How to boost egg production in winter?

Winter Egg Duck High-Yield Tips

During the winter, low temperatures and short daylight hours can lead to reduced egg production or even cessation in egg ducks. However, with proper winter management and creating suitable conditions for the ducks, a high egg production rate can still be achieved. Here are some tips for achieving high egg production in egg ducks during winter.

1. Improve Nutrition

In winter, egg ducks expend more energy to keep warm. To ensure adequate energy supply, add energy feeds to the diet. The metabolizable energy in each kilogram of daily feed should reach 2.7-2.8 megacalories. Adding 3%-5% fat to the feed is also recommended. Additionally, increase the proportion of protein feeds to maintain an appropriate energy-protein ratio, with crude protein content in each kilogram of daily feed reaching 16%-18%. Ensure the correct amino acid ratio: methionine at 0.3%, lysine at 0.7%, and cystine at 0.55%. Since green feed is scarce in winter, supplement vitamins by feeding cabbage leaves, radish shreds, carrot shreds, wheat sprouts, malt, etc.

2. Cold Protection and Warmth

Temperature is crucial for egg production, with the ideal range being 13℃-22℃ and not below 6℃. Implement the following measures for cold protection and warmth:

1. Build duck houses in dry, wind-sheltered, sunny locations.

2. Seal doors and windows, using plastic film on windows and hanging straw mats at doorways.

3. Frequently lay dry, soft hay, cutting it appropriately. Do not remove the bottom layer of hay as it increases comfort and generates some heat through fermentation.

4. Use artificial heating safely to supplement warmth and prevent fires or poisoning.

5. Increase breeding density to 8-9 ducks per square meter.

6. Ensure ventilation by opening windows and doors when the ducks are outside and closing them when they return.

3. Adequate Exercise

Winter egg ducks are generally less active, and with increased feed nutrition, ducks can become overweight, affecting egg production. Strengthening exercise is essential:

1. On sunny afternoons, drive the ducks outside for exercise.

2. In cold or unfavorable weather, exercise the ducks inside the house by driving them around 4-5 times a day.

3. Combine outdoor activity with water play to improve physical fitness and increase egg production. Adjust the timing and frequency based on weather conditions: on sunny days, provide water from 10 AM to 2 PM; on cloudy days, shorten the water time; avoid water play on windy, snowy, or frosty days and after freezing temperatures.

4. Increase Lighting

Lighting significantly impacts egg production as it stimulates follicle development and promotes ovulation. Since daylight hours are shorter in winter, supplementing light is an effective way to increase egg production:

1. Install multiple bulbs in the duck house, with one 40-60 watt bulb per 10 square meters, hung 1.2-1.5 meters above the ground.

2. Use lampshades to focus light on the ground, maximizing light utilization.

3. Supplement light by turning on the lights in the evening for 2-3 hours after sunset and in the early morning for 2-3 hours until daylight, ensuring about 16 hours of light per day.

5. Careful Feeding

In winter, feed the ducks warm food and water to reduce heat loss. Feed three times a day and provide an additional "night snack." Ensure ample drinking water is available. Feed grain and water first, followed by green feed. Gradually change feed types to avoid sudden changes.

6. Prevent Diseases

In winter, ducks' immunity decreases, making them more susceptible to diseases under poor management, which affects egg production. Implement the following disease prevention measures:

1. Disinfect the duck house and activity area weekly.

2. Identify and treat any diseases promptly.

Important Considerations

These tips outline effective methods to maintain high egg production in egg ducks during winter. When egg production drops, take immediate action to identify and address the cause, combining prevention and treatment to minimize losses.

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How Do You Keep Ducks Happy in the Winter?

Keeping ducks happy and healthy during the winter months requires some extra care and attention. Ducks are generally hardy animals, but they still need proper shelter, nutrition, and activities to stay comfortable and content in colder weather. Here are some tips to help you keep your ducks happy in the winter.

Provide Adequate Shelter

Ducks need a warm and dry place to retreat to during cold weather. Ensure their shelter is well-insulated, draft-free, and spacious enough for them to move around comfortably. Straw or wood shavings make excellent bedding materials as they provide insulation and absorb moisture.

Key Elements of a Good Duck Shelter

Here are some important features to include in your duck shelter:

• Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain a stable temperature inside the shelter.

• Ventilation: Good ventilation prevents the buildup of moisture and ammonia, which can lead to respiratory problems.

• Protection from Predators: Ensure the shelter is secure against predators such as foxes and raccoons.

Ensure Access to Fresh Water

Ducks need access to fresh, unfrozen water at all times. In winter, this can be challenging, but it's crucial for their health. Use a heated waterer or change the water frequently to prevent it from freezing.

Tips for Providing Water in Winter

Consider these methods to keep your ducks' water from freezing:

• Heated Waterers: These devices keep the water at a drinkable temperature, preventing it from freezing.

• Regular Water Changes: Replace the water several times a day if you don't have a heated waterer.

• Insulated Containers: Use insulated or dark-colored containers to slow down the freezing process.

Maintain a Nutritious Diet

In colder weather, ducks need more energy to stay warm, so it's important to provide a high-quality, nutritious diet. Supplement their regular feed with high-energy foods like cracked corn and grains.

Winter Feeding Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your ducks receive adequate nutrition in winter:

• Increase Feed Amount: Ducks may need more food to meet their increased energy needs.

• Provide Treats: Offer healthy treats like leafy greens, peas, and corn to boost their caloric intake.

• Ensure Access to Grit: Ducks need grit to help digest their food, especially when they can't forage for it naturally.

Keep Them Active

Even in winter, ducks need to stay active to remain healthy and happy. Provide them with a safe outdoor area where they can roam and forage. If possible, allow them access to a shallow p
ond or kiddie pool with unfrozen water for swimming.

Ways to Encourage Activity

Consider these ideas to keep your ducks active in winter:

• Provide Enrichment: Scatter grains or treats around their enclosure to encourage foraging.

• Create Obstacles: Set up straw bales or logs for them to explore and navigate around.

• Supervised Outdoor Time: Allow your ducks to spend supervised time outside on milder days.

Conclusion

By providing adequate shelter, fresh water, nutritious food, and opportunities for activity, you can keep your ducks happy and healthy throughout the winter months. Paying attention to their needs and making necessary adjustments will ensure that your feathered friends thrive even in the coldest weather.