A huge contribution to the development of the theory and practice of incubation was made by the study of the periods of embryonic development of farm birds on the example of chickens. Next, we will examine in more detail the stages of growing of birds.
General information
The study was based on the theory of stage development T. D. Lysenko. Its main position is: periods, as well as stages of chicken development, are different. This is manifested primarily by a change in the needs of the embryo in the process of growth to the habitat. External factors are incubator conditions surrounding the eggs. At the same time, it was studied not only how long the development of the chicken lasts, but also those or other features characteristic of one or another period and stage. The embryo and the egg were taken as a whole with respect to the environment. The studies were carried out taking into account the incubator operating mode. From this point of view, all changes in morphophysiological progress occurring in the egg during the incubation period were considered.
Changes to environmental requirements
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 surrounding conditions. It is due to the fact that for a very short period of incubation, a chick is formed from a huge number of cells, which, immediately after hatching the shell, is capable of full-fledged independent existence. In the specified time period, the sources of oxygen and food are changed several times. Changes affect the type of metabolism, the process of nutrition and respiration, and other changes that directly affect the growth and development of chickens. It has been established that for the fruitful growth of the embryo, conditions are needed that change along with its age. If at a certain stage of development the necessary conditions are not met, then some group of embryos will die. At the same time, survivors will continue to grow in inconsistency with the performance standards.
Incubation period
So, how long does chicken development last? Periods of embryonic growth are considered time intervals during which offspring require other conditions different from the previous ones. All these periods are 6: 1-2nd, 3-5th, 6-10th, 11-15th, 16-19th, 20-21th day of incubation. Later, the first stage underwent changes and was divided into two. So, it distinguishes the initial - 12-16 hours and the second - 32-36 hours. The first period is characterized by the fact that during it the embryo is content with conditions similar to those in which it developed in the womb. Successful development of chickens is provided subject to the necessary conditions. These, in particular, include temperatures up to 41 °, high humidity and high levels of carbon dioxide in the environment.
Reaction to temperature fluctuations
In studying the question of how long the development of chicken lasts, it is necessary to pay attention to a number of factors that influence the whole process as a whole and individual stages in particular. So, temperature has a significant effect. The biological value of eggs increases if heating occurs in the initial hours and cooling in the subsequent hours. As a result, hatching 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 body temperature. If the rearing of young animals is carried out with a brood, then the room should be warmed up to 20-22 degrees.
First weeks of life
If the chickens develop with a brood, then they are released to the walking area at the age of more than two weeks. In this case, the external temperature should be at least 18 degrees. Under the same conditions, offspring reared without a brood are released at the age of 4 weeks.
Nutrition
After hatching in the young, a certain reserve of nutrients is stored in the yolk sac . The chicken uses it until it learns to peck its own food. By the second week of life, the offspring enjoys using cottage cheese, finely chopped greens (fresh). The food is given several times a day in small portions. From two weeks of age, a mixture of barley, oat, wheat and corn flour (in equal proportions) has been used as feed. From a month, the chickens are given coarse grain.
Broiler growing
Breeding chickens in a private household can be carried out throughout the year. In this case, the owner can easily get fresh dietary meat. Some features of year-round bird rearing should be considered. How long does chicken development take with technology? It should be said that under satisfactory conditions and good care at the age of 49 days, young growth reaches a mass of 1.5 kg, and by the 56-60th day - 2 kg. Many beginner poultry farmers are concerned about how long the chicken lasts before it begins to hatch. It should be noted here that the rate at which this age is reached depends on the breed of bird. For example, some individuals begin to rush for the 17th week. But at the same time, as practice shows, on average chickens lay eggs from the 22nd week of life.