1. SELECT HEALTHY STOCKS AND SUITABLE HOUSING

2.Answer self- check. 1.1-1 Compare answers with

3. Read information sheet no 1.1-2

4. Answer Self-Check 1.1-2

5. Read information sheet 1.1-3

7.Read information Sheet 1.1-4

8. Answer Self-Check 1.1-4

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

Information Sheet 1.1-1

After reading this INFORMATION SHEET, YOU MUST be able to:

Identify types, breeds and strains of chicken

Ex: Babcock strain of Single comb White Leghorn

Fig. 1.1: Parts of a chicken

Comb and wattles -

Tail and tail feathers -

Feet and claws -

Size - The male will

Comb and spurs -

Vocal expressions - Everyone

Ameraucana Wheaten, Brown

Heavier and wider

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

Egg and Meat Production

ORGANIC AGRICULTURE Date Developed: Document No. TM 1 CBLM

Identification.. Fill in the blank with the correct word

shape or plumage colour or both.

conformation, they breed true to the type and are descended

from common ancestry.

by a breeder with a specific desired characteristic.