Detailed Explanation of Artificial Forced Molting Techniques for Laying Ducks

Generally, in laying duck farms, in order to keep egg production balanced and get more eggs, artificial forced molting techniques are applied to laying ducks. After molting, laying ducks can resume laying in a short time and the egg quality can also be improved. So do you know how to carry out molting? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinnong.com below.

1. Timing of artificial molting for laying ducks

The forced molting time is generally in the late laying period, when the laying rate of the ducks drops to 50%, and the ducks' feathers are also messy, with some laying ducks already beginning to shed feathers. This molting technique is generally carried out in the high-temperature season so that the ducks can also lay eggs in low-temperature climates, ensuring a balanced supply of duck eggs on the market.

2. Methods of artificial forced molting

Stopping production: Keep the laying ducks inside the duck house and disturb them slightly, then combine environmental changes and feeding management to make them stop production. The specific method is: during the day, shut the laying ducks in, do not let them graze, provide only sufficient drinking water but no concentrated feed, and appropriately feed a small amount of coarse feed; at night, dim the lights in the duck house. After such environmental stimulation and continuous feed withholding and reduction, about a week later, the laying ducks will gradually become thin, lose weight, stop laying, and their feathers will begin to dry up and fall off. Then artificial feather pulling can be carried out.

Feather pulling: After the above special treatment, the laying ducks' feathers have begun to loosen, and the quills of the wing feathers have gradually dried and become transparent. At this point, try pulling feathers. First pull out one or two wing feathers. If the feathers come out easily from the sockets but there is no bleeding, then the whole body can be plucked. When pulling feathers, first pull out the wing feathers and the tail feathers. If bleeding occurs during pulling, stop immediately, wait a few days and then try again, and finish pulling the feathers in batches. After feather pulling, still keep them in the duck house, give sufficient drinking water and a small amount of coarse feed, and at the same time pay attention to the environmental hygiene of the duck house to prevent pathogens from invading through the pores and causing disease in the laying ducks. On the second day, they can be let out to graze, and recovery feeding can be carried out for the laying ducks.

Recovery: After molting, laying ducks lose weight and their constitution becomes weak. At this time, nutrients must be supplemented in time and feeding must be strengthened so that they recover quickly. Feeding should start from little to more, and from coarse to fine. Remember to proceed slowly. If a large amount of concentrated feed is fed, it will cause indigestion in the laying ducks, and may even cause death from overeating. Within one week after feather pulling, try to avoid strong light exposure to protect the hair follicles and let new feathers grow quickly. When the feathers begin to regrow and the laying ducks are spirited, increase the feed and nutrients to let them lay eggs.

The above is the artificial forced molting technique for laying ducks brought to you by Qinnong.com. That is all for the introduction to the methods of artificial molting for laying ducks. If you want to learn more, please stay tuned to Qinnong.com.