What are the precautions for raising laying hens in winter?

1. Adjust the flock in time

Around 200 days of age, observe the flock and cull hens with shrunken combs, contracted pubic bones, tightly closed feathers, dry skin on the legs, thin breast muscles, and a drooping abdomen with a penguin-like posture. This can save feed while increasing the laying rate, prevent the spread of other diseases, and reduce the number of medication treatments.

2. Increase feed energy

In winter, the energy in the feed should be appropriately increased, with more high-energy feed added, such as oils and corn. Some chicken farms (households) mix their own feed and always use the same formula. At the same time, because raw materials come from different sources, their component contents also differ, and protein, energy, minerals, etc. may be high or low, resulting in normal or excessive feed intake, along with varying degrees of decline in the laying rate, soft-shelled eggs, thin-shelled eggs, etc. Some flocks have no peak at all, and then develop shrunken combs, contracted pubic bones, and similar conditions. It is recommended to use a reasonable complete feed and then appropriately add some energy feed.

3. Keep the chicken house at a suitable temperature

Laying hens require a temperature range of 8-27°C, with the most suitable temperature being 13-24°C. Too high or too low a temperature is unfavorable for laying, and every 1°C increase or decrease will reduce the laying rate by 1%. In winter, the outside temperature is low, so the temperature inside 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 minimum.

4. Keep lighting constant

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

5. Maintain appropriate humidity

Laying hens require a humidity range of 50%-70%, with the most suitable humidity being 60%-65%. Too low humidity easily causes dehydration of the chickens 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 regulated by controlling temperature to help increase laying.

6. Do not forget ventilation

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

7. 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 prevent the occurrence of atypical Newcastle disease. When disease occurs, treat it in time to avoid increasing the mortality 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, while also preventing secondary infection by more serious diseases such as mycoplasma, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza, so as not to cause a decline in the laying rate.

8. Minimize stress as much as possible

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

9. Supply clean drinking water

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