Welcome to the fascinating world of squab farming! Like you, I was captivated by the adorable appearance and economic potential of these birds. Throughout my years in agriculture, I’ve witnessed countless success stories from raising squab.
Today, I’m excited to share valuable insights and proven scientific methods for raising squab for high yields and lucrative income opportunities. Let’s dive in!
Building the Ideal “Apartment” for Squab
Living Space – The Key to Productivity
As you know, the living environment greatly influences the health and reproductive capacity of squab. Unlike chickens or pigs, squab require a dry, clean, well-ventilated space with plenty of natural light.
Squab coop
A well-designed squab coop
Ideal squab coops are typically constructed from wood or steel, enclosed with sturdy B40 wire mesh. Common coop dimensions are 50x50x50cm or 40x50x60cm per compartment, arranged in long rows under a sheltered roof.
Coop Partitioning – The Secret to Efficient Management
For effective squab flock care and management, divide the coop into separate areas: a breeding section and a growing section for meat birds.
Each breeding compartment typically houses a breeding pair, while the growing compartments can accommodate 4-5 birds.
Cozy Nests – Nurturing Every Egg
Squab have a unique habit of laying, incubating, and raising their young simultaneously. Therefore, during the breeding season, you’ll need two types of nests: laying nests and brooding nests.
Squab nest
A squab laying nest
Laying nests should be lined with dry, clean straw and kept moderately warm to create a favorable environment for the hen to incubate the eggs.
Feeders and Waterers – Ensuring Hygiene and Convenience
Squab have a hearty appetite and prefer clean, dry food. Their feeders should be divided into two sections: one for the main feed and another for supplements.
Additionally, squab typically drink water immediately after eating, so place waterers near the feeders for their convenience.
Selecting Top-Notch Squab “Candidates”
Quality Breeds – The Foundation for Success
Choosing the right squab breed is crucial for the economic viability of your farming operation.
In my experience, select healthy, agile, and active birds aged 4 to 5 months – the ideal time for them to adapt to a new environment and thrive.
“Matchmaking” Squab – The Art of Creating a Fertile Flock
For successful squab breeding, facilitate pairing and create conducive conditions for mating. Although squab can reproduce for a relatively long period, from 4 to 12 years, the most productive phase is between the 4th and 5th year.
Identifying “Exceptional Males and Females” – Expert Advice
Mr. Nguyen Van A, a leading agricultural expert with over 20 years of experience, shares:
“To select high-quality breeding squab, prioritize paired birds. Good breeding stock typically have thick, smooth abdominal feathers, bright eyes, cleft beaks, well-proportioned bodies, no deformities, and pointed tails.”
Criteria for Selecting Male Squab:
- Large, strong build with firm muscles
- Quick mating reflexes
- Narrow pelvic bone spacing
Criteria for Selecting Female Squab:
- Smaller weight than males
- Wide pelvic bone spacing
- Small, delicate head
Note: Avoid birds with congenital deformities or signs of infectious diseases.
Squab Care – Easier Said Than Done
Nutrition – Fueling a Healthy Flock
Squab are relatively easy to raise, grow quickly, and have good disease resistance. However, to optimize care and maximize yields, understand the appropriate nutritional needs for each stage of their development.
The Ideal Squab Diet:
- Main Feed: A mixture of grains like wheat, corn, pellets, beans, etc. Adult birds require about 100g/bird/day, while young squab need 40g/bird/day.
- Supplements: Provide small grit, Premix minerals, and salt mixed at a 10:85:5 ratio to supplement minerals and vitamins.
- Water: Each pair of birds needs about 100ml of water/day. Adjust the amount based on hot or cold weather conditions.
Squab eating
Squab enjoying their meal
Disease Prevention – Protecting Your “Assets”
While squab have good disease resistance, preventive measures are essential to ensure the reproductive and developmental success of the entire flock.
Key Considerations:
- Regular Coop Cleaning: Squab are clean birds. Clean the coop twice a week, maintaining a dry and hygienic environment.
- Disease Prevention Medications: Supplement their feed and water with vitamins and minerals to boost their immune system. Vaccinations three times a year are also effective in preventing common squab diseases.
Breeding Squab Care – Nurturing “New Life”
Choosing the “Golden” Location for the Breeding Coop
Locate the breeding coop in a quiet, well-ventilated area away from crowds, especially busy roads. Prioritize dry locations, protected from rain, and with access to sunlight.
If opting for free-range squab farming, provide adequate shelter with roofing and tarps to protect them from rain, sun, and wind, especially during cold winters.
Clean Water Source – Essential for Survival
Provide clean, uncontaminated water free of harmful impurities. Use well water, deep well water, or treated tap water.
Change the water every 3 days and regularly clean the waterers to maintain a clean water source.
A Diet for “Healthy Mothers and Strong Offspring”
The breeding squab diet is also diverse. Feed them grains like rice, corn, beans, sorghum, millet, sunflower seeds, etc. These are rich in fats and provide ample energy for the breeding hens.
Also, supplement their diet with small grit to aid digestion.
Preparing a “Cozy Nest” for the Hens
Prepare nesting boxes early to allow the hens to acclimate. This prevents them from laying eggs randomly, which can affect egg and squab quality.
The nesting boxes don’t need to be elaborate. A rectangular box measuring 25cm long, 20cm wide, and 10cm high is sufficient.
Closely Monitoring the Laying and Incubation Process
Hens typically lay 2 eggs, 1-2 days apart. Mark and record the laying date for each bird to accurately and efficiently monitor and anticipate hatching dates.
Conclusion
This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into scientific and effective squab farming techniques. We hope this valuable information empowers you on your journey to successfully raise these economically valuable birds.
Start farming and share your achievements with us! Don’t forget to visit “Nongnghiepvietnam.org” for more helpful information!