Game Fowl management 1 month old to stags

 From 1 month old to stag age (about 8–12 months), gamefowl management focuses on proper nutrition, disease prevention, exercise, conditioning, and selection. Below is a practical management guide.

Gamefowl Management Guide (1 Month Old to Stag)

1. Growing Stage (1–3 Months Old)

Housing

• Transfer chicks from the brooder to a grow-out pen.
• Provide at least 0.5–1 square meter per 4–5 birds.
• Ensure good ventilation and protection from rain and predators.
• Keep litter dry and clean.

Feeding

• Use Grower Mash or Crumble (18–20% protein).
• Feed ad libitum (free choice).
• Provide clean drinking water at all times.
• Offer greens such as kangkong, ipil-ipil leaves, or vegetables occasionally.

Health Management

• Deworm at 6–8 weeks, then every 2–3 months.
• Vaccinate according to your veterinarian's recommendation.
• Observe birds daily for signs of illness.
• Clean feeders and drinkers regularly.

Management Practices

• Remove weak or deformed birds.
• Separate aggressive birds if fighting starts.
• Trim overgrown beaks only when necessary.

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2. Juvenile Stage (3–5 Months Old)

Housing

• Provide larger growing pens.
• Avoid overcrowding.
• Install perches for exercise.

Feeding

• Continue Grower Feed (16–18% protein).
• Introduce whole grains such as:
  • Corn
  • Wheat
  • Oats
• Supply grit and oyster shell if needed.

Health Care

• Continue deworming schedule.
• Check for lice and mites.
• Maintain biosecurity.

Training

• Allow birds to free range during the day if possible.
• Encourage natural exercise.

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3. Pre-Stag Stage (5–7 Months Old)

At this age males begin showing dominance.

Separation

• Separate cockerels before serious fighting occurs.
• Place birds in:
  • Individual pens
  • Tie cords
  • Small fly pens

Feeding

• Use Developer Feed (15–16% protein).
• Supplement with:
  • Yellow corn
  • Cracked corn
  • Green vegetables
  • Vitamins twice weekly

Health

• Continue parasite control.
• Check feet for injuries.
• Observe comb and feather condition.

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4. Stag Stage (7–12 Months Old)

Housing

• Individual staking cords or cages.
• Provide shade.
• Prevent direct fighting with neighboring birds.

Feeding

Typical daily ration:

Morning:

• Commercial developer pellets
• Fresh water

Afternoon:

• Corn
• Wheat
• Oats

Supplements:

• Multivitamins (1–2 times weekly)
• Electrolytes during hot weather
• Calcium/mineral supplements when needed

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Exercise

Daily exercise helps develop strength.

Examples:

• Walking
• Wing flapping
• Short free-range periods
• Scratch area with sand

Avoid excessive exercise in young stags.

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Selection of Breeders

Choose birds with:

✔ Straight legs

✔ Broad chest

✔ Strong wings

✔ Bright eyes

✔ Tight feathers

✔ Good temperament

Cull birds with:

• Crooked toes
• Weak legs
• Poor growth
• Frequent illness
• Deformities

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Health Program

Age	Management
6–8 weeks	First deworming
Every 2–3 months	Repeat deworming
Monthly	External parasite control
Daily	Clean water
Weekly	Clean housing
Anytime	Isolate sick birds

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Biosecurity

• Disinfect equipment regularly.
• Limit visitors to the farm.
• Quarantine newly purchased birds for 2–3 weeks.
• Dispose of dead birds properly.
• Keep rodents and wild birds away.

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Daily Routine

Morning

• Feed birds.
• Replace drinking water.
• Inspect for injuries or illness.

Midday

• Allow exercise (if applicable).
• Check water supply.

Afternoon

• Second feeding.
• Clean feeders and drinkers.

Evening

• Secure birds.
• Check staking cords or cages.

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Expected Growth

Age	Stage
1 month	Fully feathered chick
2 months	Fast-growing juvenile
3 months	Young grower
4 months	Developing cockerel/pullet
5 months	Pre-stag
6 months	Young stag
7–8 months	Mature stag
9–12 months	Ready for breeding or conditioning

This management program is suitable for common gamefowl breeds raised in the Philippines and can be adjusted based on your farm conditions and breeding goals.