How to raise laying hens in winter? Detailed explanation of key feeding and management points

Do not forget ventilation and air exchange

In winter, the chicken house is tightly closed, and large amounts of harmful gases are produced (H2S, NH3, CO2), which can induce chronic respiratory disease, infectious bronchitis, infectious laryngotracheitis, rhinitis, colibacillosis, etc. in chickens. Every day, the skylight should be opened appropriately for ventilation or exhaust fans should be installed to prevent draft invasion. Do a good job of environmental disinfection and alternate the use of disinfectants, such as Sujie and Qiandumei, to prevent the spread of various viruses and bacteria.

Keep the chicken house at a suitable temperature

Laying hens require a temperature range of 8 to 27°C, and the most suitable temperature is 13 to 24°C. Too high or too low a temperature is unfavorable for egg production, and every increase or decrease of 1°C can reduce egg production by 1%. In winter, the outside temperature is low, so the temperature in the chicken house should be raised. Insulation measures can be taken, such as lighting a stove and sealing the windows on the north side of the chicken house tightly. Generally, it should be kept above 8°C at the lowest.

Increase feed energy

In winter, the energy in the feed should be appropriately increased, and more high-energy feed should be added, such as fats and corn. Some chicken farms (households) mix their own feed and always use one formula. At the same time, because raw material sources differ, component contents also differ, and protein, energy, minerals, etc. may be high or low, resulting in normal or excessive feed intake, egg production declining to varying degrees, soft-shelled eggs, thin-shelled eggs, etc. Some flocks have no peak at all, and then comb shrinkage and pubic bone contraction appear. It is recommended to use a reasonable complete feed and appropriately add some energy feed.

Keep lighting constant

Light plays a decisive role in the sexual maturity, ovulation and egg production of chickens. Generally, the lighting during the laying period is required to remain at 16 hours per day. From 4 weeks before culling the chickens, the lighting can be increased to 17 hours, and the most suitable light intensity is 5 lux. In winter, sunshine is short, so on cloudy and foggy days, lights should be turned on in time to supplement lighting. To prevent the light intensity from weakening after bulbs become dirty, light should be kept as even and consistent as possible.

Maintain appropriate humidity

Laying hens require a humidity range of 50% to 70%, and the most suitable humidity is 60% to 65%. Too low humidity easily causes dehydration of the chicken body and triggers respiratory diseases; too high humidity often makes the air in the chicken house foul and easily triggers various diseases. In winter, the relative humidity inside the house is high, so humidity must be adjusted on the basis of maintaining temperature. Usually, humidity is adjusted by controlling temperature to help improve egg production.

Adjust the flock in time

At around 200 days of age, observe the flock and cull chickens with comb shrinkage, pubic bone contraction, tightly contracted feathers, dry skin on the legs, thin breast muscles and a drooping abdomen in a penguin-like shape. This can save feed and increase egg production, prevent the spread of other diseases, and reduce the number of medication administrations.

Use medication reasonably to prevent disease

Do not blindly use vaccines, and do not arbitrarily increase the multiplier of vaccine use, so as to avoid immune failure or immune paralysis and avoid the occurrence of atypical Newcastle disease. When disease occurs, treatment should be given in time to avoid increasing the death and culling rate and increasing medication investment. After the beginning of winter, choose highly sensitive drugs for colibacillosis, staphylococcosis, etc., so as to control the condition in time, and at the same time prevent secondary infection by more serious diseases such as mycoplasma, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza, so as not to cause a decline in egg production.

Reduce stress as much as possible

The chicken house should be built firmly to prevent huge noises caused by strong winds, and at the same time, entry by dogs, cats, rats, and birds should be avoided. Under stress conditions, 0.02% to 0.04% vitamin C can be added to the feed, and Weili can be used in drinking water.

Supply clean drinking water

Water is a nutrient necessary for the growth, development, egg production and health of chickens, and participates in the entire metabolic process of the body. Drinking water volume varies with the season, and in winter it is generally 2 times the feed intake; insufficient drinking water can reduce egg production by 2% to 10% and reduce egg weight; drinking water equipment should be cleaned every day to ensure good water quality and create a high-yield drinking water environment.