Country chickens often called Deshi chickens in South Asia are deeply rooted in traditional farming practices.
Their natural resilience, delicious meat, and nutrient-rich eggs make them a favorite among farmers and rural households. Yet, to unlock their full potential, the most important factor is proper feeding. Good-quality feed not only boosts their growth and immunity but also directly increases egg production, meat quality, and overall well-being.
In this comprehensive 4000-word blog, we will explore everything a farmer needs to know about feeding country chickens, from chick starter feed to homemade feed formulas, natural supplements, foraging habits, seasonal feeding strategies, and common mistakes to avoid.
Introduction: Why Feed Matters for Country Chickens Feeding country chickens is not as simple as giving them rice or leftovers. While local chickens can survive on minimal food, they cannot thrive without proper nutrition. Their immunity, growth rate, egg-laying ability, and disease resistance all depend on a balanced and consistent feeding schedule.
Many farmers notice that their chickens grow slowly or lay fewer eggs, not because of disease, but because the feed lacks necessary nutrients like protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Proper feeding ensures:
Faster growth
Improved immunity
Higher egg production
Better meat quality
Reduced mortality rate
Stronger bone structure
Better fertility in breeding hens and roosters
A well-fed chicken is healthier, happier, and more productive.
Nutritional Needs of Country Chickens Country chickens require a balanced diet that includes:
Carbohydrates Energy Chickens need energy to move, forage, digest, and produce eggs. Sources include:
Rice
Broken rice
Wheat
Maize corn
Sorghum
Proteins Growth & Egg Production Protein is crucial for chick growth, muscle development, feather formation, and egg production.
Fish meal
Meat meal
Soybean meal
Lentils
Earthworms
Termites
Black soldier fly larvae excellent natural protein
Fats Fats improve energy, help in vitamin absorption, and support healthy skin and feathers.
Vitamins Essential vitamins include:
Vitamin A — eyesight, immunity
Vitamin D — bone health
Vitamin E — fertility, immunity
Vitamin K — blood clotting
B-complex — nervous system, growth
Minerals Minerals help bone strength and eggshell formation. Important minerals:
Calcium
Phosphorus
Magnesium
Iron
Potassium
Water Fresh, clean water must always be available. Chickens cannot digest food properly without water.
Feeding for Different Age Groups Feeding needs vary depending on the chicken’s age. Here is a complete guide:
A. Feeding Baby Chicks 0–8 Weeks
Baby chicks need high protein for rapid growth. Protein requirement: 20–22%
Ideal foods:
Commercial chick starter feed
Boiled eggs finely mashed
Crushed maize powder
Soybean meal
Chick crumbs
Small insects or worms
Important tips:
Feed 5–6 times a day in small amounts.
Provide clean water with electrolytes or glucose for the first 3 days.
Keep feed plates low and shallow.
Never give moldy or wet feed.
B. Feeding Growers 8–20 Weeks
At this stage, chickens grow muscles, feathers, and body structure. Protein requirement: 16–18%
Suitable foods:
Maize
Broken rice
Rice bran
Wheat bran
Chick grower pellets
Green leaves
Vegetable scraps
Small fish or fish meal
Important tips:
Avoid excessive protein; it can lead to early maturity.
Provide grit small stones to help digestion.
Offer feed 3–4 times daily.
C. Feeding Adult Chickens 20 Weeks and Above
Here, egg production begins. A balanced diet is crucial. Protein requirement: 15–17%
Best foods:
Maize
Wheat
Rice polish
Layer feed
Fish meal
Oyster shell for calcium
Sesame cake
Mustard oil cake
Green vegetables
Sprouted grains
Important tips:
Ensure enough calcium for strong eggshells.
Feed twice daily for free-range chickens.
Provide additional feed during breeding season.
Homemade Feed Formulas for Country Chickens Farmers often prefer homemade feed because it is cheaper and easily available. Below are ideal formulas:
Homemade Feed for Chicks 1–8 Weeks
Ingredient Percentage
Maize Flour 40% Soybean Meal 25% Fish Meal 20% Rice Bran 10% Mineral Mix 3% Salt 2%
Grower Feed Formula 8–20 Weeks
Ingredient Percentage
Broken Maize 45% Rice Bran 30% Soybean Meal 10% Mustard Oil Cake 8% Fish Meal 5% Minerals 2%
Layer Feed Formula for Egg-Laying Hens
Ingredient Percentage
Maize 50% Rice Bran 20% Soybean Meal 12% Fish Meal 8% Oyster Shell 8% Vitamins & Minerals 2%
Natural Supplements for Country Chickens Country chickens love natural foods and supplements. These improve health and reduce disease risk.
