Key Points for Feeding and Management of Free-Range Chickens During the Laying Period

   1. If free-range chickens are raised in a scattered free-range system, those fed on commercial feed can generally start laying at around 108-114 days. One to two months after laying begins, they enter the peak laying period. If the chickens are in good physical condition and no diseases occur during the peak laying period, the peak can be maintained for 3 to 4 months. They are generally culled at around 16 months, though this can also be determined by egg production volume.
    2. Physiological Characteristics of the Flock During the Peak Period
    1. After the laying rate reaches 90%, the increase gradually slows down until the peak laying point is reached. 2. The laying rate, body weight, and egg weight are still increasing, placing a heavy physiological burden on the chickens. The flock's stress resistance declines, and they become more sensitive to changes in the external environment, making them prone to conditional diseases such as respiratory diseases and E. coli infections. 3. Antibody consumption is high, so booster vaccination against diseases such as avian influenza and Newcastle disease needs to be strengthened.
    The above content is for reference only.