Key Technical Points for Light Management of Laying Hens During the Brooding Period

Light during the brooding period has no direct effect on the growth of chicks, but the length of lighting time has a relatively large effect on feed intake. Generally, chicks from 1 day old to 13 days old should be lit continuously for 24 hours, with a light intensity of 15 lux to 20 lux, that is, 1 watt of light source per 0.37 sq m (using a 40-watt bulb), in order to familiarize the chicks with the environment and teach them to eat and drink. Afterward, during the entire brooding stage, relatively dim light is preferable, with a light intensity of 5 lux (using a 15-watt or 25-watt bulb), which saves electricity, keeps the chicks relatively quiet, and also prevents the occurrence of feather pecking.