NEEDS OF POULTRY BACKYARD FARMING

Submitted by:- Alok Sharan I.D- V 2002

The term backyard chicken production designates poultry birds which are reared on small scale by a household.

In this type of poultry rearing, usually a few birds are kept primarily for family use.

Introduction

Contd…

The surplus birds and eggs are sold in the village or nearby market and the cash earned is utilized for fulfilling other needs of the household.

Rural families were keeping 10 to 12 chicken either for family consumption or as a small

income generating unit.

Backyard chicken production is an important aspect of poultry farming on small scale.

Poultry is efficient converter of non-edible kitchen wastes and other crop wastes into high quality food for man.

Backyard household chicken production is very popular in many parts of the world, particularly in the developing countries, where most of the population resides in rural areas.

Most of the third world countries, poultry was kept on small farms under extensive management system which considerably contributed to the cash income of the rural families.

In general, rural back yard poultry is a low input and low output system managed by women and children of the households.

Sourcing feed from scavenging and auto regeneration are the two important aspect’s of backyard poultry.

The generic features of this system are: Typical flock size ranges between 5-25

birds. Birds are raised under scavenging system without special inputs in terms of feeding, housing or labor.

Mainly local birds are reared although there are specific/specialized indigenous breeds in some geographical areas. These breeds represent a rich source of disease resistant germplasm.

The system auto regenerates as the chicks are usually obtained by hatching locally.

In most of the cases, egg produced are for home consumption or for limited trade within the village.

Production performances of these birds is about 40-60 eggs/annum and 1-1.5 kg meat at the end of production cycle.

The importance of backyard poultry also lies in the fact that there is a no dedicated land required to feed it.

Backyard poultry makes a significant contribution to the livelihoods of poorer households in terms of nutrition, income, asset building and fulfilling some religious right.

It is a liquid asset that can be sold quickly to meet any emergency cash needs of poorer family.

Backyard poultry provides supplementary incomes, mostly in the hands of women.

These incomes and assets are essential supplements for surviving droughts, at least for the people at the margin.

Well managed backyard poultry can easily give returns almost equal to an acre of dry land!

1. Protection 2. Adequate Space 3. Easy Access to Feed and Water 4. Source of Light 5. Ventilation 6. Appearance 7. Use Common Sense

Small scale poultry housing requires:-

A good poultry house protects the birds from the elements (weather), predators, injury and

theft. Poultry require a dry, draft-free house. Build the coop on high, well-drained areas. Face the front of the coop, the windows and

outside run to the south which allows the sun to warm and dry the coop and soil.

Keeping poultry totally confined to together with fence and covered runs are your best protection from predators.

1. Protection:

With outside runs, bury the wire along the pen border at least 12" deep, and toe the fence outward about 6 inches.

A protective dog kept near your coop usually works well to discourage predators and unwanted visitors.

Birds need adequate space for movement and exercise as well as areas to nest and roost.

Space requirements vary with the type of bird you raise.

2. Adequate Space:

Feeders and waters should be placed conveniently throughout the pen for birds' access.

Place the bottom of the waterers and top lip of the feeders at the birds' back height. This will keep the feed and water clean and prevent wastage.

3. Easy Access to Feed and Water

To produce eggs from your flock year-round, one electric light every 40 feet at ceiling height is appropriate.

Windows placed on the south side of the coop will also be a good source of light and warmth in winter and a good source of ventilation in summer.

4. Source of Light:

Ample air movement without a draft is essential.

For small coops windows or vents on one side of the house usually provide plenty of ventilation.

Locate openings on the side away from prevailing winds. The south or east side is usually best.

5. Ventilation:

Exteriors of structures should be kept painted and well-maintained.

Weeds and trash should be removed from around all facilities.

Proper landscaping can provide screening and also help muffle sounds from the birds.

6. Appearance:

Build the roof high enough and situate such permanent structures as nests, roosts, and feeders for easy access and to make it easier to clean all areas of the house.

Install doors so that they open inward. Use building materials which will be easy to

clean and disinfect. Slightly sloping the floor toward the door

can help prevent puddling in the building.

7. Use Common Sense:

Reference :-Strengthening the backyard poultry [a article by Experiences of AP Drought Adaptation Initiative (AP DAI)].

WikipediaPoultry Production ( by Professor R. A. SINGH)