Green Leaves Khesari leaves
Spinach
Kolmi
Papaya leaves These boost immunity and digestion.
Herbs Ginger
Garlic
Turmeric
These reduce infections, improve immunity, and support overall health.
Sprouted Grains Sprouted wheat or lentils are rich in vitamins and easy to digest.
Termites & Earthworms High-protein natural feed that country chickens love.
Fermented Feed Very Effective Fermented feed improves digestion and increases egg production.
Feeding Management for Free-Range Deshi Chickens Country chickens are best raised in a semi-free-range system.
Benefits of Free-Range Feeding
Natural exercise
Immune system becomes stronger
They eat natural insects and plants
Reduces food cost
Egg yolks become darker and richer
Best Practices
Release chickens in the morning when insects are active.
Provide additional feed in the evening.
Ensure access to clean water all day.
Avoid areas with pesticides.
Seasonal Feeding Tips Climate change and weather affect feed intake.
Summer Feeding
Provide plenty of water.
Add electrolytes.
Give watery vegetables like cucumber or gourd.
Reduce corn or high-energy food during extreme heat.
Winter Feeding
Increase energy-rich feed like maize.
Provide warm water.
Add mustard oil cake for warmth.
Rainy Season Feeding
Keep feed dry.
Avoid moldy feed.
Give extra vitamins to prevent disease.
Feeding for Egg Production Egg production depends 90% on feed quality.
What to focus on:
High protein at least 16%
Adequate calcium oyster shell is best
Regular feeding time
Fresh clean water
Extra greens
Foods that increase egg production
Maize
Soybean meal
Fish meal
Oyster shell
Black cumin kalijira
Sesame seeds
Garlic
Common Feeding Mistakes Farmers Make Many farmers accidentally reduce chicken productivity by making feeding mistakes.
Giving leftover food every day Human leftovers lack essential nutrients.
Feeding moldy or wet grain This causes fungal infections and diarrhea.
Allowing long gaps between meals Chickens need consistent feeding.
Not providing enough calcium Leads to thin eggshells or no eggs at all.
Overfeeding carbo-rich food Makes chickens fat, reducing egg production.
How Much to Feed Per Day Approximate daily feed requirement:
Baby chicks: 30–40 grams/day
Growers: 60–80 grams/day
Adults: 100–120 grams/day
Layer hens: 120–150 grams/day
Free-range chickens may eat slightly less commercial feed because they find insects and greens outside.
Water Management: The Most Important Part of Feeding Chickens cannot survive long without water.
Water guidelines:
Always keep fresh, clean water.
During summer, give cool water.
During winter, give slightly warm water.
Clean water pots daily.
Add vitamins once a week.
Special Feeding for Roosters Healthy roosters are important for breeding.
Best foods:
Maize
Wheat
Soybean meal
Sesame cake
Vitamin E supplements improves fertility
Garlic water once a week
Avoid overfeeding; overweight roosters are poor breeders.
Feeding During Illness or Stress If chickens are sick:
Give soft, easily digestible feed.
Include turmeric-water.
Provide glucose or electrolyte water.
Add multivitamins for faster recovery.
Benefits of Proper Feeding Proper feeding gives many benefits:
Faster growth
High egg-laying rate
Better immunity
Reduced medical cost
More delicious meat
Bright comb and feathers
Longer lifespan
Chickens become strong, energetic, and highly productive.
Conclusion Feeding country chickens is not difficult, but it requires consistency and the right balance of nutrients. Whether you raise them for eggs or meat, a good feeding plan is essential. By combining commercial feed, homemade feed formulas, natural supplements, and free-range opportunities, farmers can achieve excellent results.
