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Management measures for laying hens in the cold season
In the cold season, maintaining optimal conditions for laying hens is crucial to ensure their health, egg production, and overall well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to properly care for your hens during colder months.
First, provide adequate insulation. The ideal temperature range for laying hens is 18–23°C. When temperatures drop below 5°C, egg production declines, and feed consumption increases. To combat this, farmers can implement several warming strategies based on their location and resources:
1. Seal all gaps in walls and roofs, except for ventilation windows. Secure doors and block northern windows while covering southern windows with glass or plastic film. At night, hang blankets or straw mats over doors and windows.
2. Install an intermediate floor or ceiling under the roof to prevent cold air from entering.
3. Place a ceiling about 2 meters below the roof and cover it with thick straw or plastic sheets.
4. Use electric blankets, heating plates, or infrared lamps to warm the shed.
5. Install a stove with a chimney or heating pipes inside the house.
6. Construct a small greenhouse with a plastic film on the south side of the chicken coop to create a closed environment.
7. Add flaps at the waste outlet to prevent cold winds from entering.
8. Increase stocking density slightly—6–8 hens per square meter on the ground, and 18–24 in three-tier cages.
9. Build wind barriers around the chicken house to block cold winds.
10. Cover the entire coop with nylon or double-layered plastic film if needed, but ensure proper ventilation to avoid suffocation.
Second, adjust the diet to boost nutrition. Hens require more energy in cold weather to maintain body heat. Increase the proportion of animal-based ingredients and energy-rich feeds like corn and grains. Supplementing with 1% fat can improve feed palatability and help hens resist cold stress while increasing egg weight.
Third, use artificial lighting. During peak laying periods, hens need 16 hours of light daily. In winter, natural light is limited, so add artificial lighting. A 60-watt bulb placed 2 meters above the floor, spaced 3 meters apart, provides sufficient illumination. Ensure even distribution by staggering bulbs. Light should be turned on at 5 AM and off at dawn, then again at 9 PM. On cloudy days, keep lights on. Consistency is key to avoid stress or molting.
Fourth, maintain dry and fresh air. Cold weather often leads to poor ventilation, high humidity, and harmful gas buildup. Regularly clean cages, check for water leaks, and ventilate during sunny midday hours. Use lime to absorb moisture and fumigate with herbal mixtures every 10 days to control odors.
Fifth, manage stress. Sudden temperature drops, vaccinations, or loud noises can cause stress, leading to lower egg production or even death. Adjust feed to include more energy before cold spells, and consider adding electrolytes or vitamins. For vaccinations, ensure the flock is healthy and administer anti-stress supplements before and after. Keep the environment calm and minimize disturbances.
Sixth, focus on disinfection. Cold weather increases the risk of respiratory diseases. Disinfect regularly using broad-spectrum, non-toxic agents. Rotate between different disinfectants to prevent resistance. Clean the coop, feeding equipment, and water troughs weekly, increasing frequency if disease occurs.
Lastly, implement disease prevention measures. Follow a vaccination schedule tailored to local disease risks. Add antibiotics or dewormers to feed as needed, and monitor the flock closely for signs of illness. Isolate sick birds and dispose of dead chickens properly to prevent disease spread.
By following these steps, you can ensure your laying hens remain healthy and productive throughout the cold season.