Задание

Match each headline with the appropriate text.

LIFE OF A CHICKEN

FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT GROWTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

SELECT THE BREED THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU

PREPARE YOUR BROODER

FOCUS ON SANITATION

CREATE A LONG-TERM NUTRITION PLAN

Baby chicks begin developing their feathers between 3 and 6 weeks of age, while also sporting new deep red combs and wattles. Since the growth rate can vary depending on factors like breed and genetics, talk to your veterinarian if you sense any problem. Normal growth rates show anywhere between 90 and 100 days before you can proudly say you have a fully grown feathery pet. A normal chicken’s life expectancy is between 8-10 years, but some make it even further.

Nowadays, diseases of poultry are much better understood and as such the caretakers can do a lot of preventive things in order to keep the hens healthy.

We know that parasites such as mites, lice, and worms are all things that can severely disrupt the health of our flock. Mites will suck blood potentially causing anaemia, lice can cause skin irritation and worms can even kill a hen.

Poultry breeds come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours. If you want fresh eggs, consider: White Leghorn hybrids (white eggs), Plymouth Barred Rocks (brown eggs) or Rhode Island Reds (brown eggs). If you’re hoping to produce both eggs and meat, consider dual-purposed breeds like Plymouth Barred Rock, Sussex or Buff Orpingtons. Exotic breeds are best for show or pets.

Keep baby chicks in a warm, draft-free shelter, called a brooder. The brooder should be completely enclosed with a bottom surface that can be covered with bedding; and have a heating lamp. Each chick needs at least 2 to 3 square feet of floor space for the first six weeks. Be sure to have a spacious, clean coop ready for the chicks once the supplemental heat source is no longer required. Through all stages, always provide plenty of fresh clean water that is changed daily.

Before new chicks arrive – and throughout the growing process – be sure to keep their environment clean. Young chicks are susceptible to early health risks, so disinfect all materials prior to use and then weekly. The correct household disinfectants can work well. Make sure to read the directions to ensure your disinfectant is safe to use and doesn’t leave a residual film.

Strong chicks equal healthy hens. Start chicks strong with a complete starter-grower feed. Chicks require 38 unique nutrients from day one. To provide all of these nutrients, choose a complete starter-grower feed. For chicks who will later lay eggs, select a feed that has 18 percent protein.