Raising deshi chickens is more than just an agricultural activity—it’s a traditional practice in many rural and semi-urban households that connects people to simple living, natural food, and self-reliance. Deshi chickens, also known as indigenous or native breeds, are loved for their resilience, tasty meat, natural eggs, and low-maintenance nature. But although these birds survive well even with minimal care, proper management can significantly increase their growth, egg production, and disease resistance.
In this long, detailed, and reader-friendly blog, we will explore everything you need to know about deshi chicken care, from housing and feeding to disease prevention and breeding.
Introduction: Why Deshi Chickens Matter Deshi chickens are among the oldest domesticated birds in South Asia. They roam freely in households, survive on natural feed, and produce eggs and meat that are richer in flavor than commercial breeds. Their adaptability to the local climate makes them a smart choice for small farmers and backyard poultry enthusiasts.
Benefits of Raising Deshi Chickens
They require low investment.
They thrive in natural conditions.
Their eggs are nutritious and chemical-free.
Deshi chicken meat has high demand in the market.
These birds have natural immunity to many diseases.
They can be raised with kitchen scraps and local grains.
Despite their hardy nature, proper care can multiply their productivity. That’s where this guide comes in.
Housing and Environment Management A well-designed living space is the foundation of healthy poultry. Deshi chickens may spend time outdoors, but they still need a safe and clean shelter.
2.1 Choosing the Right Location
Select a dry, elevated area for the poultry house to avoid waterlogging. Dampness attracts parasites and causes infections, so proper drainage is crucial.
2.2 Coop Design
A typical deshi chicken coop should include:
Proper ventilation – to reduce ammonia and maintain air flow.
Sufficient light – natural sunlight helps in egg production.
Space – at least 1.5–2 square feet per bird.
Perches – chickens prefer sleeping above ground.
Roosting bars should be at a comfortable height and spaced apart to prevent crowding.
2.3 Flooring
You can use soil, bamboo slats, or cemented floors. Many farmers prefer a litter system using:
Rice husk
Sawdust
Dry leaves
Sand The litter must be cleaned and replaced regularly.
2.4 Nesting Boxes
For laying hens, soft and clean nesting boxes are essential. Use straw, hay, or dry grass to make nests comfortable. Provide one nest for every 4–5 hens.
2.5 Outdoor Space
Deshi chickens love scratching, digging, and searching for insects. Design a free-range area where they can roam safely. This helps reduce stress and increases natural feed intake.
Feeding System for Healthy Deshi Chickens Food plays the biggest role in growth and immunity. A balanced diet ensures better egg laying and healthy meat production.
3.1 Basic Feed Components
A good diet should contain:
Carbohydrates – rice, wheat, maize
Protein – lentils, fish meal, soybean meal
Fats – oilseed cakes
Vitamins and Minerals – greens, vegetables, calcium supplements
Clean drinking water – always available
3.2 Natural Feeding
Deshi chickens appreciate foraging. They naturally eat:
insects
green grass
earthworms
seeds
snails This lowers feeding cost and improves the quality of their meat and eggs.
3.3 Kitchen Waste
You can feed chickens:
rice leftovers
cooked vegetables
broken lentils
rice polish Avoid spicy foods, oily dishes, or anything spoiled.
3.4 Feeding Chicks
Chicks need special attention:
Give crushed grains, rice powder, or chick starter feed.
Provide boiled egg mash for protein.
Ensure clean water with vitamins.
3.5 Feeding Breeding Hens
Laying hens require:
extra calcium crushed oyster shells
balanced protein
constant access to water Poor feeding lowers egg fertility.
Health and Disease Management Deshi chickens are hardy, but diseases still occur. Prevention is the key to success.
4.1 Hygiene
A clean environment reduces 80% of disease risk. Cleaning includes:
removing droppings
washing feeders and drinkers
changing litter regularly
disinfecting the coop monthly
4.2 Vaccination Schedule
Even native breeds require vaccination. Common vaccines include:
Newcastle Disease Ranikhet
Fowl Pox
Gumboro Disease
4.3 Common Diseases in Deshi Chickens
Newcastle Disease
Symptoms: drooping wings, twisted neck, breathing trouble.
Prevention: timely vaccination.
Fowl Pox
Symptoms: wart-like spots on skin.
Prevention: vaccination and mosquito control.
Coccidiosis
Symptoms: bloody stool, weakness.
