What problems should be paid attention to when raising chickens in summer? Farmers need to master these key points

Summer is the peak period for laying hens to lay eggs. Summer is hot and rainy, both wet and hot, and it is also a period with a high incidence of diseases. A lot of rain will make the chicken coop too humid, and laying hens like a dry environment. An overly humid environment will reduce the egg-laying rate of laying hens. Too high a temperature will make laying hens prone to heatstroke and increase the mortality rate of laying hens. This seriously affects the economic interests of farmers. So what problems should be paid attention to when raising laying hens in summer? Let's take a look together below!

1. Reduce density

Chickens are especially afraid of heat, and laying hens are even more so. Too high a surrounding temperature will make laying hens restless and running around, and they will not lay eggs quietly. Therefore, after entering summer, corresponding measures should be taken according to the rise in surrounding temperature, and the breeding density in the chicken coop should be reduced in time. There must not be more than five per sq m. After the dog days begin, it is best to reduce the number to four.

2. Open windows and build sheds

Properly lowering the temperature of the chicken coop has a certain effect on chickens. When the temperature has gradually risen above 25°C, the windows of the chicken coop should be opened in time, because too high a temperature will make the air more turbid. Opening the windows can not only ventilate and let air through, but also properly lower the temperature inside the coop. If it is above 30°C, a cool shed for lowering the temperature and escaping the heat should be built for the flock.

3. Frequently change drinking water

In summer, the chicken drinking trough cannot be placed in the sun, because exposure to the sun will heat the drinking water in the trough, and the chickens will be unwilling to drink it. The drinking trough should be placed in a cool place without direct sunlight to prevent the water temperature from rising. At the same time, the drinking water in the trough should also be changed frequently, because the water temperature will rise to room temperature. It is best to use well water drawn from a well. This can properly lower the body temperature of the chickens, and an appropriate amount of white sugar can also be added to the water for cooling and heat relief.

4. Let out early and pen up late

In summer, chickens should still be raised in free range. Chickens cannot be kept in the chicken coop all the time, so generally at dawn in the morning the flock should be driven to the activity area to be fed and to move around. They should not be penned up until after the sun goes down and it gets dark. The time laying hens spend in the chicken coop should be minimized, because laying eggs in the coop may lead to the phenomena of stepping on eggs and pecking eggs. After the dog days begin, laying hens can also be allowed to spend the night in the cool shed.

5. Scientific feeding

Summer has a longer period of sunshine, and chickens consume energy quickly, so the number of feedings should also be increased. They should be fed at least three times a day, once in the morning, once at noon, and once in the evening. The feeding amount in the morning and evening should be larger, and smaller at noon. At least two additional feedings are also needed for each meal to avoid some chickens not eating their fill because of food competition, increase the appetite of laying hens, and improve the egg-laying rate of laying hens.

6. Prevent and control diseases

Summer is the favorite environment for bacteria and parasites. A humid environment is extremely favorable for their breeding and reproduction, so the sanitation work of the chicken coop must be done well, and disinfection should be carried out carefully to reduce the incidence of diseases. The chicken coop should be cleaned frequently, chicken manure should be removed in time, and disinfection should be carried out regularly. Pesticides such as dichlorvos can be used to spray and kill mosquitoes and insects, but care should be taken to drive the chickens out of the coop to avoid affecting the chickens.

Alright, the above are several aspects to pay attention to when raising chickens in summer. Chickens are very sensitive to temperature, so the temperature should be controlled in time. Attention should also be paid to the sanitation and disinfection of the chicken coop. Diseases do greater harm to chickens and can greatly increase the mortality rate of chickens. Therefore, in summer, be careful everywhere, be meticulous, and be patient. Each season has different management methods, and everyone must pay attention to techniques and methods.