During late summer and early autumn, hens enter the critical phase of their development, marking the beginning of their egg-laying cycle. Effective management during this period is essential to ensure optimal productivity and health. Therefore, it's crucial to provide careful and attentive care to the reserve hens.
1. **Timely Transition to Laying Feed**
At around 20 weeks of age, hens should be transitioned to laying feed, which typically contains 1% calcium and 16.5% crude protein. As the hen's egg production rate increases—reaching about 2%—the feed should be adjusted to include 3.4–3.5% calcium and 18% crude protein. This ensures that the hens receive adequate nutrients for high-quality egg production.
2. **Monitor Body Weight and Uniform Growth**
Along with calcium supplementation, it's important to monitor the growth of each hen. Hens should be grouped by size—large, medium, and small—to ensure even development. Avoid sudden changes in feed quantity or quality. Lighter hens should not be allowed to become too thin, as excessive fat deposition can delay sexual maturity and reduce egg production.
3. **Maintain Optimal Housing Temperature**
The ideal temperature for egg production is around 18°C. If the temperature drops below 13°C, it can negatively impact both growth and egg production. In such cases, increasing feed intake is necessary to maintain energy levels. Conversely, high temperatures can reduce feed consumption, and if protein levels aren't increased, it may delay reproductive development and cause a delay in egg production.
4. **Control Humidity and Ventilation**
The chicken house should maintain a relative humidity between 55% and 65%. For the first three days, humidity should be slightly higher at 70%, then reduced to 50% after four weeks. Excessive humidity can lead to unclean conditions, poor appetite, and weak hens, all of which can delay sexual maturity. Poor ventilation leads to increased harmful gases, higher humidity, and lower oxygen levels, which can hinder development and delay egg production.
5. **Manage Lighting Conditions**
By 15 weeks of age, reserve hens begin reaching sexual maturity. Natural daylight decreases during this time, which can slow down maturation. To counteract this, supplemental lighting should be introduced starting at 15 weeks. The lighting duration should match that of the 15th week, but should not be too intense to avoid issues like feather pecking or other behavioral problems. A daily light exposure of 13–17 hours is generally recommended.
6. **Ensure Clean and Adequate Water Supply**
Hens require constant access to clean water, especially during the early stages of egg-laying. Each hen should consume approximately 100–200 grams of water per day. Depriving them of water can severely affect their health and productivity. It's best to use flowing water systems and offer diluted saltwater 2–3 times a week to improve immunity and stimulate water intake. Including daily portions of carrots or green feed can also enhance protein intake and overall nutrition.
Proper management during these early stages sets the foundation for long-term productivity and healthy flock performance. By focusing on nutrition, environment, and well-being, farmers can significantly improve the efficiency and success of their poultry operations.
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