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Layer chickens produce five tricks in winter
In order to maintain the egg-laying performance of hens during winter, it's essential to implement proper feeding and management strategies that meet their needs for temperature, light, and nutrition. As temperatures drop, hens can become stressed, which may lead to a decline in egg production. Therefore, taking proactive steps is crucial.
The ideal temperature for laying hens during winter is around 18°C, and the minimum temperature inside the coop should not fall below 10°C. To achieve this, installing windbreaks around the house and covering doors and windows with plastic sheets can help reduce drafts and keep the environment warmer. Ensuring the shed is well-sealed prevents cold air from entering, which can be harmful to the hens' health and productivity.
Increasing the amount of light exposure plays a key role in maintaining egg production. Light stimulates the pituitary gland, which in turn regulates reproductive hormones. Since daylight hours are shorter in winter, artificial lighting is necessary. It's recommended to provide hens with 15 hours of light per day. This can be done by turning on lights early in the morning and keeping them on until late at night, effectively extending the light period by about an hour compared to summer and autumn.
To help hens cope with the cold, it's also important to increase the frequency of feedings. Hens need more energy to stay warm, so offering more frequent meals encourages them to eat more and maintain their body heat. This helps ensure they remain healthy and productive throughout the season.
Nutritional adjustments are equally important. Winter conditions increase the energy requirements of hens, so the feed should be enriched with additional energy sources. A target of 0.12 megajoules per kilogram of feed is recommended. Additionally, increasing the levels of vitamins A and D3 in the diet has been shown to improve egg production. Studies suggest that doubling these vitamins can boost egg production by up to 3% to 5%.
Disease prevention is another critical aspect during winter. Respiratory diseases are more common in colder months, making it essential to monitor the flock closely. If any signs of illness appear, prompt treatment with appropriate medications is necessary. Regular disinfection of the coop using agents like chicken poison or other suitable disinfectants every 5 to 7 days can help prevent the spread of disease and maintain a healthy environment for the hens.