During the process of raising hens, many poultry farmers strive to increase the egg production of their hens. This not only leads to higher economic benefits but also ensures better efficiency in egg production. Below are 8 tips for achieving high egg production in hens:
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Reduce Stocking Density: Decrease the number of chickens per cage from 5-6 to 4-5. Eliminate weak, sick, low-yielding, or unproductive chickens to reduce breeding costs and provide a better environment for high-yield chickens.
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Maintain Adequate Drinking Water: Ensure continuous access to water. Keep the water temperature below 25°C by adding ice cubes or using deep well water to lower the temperature.
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Adjust Feed Formulation: Increase the protein content by 1-2 percentage points and reduce the use of animal protein to improve palatability. Add 1%-2% vegetable oil to meet the energy requirements of hens.
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Modify Feeding Times: Feed the chickens once before 6:00 am and once after 6:00 pm. Offer small supplementary feedings around 10:00 am and 4:00 pm based on the chickens' feeding behavior. Avoid feeding during midday and late afternoon to stimulate hunger and encourage feeding. Provide additional lighting for 0.5-1 hour around 11:00 pm – 12:00 am and then feed again.
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Open-Sided Chicken Coops with Forced Ventilation: Place exhaust fans in the aisles of the chicken coop to achieve a wind speed of 1.5 meters per second. For medium to small-scale chicken coops, it is recommended to use water-cooled fans for ventilation, which are more effective. Increase the longitudinal wind speed inside the coop to reduce the overall temperature felt by the chickens.
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Sealed Chicken Coops with Wet Curtains: Install wet curtains on the front wall of the chicken coop to increase the longitudinal wind speed inside the coop, thereby reducing the overall temperature felt by the chickens. The longitudinal wind speed inside the coop should be maintained at 1.5-2.5 meters per second. However, do not activate the wet curtains when the temperature inside the coop is below 28°C and the humidity exceeds 80% because higher humidity accelerates the rise in chicken body temperature.
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Energy Assurance: For medium to large-scale chicken farms, have standby generators on-site and regularly test them to ensure proper operation. Install power failure alarm devices on the generators to promptly detect any anomalies.
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Sun Protection for Chicken Coops: For small to medium-sized chicken coops, use sunshade nets on the roof to reduce heat radiation.
Above are the 8 tips for achieving high egg production in hens. There are many factors that influence egg production rates in hens, but implementing these methods can significantly improve economic efficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about achieving high egg production in hens.
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How can I tell if my hens are producing enough eggs?
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What should I do if my hens stop laying eggs?
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How can I improve the quality of eggs produced by my hens?
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Is it normal for hens to take breaks from laying eggs?
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Can I increase egg production in hens through breeding?
To determine if your hens are producing enough eggs, monitor their laying patterns and compare them to industry standards. Hens typically lay eggs daily, so a decline in egg production may indicate underlying issues.
If your hens stop laying eggs, investigate potential causes such as stress, nutrition deficiencies, disease, or age. Addressing these factors can help restore egg production.
To enhance the quality of eggs, ensure hens receive a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and vitamins. Providing a clean and stress-free environment also contributes to better egg quality.
Yes, it is normal for hens to take occasional breaks from laying eggs, especially during molting or periods of extreme weather. However, prolonged interruptions in egg production may require intervention.
Yes, selective breeding programs can be implemented to improve egg production traits in hens. By selecting hens with desirable characteristics and mating them with suitable roosters, you can gradually enhance egg production in your flock.