Prevention: clean litter and anticoccidial medicine.
Worm Infestation
Symptoms: weight loss, low egg production.
Treatment: deworming every 3–4 months.
4.4 Stress Management
Chickens can get stressed due to:
overcrowding
predators
extreme heat or cold Stress reduces egg production and immunity. Maintain shade, proper temperature, and a safe environment.
Breeding and Chick Production Deshi chickens are natural breeders. A healthy rooster-to-hen ratio is important.
5.1 Ideal Ratio
1 rooster for 8–10 hens.
5.2 Selecting Breeders
Choose birds that are:
healthy
active
free from deformities
good at laying eggs
5.3 Natural Incubation
Deshi hens are excellent mothers. When they turn broody, they can incubate 10–14 eggs at a time.
Ensure:
a quiet nesting area
regular checking for broken eggs
clean nesting materials
5.4 Artificial Incubation
If you want larger production, use incubators. Maintain:
99.5°F temperature
55–60% humidity
egg rotation 3–4 times daily
Chick Rearing Once chicks hatch, they need special care.
6.1 Brooder Setup
Make a warm place using:
a lamp
straw bedding
low-walled brooder
6.2 Temperature
Chicks need warmth:
Week 1: 32–35°C
Week 2: 30°C
Week 3: 28°C Gradually reduce temperature until they adapt.
6.3 Early Feeding
Give:
boiled egg mash
chick starter feed
glucose mixed water
vitamin supplements
Chicks grow faster when they receive proper early nutrition.
Seasonal Care Tips 7.1 Summer
Provide shade.
Keep water cool.
Avoid overcrowding.
7.2 Winter
Add extra bedding.
Cover the coop at night.
Give warm feed like rice mixed with molasses.
7.3 Rainy Season
Prevent waterlogging.
Control mosquitoes.
Keep the coop dry and ventilated.
Protection from Predators Common predators include:
cats
dogs
snakes
foxes
hawks
Safety measures:
use strong wire mesh
lock the coop at night
remove hiding spots near coop
elevate the floor to prevent snakes
Economic Benefits of Deshi Chicken Rearing Deshi chickens can become a profitable small business.
Income Sources
selling eggs
selling chicks
selling mature chickens
manure as fertilizer
Profit Potential
Deshi chicken products are premium-priced because of their taste and nutritional value. Even a small flock can provide steady income.
Conclusion Deshi chicken care is simple, rewarding, and culturally significant. With proper housing, nutrition, hygiene, and breeding management, anyone can raise a healthy flock. These birds not only provide organic eggs and meat but also contribute to self-sufficiency and sustainable farming.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, following this guide will help you maintain a thriving deshi chicken population that grows naturally and yields generously.
Raising deshi chickens is more than just an agricultural activity—it’s a traditional practice in many rural and semi-urban households that connects people to simple living, natural food, and self-reliance. Deshi chickens, also known as indigenous or native breeds, are loved for their resilience, tasty meat, natural eggs, and low-maintenance nature. But although these birds survive well even with minimal care, proper management can significantly increase their growth, egg production, and disease resistance.
In this long, detailed, and reader-friendly blog, we will explore everything you need to know about deshi chicken care, from housing and feeding to disease prevention and breeding.
Introduction: Why Deshi Chickens Matter Deshi chickens are among the oldest domesticated birds in South Asia. They roam freely in households, survive on natural feed, and produce eggs and meat that are richer in flavor than commercial breeds. Their adaptability to the local climate makes them a smart choice for small farmers and backyard poultry enthusiasts.
Benefits of Raising Deshi Chickens
They require low investment.
They thrive in natural conditions.
Their eggs are nutritious and chemical-free.
Deshi chicken meat has high demand in the market.
These birds have natural immunity to many diseases.
They can be raised with kitchen scraps and local grains.
Despite their hardy nature, proper care can multiply their productivity. That’s where this guide comes in.
Housing and Environment Management A well-designed living space is the foundation of healthy poultry. Deshi chickens may spend time outdoors, but they still need a safe and clean shelter.
2.1 Choosing the Right Location
Select a dry, elevated area for the poultry house to avoid waterlogging. Dampness attracts parasites and causes infections, so proper drainage is crucial.
