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
