Description and rules for keeping broilers of the Cobb 700 breed
Growing a Cobb 700 broiler is characterized by a number of features. These birds are distinguished by their high productivity and strong immunity. That is why many poultry farmers choose them. In order for the chickens to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended to properly care for them. In this case, it is worth strictly observing the parameters of temperature and humidity. A balanced diet is essential.
History of appearance
Cross Cobb 700 is a hybrid line that was created by crossing breeds with similar genetic characteristics. The author of the hybrid is the company "COBB-Vantress".
This English company cooperates with renowned world institutes and breeders. The breed is based on such types of chickens as Rhode Island, Plymouth, Cornwall. This is not a complete list of breeds.
Description and characteristics of the breed Cobb 700
Before you start raising these chickens, you should familiarize yourself with their main characteristics.
External features of chickens
The birds are distinguished by a massive body, which is covered with white plumage. The wings look very small. At the same time, the birds are distinguished by a long neck and a small tail, which is slightly curved inward.
The Cobb 700 breed is characterized by a large breast. Chickens have a smooth head, which is decorated with a bright comb. The lobes and beard have the same color. The eyes are yellow or orange in color.
Productivity indicators
This breed is chosen by many farmers because of its high performance parameters.
Early maturity and taste of meat
The undoubted advantage of the cross is considered to be high parameters in weight gain. Indicators of meat productivity can be estimated by months:
- at 1.5 months, females weigh 1.5 kilograms, males - 2;
- at 2.5 months, the weight of the bird is 4-4.2 kilograms, roosters - 5;
- subsequently, chickens gain 50-80 grams weekly - their development lasts up to 9 months.
Egg production
Chickens begin to rush at 6 months. With an increase in the weight of birds, eggs can have a different mass - 48-61 grams. From the 9th month, their weight increases to 63-71 grams. High egg production lasts up to 2 years. The eggs have a white shell, oval shape and medium density.
The nature of the breed
These chickens are characterized by a completely calm disposition. Regardless of the cross, almost all broilers have a phlegmatic character. They rarely come into conflict and practically do not compete with each other. Therefore, there are no cases of pecking each other.
Breeding advantages and disadvantages
Key benefits of the breed include the following:
- heavy weight;
- rapid development of chicks;
- pleasant taste of meat;
- high survival rate of young animals;
- undemanding to the conditions of detention.
The key disadvantage of the breed is the difficulty in buying eggs for breeding chicks. Moreover, crosses are grown not only on large farms. It is quite possible to breed them in households.
The subtleties of growing
There are many things to consider to be successful in bird breeding.
Incubation
This is a hybrid breed, because the eggs of the representatives of the cross will not give offspring with the same properties as the parents. For breeding chickens, it is worth taking eggs from poultry farms, and then hatching them in an incubator.
It should be borne in mind that Cobb 700 hens do not have an instinct for incubation. Therefore, it is not recommended to lay eggs on them.
Eggs purchased from trusted producers have passed all the necessary stages of rejection. Each copy must have a quality seal. Before incubation, the material should be placed in a special storage facility. The temperature in it should be +25 degrees.
The following work is carried out depending on the operating conditions of the device. It is important to systematically monitor parameters and periodically turn the eggs.
When the chicks hatch, they should be allowed to dry. In this case, the temperature should be + 33-35 degrees. Then they are placed in a special box. As the chicks grow, it is permissible to gradually decrease the temperature.
Maintenance and care
The peculiarities of keeping birds directly depend on the chosen method. Chickens of this breed feel fine in cages. They are also allowed to grow in a chicken coop.
In the poultry house
The chicken coop should be of sufficient size. It is permissible to keep 12 individuals per 1 square meter. A few days before the birds move in, the room should be disinfected. It is recommended to place a mat on the floor. It can be made of straw or sawdust. It is important that the mass is dry and loose.
When measuring temperature parameters on the litter, they should be at least +27 degrees. From one month of age, this parameter can be +14 degrees. Moisture readings from the first days should be 65%. When the chicks adapt, they can be increased up to 70%.
The chicken coop should be equipped with good ventilation. Bacteria multiply quickly in a stuffy room.
In the first 2 weeks, chicks should be in a lit room around the clock. Subsequently, the duration of daylight hours is reduced to 18 hours.
In cages
The temperature and humidity parameters in the cages should be the same as in the chicken coop. At the same time, cage maintenance helps to save space and reduce the cost of litter material. Cages can be placed in tiers. At the same time, there may be 10 individuals per 0.5 square meters.
Cleaner conditions for birds are considered a key advantage of cage keeping. At the same time, there is also a minus - the need to maintain the same temperature in the upper and lower tiers.
Feeding
For broiler breeding, it is worth buying a quality feed that is developed taking into account the needs and characteristics of meat breeds. To breed birds without compound feed, you need to have the appropriate knowledge in order to calculate a balanced amount of nutrients.
Ready food should be given according to the following scheme:
- use the starter kit within 10 days;
- up to 22 days use growth food;
- before slaughter, the birds are fed with the finishing compound.
It should be borne in mind that birds must have constant access to fresh and clean water. This breed is characterized by a high need for thirst quenching.
Diseases and prevention
These birds are highly resistant to disease and have excellent survival rates.However, if the conditions of detention are violated, they can face viral or bacterial infections. Sometimes birds suffer from parasites.
To avoid negative consequences for the health of birds, it is worth strictly observing the standards for keeping birds. It is recommended to clean the house thoroughly before moving the chicks into the house. In this case, disinfection and replacement of the litter are carried out. Be sure to wash the feeders and drinkers well.
Of no small importance is high-quality ventilation, which ensures the influx of fresh age. Birds are recommended to be fed only fresh food and clean water. This will help avoid the growth of pathogenic bacteria..
Chickens Cobb 700 are very popular with farmers. This breed is distinguished by its high productivity and unpretentious care. Birds can be kept in cages or in a chicken coop.
