How to raise laying ducks well in winter? Master the key points of feeding and management techniques

In recent years, as duck products have become popular in the market, the duck farming industry has continued to heat up, and the number of rural duck farmers has increased significantly. Due to climatic reasons, after entering winter, the egg production rate of laying ducks declines to varying degrees. However, before and after the holidays is also a great season for selling duck eggs, and the price of duck eggs is relatively high, so mastering high-yield techniques for laying ducks in winter and maintaining high and stable production is an important measure for improving economic benefits. Recently, the reporter visited Xiao Fenghai, a veterinarian at a veterinary hospital, and asked him to give laying duck farmers advice on how to raise laying ducks well in winter.

Xiao Fenghai said that to ensure the egg production rate of laying ducks in the cold winter, the first step is to adjust the flock: cull old, weak, diseased and disabled ducks, low-yielding ducks and ducks that have stopped laying in a timely manner, and keep laying ducks with good production performance, strong physique and normal egg production.

Second, do a good job of cold protection and heat preservation, block the holes in the duck house and walls, replace broken tiles to prevent drafts from intruding, and spread thick, dry, soft straw bedding inside the house to ensure the ducks' abdomens are not exposed to cold. At the same time, increase the stocking density per unit area, with 8-9 ducks per sq m, so that the laying ducks can warm each other and a relatively high house temperature can be maintained.

Third, prepare the feed well and feed it hot with warm water. In winter, laying ducks not only produce eggs but also resist the cold. Therefore, appropriately increase the proportion of feed such as corn and rice grain that can raise the heat in the ducks' bodies, and mix the feed with warm water. The mixed feed should reach a temperature of about 38°C and be fed while hot.

Fourth, add a nighttime feeding. In winter, the days are short and the nights are long, and the nighttime temperature is relatively low, so the ducks consume a lot of energy. They must be given an extra nighttime feeding at around 12 o'clock at night. This not only supplements the ducks' nutrition but also helps the ducks resist the cold and increases egg production. It should be noted that the protein content of the feed given at night should not be too high, to prevent the ducks from becoming too fat and affecting egg production.

Fifth, supplement lighting. During the laying period, laying ducks need 16 hours of light per day. In winter, the days are short and the nights are long, and natural light is insufficient, so artificial light supplementation is necessary. A 40-60 watt light bulb can be installed every 5-20 sq m in the duck house, with the bulb 2 m above the ducks' backs, and a lampshade should be fitted so that the light is concentrated on the ducks' bodies and the lighting is even.

Sixth, let the laying ducks exercise more. Every morning, gently drive the flock to slowly move in circles inside the house. When about 80% of the ducks make loud calls, let the ducks leave the house or enter the water. This can enhance the laying ducks' ability to resist cold and their digestive capacity, prevent the ducks from becoming too fat, and make the ducks lay more eggs.