Poultry: How long does it take to develop a chicken?

A huge contribution to the development of the theory and practice of incubation was made by studying the periods of embryonic development of agricultural birds by the example of chickens. Further on, let's look at the stages of growing birds.

General information

The study was based on the theory of stage development TD Lysenko. Its basic position says: the periods, as well as the development stages of the chicken, are different. This manifests itself primarily as a change in the needs of the embryo in the process of growth toward the habitat. External factors are the conditions of the incubator surrounding the eggs. At the same time, it was investigated not only how long the development of the chicken lasted, but also those or other characteristics characteristic of this or that period and stage. The embryo and egg were taken as a whole in relation to the environment. The studies were carried out and taking into account the operating mode of the incubator. From this point of view, all the changes in morphophysiological progress occurring in the egg during the incubation period were considered.

Changes in requirements for environmental conditions

Studying the question of how long the development of the chicken lasts, it is necessary to focus on the rate of change in the needs of the embryo to the conditions surrounding it. It is due to the fact that during a very short incubation period, a chick is formed from a huge number of cells, which immediately after hanging the shell is capable of a full-fledged independent existence. In the indicated time interval, the sources of oxygen and food intake change several times. Changes affect the type of metabolism, the process of feeding and breathing, and other changes that have a direct impact on the growth and development of chickens. It is established that for the fruitful growth of the embryo conditions are needed that vary with its age. If at a certain stage of development the necessary conditions are not met, then some group of embryos will die. In this case, survivors will continue to grow in disparity with the norms of indicators.

Incubation period

So, how long does the development of the chicken last? Periods of embryonic growth are temporary intervals, during which the offspring require other conditions different from the previous ones. All these periods are 6: 1-2, 3-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16-19, and 20-21 days of incubation. Later, the first stage underwent changes and was divided into two. So, in it there is an initial - 12-16 hours and the second - 32-36 hours. The first period is characterized by the fact that during it the fetus is content with conditions similar to those in which it developed in the womb. The successful development of chickens is ensured when the necessary conditions are met. Among them, in particular, include temperature up to 41 °, high humidity and high content of carbon dioxide in the environment.

Reaction to temperature fluctuations

In studying the question of how long the development of a chicken lasts, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors that affect the entire process as a whole and individual stages in particular. Thus, the temperature has a significant effect. The biological value of eggs rises, if in the initial hours there is heating, and in the subsequent - cooling. As a result, the chicks' output is significantly increased. In addition to external factors, internal factors have a direct impact on productive development and growth. So, after hatching from an egg, the chickens themselves do not have the ability to control the body temperature. In case the growing of young animals is carried out with the hen, then the room should be warmed up to 20-22 degrees.

The first weeks of life

If the chicks develop with a hen, then they are released on the walking platform at the age of more than two weeks. At the same time, the external temperature should be at least 18 degrees. Under the same conditions, offspring, grown without a hen, is released at the age of 4 weeks.

Food

After hatching, a reserve of nutrients is stored in the yolk sac in the young. The chicken uses it until it learns to peck feed itself. By the second week of life, offspring are pleased to use cottage cheese, finely chopped greens (fresh). The food is given several times a day in small portions. From the age of two weeks, a mixture of barley, oatmeal, wheat and corn flour is used as food (in equal shares). From the beginning of the month the chickens are given a coarse grain.

Growing broilers

The breeding of hens in the household farm can be carried out throughout the year. In this case, the owner can easily get fresh dietary meat. It is necessary to take into account some features of year-round growing of birds. How long does it take to develop a chicken with technology? It should be noted that in the presence of satisfactory conditions and good care at the age of 49 days, the young grow to a weight of 1.5 kg, and by 56-60 days - 2 kg. Many beginning poultry farmers care about how long the development of the chicken lasts before it begins to sweep. Here it should be noted that the speed of reaching this age depends on the breed of the bird. For example, some individuals begin to rush for 17th week. But at the same time, as practice shows, on average chickens lay eggs from the 22nd week of life.