2.2 Coop Design
A typical deshi chicken coop should include:
Proper ventilation – to reduce ammonia and maintain air flow.
Sufficient light – natural sunlight helps in egg production.
Space – at least 1.5–2 square feet per bird.
Perches – chickens prefer sleeping above ground.
Roosting bars should be at a comfortable height and spaced apart to prevent crowding.
2.3 Flooring
You can use soil, bamboo slats, or cemented floors. Many farmers prefer a litter system using:
Rice husk
Sawdust
Dry leaves
Sand The litter must be cleaned and replaced regularly.
2.4 Nesting Boxes
For laying hens, soft and clean nesting boxes are essential. Use straw, hay, or dry grass to make nests comfortable. Provide one nest for every 4–5 hens.
2.5 Outdoor Space
Deshi chickens love scratching, digging, and searching for insects. Design a free-range area where they can roam safely. This helps reduce stress and increases natural feed intake.
Feeding System for Healthy Deshi Chickens Food plays the biggest role in growth and immunity. A balanced diet ensures better egg laying and healthy meat production.
3.1 Basic Feed Components
A good diet should contain:
Carbohydrates – rice, wheat, maize
Protein – lentils, fish meal, soybean meal
Fats – oilseed cakes
Vitamins and Minerals – greens, vegetables, calcium supplements
Clean drinking water – always available
3.2 Natural Feeding
Deshi chickens appreciate foraging. They naturally eat:
insects
green grass
earthworms
seeds
snails This lowers feeding cost and improves the quality of their meat and eggs.
3.3 Kitchen Waste
You can feed chickens:
rice leftovers
cooked vegetables
broken lentils
rice polish Avoid spicy foods, oily dishes, or anything spoiled.
3.4 Feeding Chicks
Chicks need special attention:
Give crushed grains, rice powder, or chick starter feed.
Provide boiled egg mash for protein.
Ensure clean water with vitamins.
3.5 Feeding Breeding Hens
Laying hens require:
extra calcium crushed oyster shells
balanced protein
constant access to water Poor feeding lowers egg fertility.
Health and Disease Management Deshi chickens are hardy, but diseases still occur. Prevention is the key to success.
4.1 Hygiene
A clean environment reduces 80% of disease risk. Cleaning includes:
removing droppings
washing feeders and drinkers
changing litter regularly
disinfecting the coop monthly
4.2 Vaccination Schedule
Even native breeds require vaccination. Common vaccines include:
Newcastle Disease Ranikhet
Fowl Pox
Gumboro Disease
4.3 Common Diseases in Deshi Chickens
Newcastle Disease
Symptoms: drooping wings, twisted neck, breathing trouble.
Prevention: timely vaccination.
Fowl Pox
Symptoms: wart-like spots on skin.
Prevention: vaccination and mosquito control.
Coccidiosis
Symptoms: bloody stool, weakness.
Prevention: clean litter and anticoccidial medicine.
Worm Infestation
Symptoms: weight loss, low egg production.
Treatment: deworming every 3–4 months.
4.4 Stress Management
Chickens can get stressed due to:
overcrowding
predators
extreme heat or cold Stress reduces egg production and immunity. Maintain shade, proper temperature, and a safe environment.
Breeding and Chick Production Deshi chickens are natural breeders. A healthy rooster-to-hen ratio is important.
5.1 Ideal Ratio
1 rooster for 8–10 hens.
5.2 Selecting Breeders
Choose birds that are:
healthy
active
free from deformities
good at laying eggs
5.3 Natural Incubation
Deshi hens are excellent mothers. When they turn broody, they can incubate 10–14 eggs at a time.
Ensure:
a quiet nesting area
regular checking for broken eggs
clean nesting materials
5.4 Artificial Incubation
If you want larger production, use incubators. Maintain:
99.5°F temperature
55–60% humidity
egg rotation 3–4 times daily
Chick Rearing Once chicks hatch, they need special care.
6.1 Brooder Setup
Make a warm place using:
a lamp
straw bedding
low-walled brooder
6.2 Temperature
Chicks need warmth:
Week 1: 32–35°C
Week 2: 30°C
Week 3: 28°C Gradually reduce temperature until they adapt.
