Description and rules for keeping Cobb 700 broilers

Growing the Cobb 700 broiler is characterized by a number of features. These birds are highly productive and have strong immunity. That is why many poultry farmers choose them. In order for chickens to develop normally and not get sick, it is recommended to properly care for them. In this case, it is necessary to strictly observe the temperature and humidity parameters. A balanced diet is of no small importance.

History of appearance

The Cobb 700 Cross is a hybrid line that was created by crossing breeds with similar genetic characteristics. The author of the hybrid is considered to be the COBB-Vantress company.

This English company cooperates with famous world institutions and breeders. The breed is based on such types of chickens as Rhode Island, Plymouth, and Cornish. This is not a complete list of breeds.

Description and characteristics of the Cobb 700 breed

Before you start raising these chickens, you should familiarize yourself with their basic characteristics.

External features of chickens

The birds are distinguished by their 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 bends slightly inward.

The Cobb 700 breed is characterized by a large chest. Chickens have a smooth head, which is decorated with a bright comb. The lobes and beard have the same coloring. The eyes are yellow or orange in color.

Productivity indicators

This breed is chosen by many farmers because it has high productivity parameters.

Early ripening and taste of meat

The undoubted advantage of the cross is its high parameters for weight gain. Meat productivity indicators can be assessed by month:

• at 1.5 months, females weigh 1.5 kilograms, males - 2;
• at 2.5 months, the weight of birds is 4-4.2 kilograms, roosters - 5;
• subsequently, the chickens gain 50-80 grams weekly - their development continues for up to 9 months.

Egg production

Chickens begin to lay eggs at 6 months. As the weight of birds increases, eggs can have different weights - 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.

Character 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 at each other.

Advantages and disadvantages of breeding

The key advantages of the breed include the following:

• heavy weight;
• rapid development of chicks;
• pleasant taste of meat;
• high survival rate of young animals;
• undemanding conditions of detention.

The key disadvantage of the breed is the difficulty in purchasing eggs for breeding chicks. At the same time, crosses are grown not only on large farms. They can be bred in homesteads.

Subtleties of cultivation

To achieve success in raising birds, it is recommended to take into account many features.

Incubation

This is a hybrid breed, therefore the eggs of representatives of the cross will not produce offspring with the same properties as the parents. To breed chickens, you should take eggs from poultry farms and then hatch them in an incubator.

It is worth considering that Cobb 700 chickens do not have a brooding instinct. 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 the parameters and periodically turn the eggs.

When the chicks hatch, they should be allowed to dry out. In this case, the temperature should be +33-35 degrees.After which they are placed in a special box. As the chicks grow, the temperature can be gradually reduced.

Maintenance and care

Features of keeping birds directly depend on the chosen method. Chickens of this breed feel normal in cages. They can also be raised in a chicken coop.

In the poultry house

The chicken coop must have sufficient area. 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 bedding on the floor. It may consist 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 the age of one month, this parameter can be +14 degrees. Humidity levels from the first days should be 65%. Once the chicks adapt, this can be increased to 70%.

The chicken coop must be equipped with high-quality ventilation. Bacteria multiply quickly in a stuffy room.

In the first 2 weeks, chickens should be kept in a lighted room around the clock. Subsequently, the duration of daylight hours is reduced to 18 hours.

In cells

The temperature and humidity parameters in the cages should be the same as in the chicken coop. At the same time, cage maintenance helps save space and reduce the cost of bedding material. Cages can be placed in tiers. In this case, there can be 10 individuals per 0.5 square meter.

The key advantage of cage keeping is considered to be cleaner conditions for birds. There is also a minus - the need to maintain the same temperature in the upper and lower tiers.

Feeding

To breed broilers, it is worth buying high-quality food that is designed taking into account the needs and characteristics of meat breeds. To breed birds without feed, you need to have the appropriate knowledge to calculate the balanced amount of nutrients.

Ready-made food should be given according to the following scheme:

• use the starter kit for 10 days;
• up to 22 days, use growth feed;
• Before slaughter, birds are fed the finishing mixture.

It is worth considering that birds must have constant access to fresh and clean water. This breed is characterized by a high need to quench thirst.

Diseases and prevention

These birds are highly resistant to diseases and have excellent survival rates. However, if the conditions of detention are violated, they may encounter viral or bacterial infections. Sometimes birds suffer from parasites.

To avoid negative consequences for the health of birds, it is worth strictly following the rules for keeping birds. Before moving chickens into the house, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the room. At the same time, disinfection and replacement of litter are carried out. Be sure to thoroughly wash the feeders and drinkers.

Equally important is high-quality ventilation, which provides an influx of fresh air. It is recommended to give birds only fresh food and clean water. This will help avoid the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.

Cobb 700 chickens are very popular among farmers. This breed is highly productive and easy to care for. Birds can be kept in cages or in a chicken coop.