The process of transitioning laying hens from their rearing phase to the laying phase is known as "turning." Properly managing this transition is essential for ensuring early egg production and maximizing overall output. A well-executed turning process helps hens adjust quickly, reduces stress, and improves their long-term performance.
First, timing is crucial. Laying hens typically begin producing eggs around 20 weeks of age. To help them adapt more smoothly and form a cohesive group, they should be moved at about 18 weeks. Delaying the transfer can cause stress and negatively impact egg production later on.
Second, the housing environment must be carefully prepared. In winter, the hen house should be warmed up 2–3 days before the hens arrive, so the temperature matches that of their previous brooding area. The area should also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected using a 40% formaldehyde solution or 50% sulfuric acid solution to prevent disease outbreaks.
Third, minimizing stress during the move is key. In winter, transfers should take place during the warmest part of the day, while in summer, it’s best to do it in the cooler morning hours. Before moving, ensure the chickens are fed an empty stomach. After the transfer, adding a small amount of antibiotics to their feed for 3–5 days can help them adjust better to the new environment.
Fourth, grouping the hens wisely is important. Before moving, inspect each bird and sort them by size to ensure uniformity within groups. This allows for more effective management and better growth outcomes.
Fifth, proper feeding and management practices are vital. Once the egg production rate reaches 5%, switch to layer-specific feed. This change should be done gradually—start by mixing layer feed with the current feed, and fully transition after one week. From 19 weeks of age, provide 10 hours of light daily, and increase the light period by 30 minutes each day until reaching 17 hours per day at 20 weeks.
Lastly, vitamin supplementation is recommended. After 3–5 days of being in the new environment, add multivitamins to the feed to boost the hens' immune systems and improve their overall health.
By following these steps, farmers can ensure a smooth transition for their laying hens, leading to higher productivity and healthier flocks.
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