6.3 Early Feeding
Give:
boiled egg mash
chick starter feed
glucose mixed water
vitamin supplements
Chicks grow faster when they receive proper early nutrition.
Seasonal Care Tips 7.1 Summer
Provide shade.
Keep water cool.
Avoid overcrowding.
7.2 Winter
Add extra bedding.
Cover the coop at night.
Give warm feed like rice mixed with molasses.
7.3 Rainy Season
Prevent waterlogging.
Control mosquitoes.
Keep the coop dry and ventilated.
Protection from Predators Common predators include:
cats
dogs
snakes
foxes
hawks
Safety measures:
use strong wire mesh
lock the coop at night
remove hiding spots near coop
elevate the floor to prevent snakes
Economic Benefits of Deshi Chicken Rearing Deshi chickens can become a profitable small business.
Income Sources
selling eggs
selling chicks
selling mature chickens
manure as fertilizer
Profit Potential
Deshi chicken products are premium-priced because of their taste and nutritional value. Even a small flock can provide steady income.
Conclusion Deshi chicken care is simple, rewarding, and culturally significant. With proper housing, nutrition, hygiene, and breeding management, anyone can raise a healthy flock. These birds not only provide organic eggs and meat but also contribute to self-sufficiency and sustainable farming.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, following this guide will help you maintain a thriving deshi chicken population that grows naturally and yields generously.
Deshi Chicken Care: A Complete 4000-Word Guide to Raising Healthy Native Chickens
Raising deshi chickens is more than just an agricultural activity—it’s a traditional practice in many rural and semi-urban households that connects people to simple living, natural food, and self-reliance. Deshi chickens, also known as indigenous or native breeds, are loved for their resilience, tasty meat, natural eggs, and low-maintenance nature. But although these birds survive well even with minimal care, proper management can significantly increase their growth, egg production, and disease resistance.
In this long, detailed, and reader-friendly blog, we will explore everything you need to know about deshi chicken care, from housing and feeding to disease prevention and breeding.
Introduction: Why Deshi Chickens Matter Deshi chickens are among the oldest domesticated birds in South Asia. They roam freely in households, survive on natural feed, and produce eggs and meat that are richer in flavor than commercial breeds. Their adaptability to the local climate makes them a smart choice for small farmers and backyard poultry enthusiasts.
Benefits of Raising Deshi Chickens
They require low investment.
They thrive in natural conditions.
Their eggs are nutritious and chemical-free.
Deshi chicken meat has high demand in the market.
These birds have natural immunity to many diseases.
They can be raised with kitchen scraps and local grains.
Despite their hardy nature, proper care can multiply their productivity. That’s where this guide comes in.
Housing and Environment Management A well-designed living space is the foundation of healthy poultry. Deshi chickens may spend time outdoors, but they still need a safe and clean shelter.
2.1 Choosing the Right Location
Select a dry, elevated area for the poultry house to avoid waterlogging. Dampness attracts parasites and causes infections, so proper drainage is crucial.
2.2 Coop Design
A typical deshi chicken coop should include:
Proper ventilation – to reduce ammonia and maintain air flow.
Sufficient light – natural sunlight helps in egg production.
Space – at least 1.5–2 square feet per bird.
Perches – chickens prefer sleeping above ground.
Roosting bars should be at a comfortable height and spaced apart to prevent crowding.
2.3 Flooring
You can use soil, bamboo slats, or cemented floors. Many farmers prefer a litter system using:
Rice husk
Sawdust
Dry leaves
Sand The litter must be cleaned and replaced regularly.
2.4 Nesting Boxes
For laying hens, soft and clean nesting boxes are essential. Use straw, hay, or dry grass to make nests comfortable. Provide one nest for every 4–5 hens.
2.5 Outdoor Space
Deshi chickens love scratching, digging, and searching for insects. Design a free-range area where they can roam safely. This helps reduce stress and increases natural feed intake.
Feeding System for Healthy Deshi Chickens Food plays the biggest role in growth and immunity. A balanced diet ensures better egg laying and healthy meat production.
3.1 Basic Feed Components
A good diet should contain:
Carbohydrates – rice, wheat, maize
Protein – lentils, fish meal, soybean meal
Fats – oilseed cakes
Vitamins and Minerals – greens, vegetables, calcium supplements
Clean drinking water – always available
3.2 Natural Feeding
Deshi chickens appreciate foraging. They naturally eat:
insects
green grass
earthworms
seeds
snails This lowers feeding cost and improves the quality of their meat and eggs.
