LPM 222: Diversified poultry production and current concepts in poultry management and marketing [Livestock Production Management (Regional Interest)] (1+1)

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PEN CONSTRUCTION

• House should provide for safety and handling requirements
• Feeders and waterers should be serviceable from outside thepen
• The door openings (or door opening mechanisms) are planned in such away, that doors are easily opened and closed from outside the pen area. This allows for safe separation of rooster from personnel during egg collection, and provides for easier sorting and handling
• Plan an area to examine birds, e.g. a squeeze that protects both you and the bird. An in-pen squeeze can be made inexpensively by attaching a sheeted swing gate to the side of the pen, near a corner. When not in use, the swing gate stays securely fastened to the wall. When needed the gate swings open to a 90º or greater angle, toward the corner, making a u-shaped or triangular squeeze area
• Provide water with a heat source to keep it from freezing during winter. This also insures proper intake of water, as ostrich seem to prefer drinking water that is not ice cold. An economical way of doing this, is to place a 250 watt water heater in a 5 gallon pail
• Provide good lighting and ventilation
• Plan indoor pen space based on barn size and number of birds in each pen. A pair should have a minimum of 10' x 12', a trio 12 x 16'. Larger spaces are always preferable
•  Doors should be wide enough for birds to go in and out freely. Door should be 4' to 5' wide. Sideways sliding, split swing and overhead doors (shutters) are the most common.
• The most common flooring or substrate used for juveniles and breeders is natural soil or sand, with a good straw cover for bedding (warmth and absorption).