Types, Uses and Construction of Poultry Equipment for JSS 1

Poultry Equipment

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. identify poultry equipment;
2. use various poultry equipment;
3. construct basic poultry equipment.

Introduction to Poultry Equipment

Poultry farming involves raising birds like chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese for meat or eggs. To do this successfully, farmers need special tools and devices called poultry equipment. This equipment helps to provide the birds with food, water, warmth, and a safe environment. Using the right equipment makes poultry farming easier and helps the birds grow well and stay healthy.

Brooding Equipment

Brooding is the period when young chicks need extra warmth and care, usually from the day they hatch until they are about 3-4 weeks old. During this time, chicks cannot regulate their own body temperature and need a warm environment to survive and grow. Special equipment is used to provide this warmth and care.

Examples of brooding equipment include:

1. Chick Feeders: These are small, shallow trays or troughs designed for young chicks to eat from. They prevent chicks from wasting feed by spilling it and allow many chicks to feed at once.
2. Chick Drinkers: These are small water containers that provide clean water to chicks. They are designed to prevent chicks from drowning or getting wet, which can make them cold.
3. Wood Shavings: These are used as bedding material on the floor of the brooding area. Wood shavings absorb moisture from droppings, keep the area dry, and provide insulation to keep the chicks warm.
4. Thermometer: A thermometer is used to measure the temperature inside the brooding area. It helps the farmer ensure the chicks are receiving the correct amount of heat, which is very important for their health and growth.
5. Brooder Guard: This is a circular barrier, often made of cardboard or metal, used to confine chicks to a specific area around the heat source. It keeps the chicks close to food, water, and warmth, preventing them from wandering off and getting cold.
6. Heat Source: This provides the necessary warmth for the chicks. Common heat sources include kerosene lamps, electric brooders, gas brooders, or charcoal pots. The heat source keeps the brooding area at the ideal temperature for the young birds.

Rearing Equipment

Rearing is the stage after brooding, when the birds are older and no longer need artificial heat. This stage involves growing the birds until they are ready for market (for meat birds) or start laying eggs (for layers). The equipment used for rearing is generally larger and more robust than brooding equipment.

Examples of rearing equipment include:

1. Adult Feeders: These are larger feeders designed for older, bigger birds. They come in various forms such as trough feeders, hanging feeders, or automatic feeders. They hold more feed and are built to withstand the activity of adult birds.
2. Adult Drinkers: These are larger water containers suitable for adult birds. They ensure a constant supply of clean water and are designed to prevent spillage while allowing easy access for the birds. Examples include bell drinkers or nipple drinkers.
3. Drinker Guards: These are covers or grids placed over drinkers to prevent birds from perching on the drinker, soiling the water with droppings, or splashing water excessively. They help keep the water clean and reduce waste.

Using Poultry Equipment

Proper use of poultry equipment is essential for the health and productivity of the birds. Each piece of equipment has a specific purpose and should be used correctly.

1. Feeders: Feeders should be filled with appropriate feed for the age of the birds. They should be placed at a height that allows birds to eat comfortably without spilling too much feed. Regular cleaning of feeders prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and ensures fresh feed.
2. Drinkers: Drinkers must always contain clean, fresh water. Water should be changed daily, and drinkers should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent the spread of diseases. For chicks, drinkers must be shallow enough to prevent drowning.
3. Heat Source: During brooding, the heat source must be adjusted to maintain the correct temperature. Chicks should be observed; if they huddle together, they are cold, and if they spread far from the heat, they are too hot.
4. Brooder Guard: The brooder guard helps to keep chicks within the warm area. It should be gradually expanded as the chicks grow and eventually removed when they no longer need artificial heat.
5. Bedding Material: Wood shavings or other bedding materials should be kept dry and clean. Wet or soiled bedding can lead to diseases and discomfort for the birds. It should be replaced or topped up regularly.

Constructing Basic Poultry Equipment

Farmers can save money by constructing some basic poultry equipment themselves using readily available materials like cardboard, wood, or metals. This skill helps in providing necessary equipment even with limited resources.

How to Construct a Simple Chick Feeder from Cardboard

A simple chick feeder can be made from sturdy cardboard. This type of feeder is suitable for young chicks and can be easily replaced when it gets dirty.

The required materials are:

1. A sturdy cardboard box (e.g., a shoe box or a small carton)
2. A pair of scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision required)
3. A ruler
4. A pencil

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Prepare the cardboard box: Ensure the box is clean and dry. If it has a lid, remove it.
2. Mark the feeding holes: On the longer sides of the box, use the ruler and pencil to mark small, rectangular openings. These openings should be about 3-4 cm high and 5-7 cm wide. Leave a space of about 2-3 cm from the bottom edge of the box to prevent feed from spilling out easily.
3. Cut the openings: Carefully cut out the marked rectangular openings using scissors or a craft knife. An adult should help with this step to ensure safety. Make sure the edges are smooth.
4. Create partitions (optional): To prevent chicks from stepping into the feed, you can cut small cardboard strips and insert them across the feeder to create compartments. This helps to distribute the feed evenly.
5. Fill with feed: Once the feeder is ready, fill it with chick mash. Do not overfill to prevent wastage.
6. Place in brooding area: Place the feeder in the brooding area where chicks can easily access it.

Safety Tip: Always ask an adult for help when using sharp tools like scissors or craft knives. Be careful when handling cardboard edges to avoid paper cuts.

Observing Poultry Equipment on a Farm Visit

Visiting a poultry farm provides a good opportunity to see different types of poultry equipment in real use. Observing how farmers use and maintain their equipment can help in understanding their importance.

When visiting a poultry farm, pay attention to the following:

1. Identify Equipment: Try to identify the brooding and rearing equipment you have learned about. Look for chick feeders, chick drinkers, brooder guards, heat sources, adult feeders, and adult drinkers.
2. Observe Usage: Notice how the equipment is positioned and used by the birds. Observe the height of feeders and drinkers, and how often they are cleaned or refilled.
3. Note Materials: Observe the materials used to make the equipment. Are they made of plastic, metal, or wood? How do these materials affect their durability and ease of cleaning?
4. Record Observations: Take notes or draw sketches of the equipment you see. Record details about their size, shape, and how they are used for different age groups of birds. This helps to remember what was observed and to compare it with what was learned in class.