3.3 Kitchen Waste
You can feed chickens:
rice leftovers
cooked vegetables
broken lentils
rice polish Avoid spicy foods, oily dishes, or anything spoiled.
3.4 Feeding Chicks
Chicks need special attention:
Give crushed grains, rice powder, or chick starter feed.
Provide boiled egg mash for protein.
Ensure clean water with vitamins.
3.5 Feeding Breeding Hens
Laying hens require:
extra calcium crushed oyster shells
balanced protein
constant access to water Poor feeding lowers egg fertility.
Health and Disease Management Deshi chickens are hardy, but diseases still occur. Prevention is the key to success.
4.1 Hygiene
A clean environment reduces 80% of disease risk. Cleaning includes:
removing droppings
washing feeders and drinkers
changing litter regularly
disinfecting the coop monthly
4.2 Vaccination Schedule
Even native breeds require vaccination. Common vaccines include:
Newcastle Disease Ranikhet
Fowl Pox
Gumboro Disease
4.3 Common Diseases in Deshi Chickens
Newcastle Disease
Symptoms: drooping wings, twisted neck, breathing trouble.
Prevention: timely vaccination.
Fowl Pox
Symptoms: wart-like spots on skin.
Prevention: vaccination and mosquito control.
Coccidiosis
Symptoms: bloody stool, weakness.
Prevention: clean litter and anticoccidial medicine.
Worm Infestation
Symptoms: weight loss, low egg production.
Treatment: deworming every 3–4 months.
4.4 Stress Management
Chickens can get stressed due to:
overcrowding
predators
extreme heat or cold Stress reduces egg production and immunity. Maintain shade, proper temperature, and a safe environment.
Breeding and Chick Production Deshi chickens are natural breeders. A healthy rooster-to-hen ratio is important.
5.1 Ideal Ratio
1 rooster for 8–10 hens.
5.2 Selecting Breeders
Choose birds that are:
healthy
active
free from deformities
good at laying eggs
5.3 Natural Incubation
Deshi hens are excellent mothers. When they turn broody, they can incubate 10–14 eggs at a time.
Ensure:
a quiet nesting area
regular checking for broken eggs
clean nesting materials
5.4 Artificial Incubation
If you want larger production, use incubators. Maintain:
99.5°F temperature
55–60% humidity
egg rotation 3–4 times daily
Chick Rearing Once chicks hatch, they need special care.
6.1 Brooder Setup
Make a warm place using:
a lamp
straw bedding
low-walled brooder
6.2 Temperature
Chicks need warmth:
Week 1: 32–35°C
Week 2: 30°C
Week 3: 28°C Gradually reduce temperature until they adapt.
6.3 Early Feeding
Give:
boiled egg mash
chick starter feed
glucose mixed water
vitamin supplements
Chicks grow faster when they receive proper early nutrition.
Seasonal Care Tips 7.1 Summer
Provide shade.
Keep water cool.
Avoid overcrowding.
7.2 Winter
Add extra bedding.
Cover the coop at night.
Give warm feed like rice mixed with molasses.
7.3 Rainy Season
Prevent waterlogging.
Control mosquitoes.
Keep the coop dry and ventilated.
Protection from Predators Common predators include:
cats
dogs
snakes
foxes
hawks
Safety measures:
use strong wire mesh
lock the coop at night
remove hiding spots near coop
elevate the floor to prevent snakes
Economic Benefits of Deshi Chicken Rearing Deshi chickens can become a profitable small business.
Income Sources
selling eggs
selling chicks
selling mature chickens
manure as fertilizer
Profit Potential
Deshi chicken products are premium-priced because of their taste and nutritional value. Even a small flock can provide steady income.
Conclusion Deshi chicken care is simple, rewarding, and culturally significant. With proper housing, nutrition, hygiene, and breeding management, anyone can raise a healthy flock. These birds not only provide organic eggs and meat but also contribute to self-sufficiency and sustainable farming.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced farmer, following this guide will help you maintain a thriving deshi chicken population that grows naturally and yields generously.
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