Raising, growth, production, and decline of laying hens.
Future laying hens.
From the moment they hatch, the care of future laying hens begins. Therefore, the first thing we must do is choose the breed or lineage of the hens we are going to raise, depending on the production we want, whether they will be household laying hens or mass-produced laying hens.
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in egg production as well as their quality. These improvements are attributed to advancements in health optimization, improvements in poultry feed preparation, and especially genetic research.
The laboratories responsible for genetic research on laying hens have managed to improve the lineage, increasing the genetic potential of the hens to achieve higher egg production and also improve their quality. Through these studies, sexual maturity in birds has been accelerated, allowing the laying stage to be advanced by 1 or 2 days in a generation of pullets, which means one or two days of early production.
Free-range or backyard laying hens can have a longer lifespan, which is attributed to living with less stress and not being genetically manipulated to be egg producers. Creole laying hens, also known as free-range laying hens, due to living with less stress and having more space to run and exercise, can live up to 10 or 12 years. However, they only lay eggs productively during the first two or three years of life and really productively for about 2 years.
A laying hen that has been genetically manipulated solely for egg laying doesn’t have a lifespan that really matters since these hens have their highest egg production phase until they reach two years of age. After that, egg production will gradually decrease, so they are no longer commercially productive. Generally, this type of laying hen lives approximately 5 years.
The life cycle of laying hens can be divided into three stages. We will explain them below. The first stage of laying hens is rearing, which begins from week zero until the fifth week of life. This stage is the most delicate, as the pullets are extremely vulnerable to contracting some type of virus due to lack of cleanliness, climate changes, among other factors. Therefore, on the same day they hatch, they must receive their first two vaccines: one against Newcastle disease and the other against avian pox. It is important to know that during the first two hours of the pullets’ life, they should not be fed, only given water.
VIDEO
Zucami, the development of the pullet.
How to obtain profitable laying hens and high production.
You should also control the temperature (heating phase), humidity, and ensure they are in a dry place with sufficient light. Artificial light is usually used to guarantee that they are at the proper temperature. The temperature should be 33ºC during the first week, decreasing by 3º each week until the fourth week.
Beak trimming.
This is the process where their beaks are trimmed. It is recommended to do this on the 7th day of life to reduce stress and ensure it lasts longer. Although it may sound cruel, this procedure is necessary as it helps prevent cannibalism, food wastage, feather pecking, prolapses, and regulates uniform food consumption. It is recommended to feed them processed starter-lay feed (easily available in the market) which contains 19% protein.
Rearing phase.
This stage begins on the first day of the ninth week of life and lasts until the eighteenth week. It involves paying close attention to the feeding and growth of the pullets, aiming for bone and muscle development without fat accumulation. This is why choosing the right feed is so important, as weight and size increase significantly, ensuring proper development.
Hydration is a fundamental part of the pullets’ development. Although it is necessary throughout their life, it is essential in this stage because it acts as a temperature regulator, adjusting body temperature as needed, and as a conduit for bodily waste.
Water consumption is proportional to the amount of food consumed, meaning a pullet will need 70% water in relation to the food it eats. Lack or insufficient water intake will directly affect the pullets’ development. In this stage, pullets will receive additional vaccines, two to prevent Newcastle disease (one live virus and one combined virus), two to prevent avian cholera, and two to prevent avian coryza. During this stage, the increase in weight and size is crucial, so close attention to their development is necessary, and feed amounts may need to be increased.
There are many processed feeds available in the market, but those rich in proteins are the most recommended, containing 15% of the proteins required by laying hens. These feeds can also be combined with cassava powder, oyster shell powder (provides a large amount of calcium and strengthens their bones), or banana powder.
Production phase.
This lasts between 12 and 14 months of life, where the results of the previous stages, good or bad, can be seen. If a hen has been well-fed, raised in clean places without humidity, and properly vaccinated, we will have good egg production not only in quantity but also in quality. These eggs will be of good size, and our hens will be strong and dynamic. Laying hens start laying eggs at five or six months of age, reaching their highest egg production at two years of age. After that, their production will gradually decrease.
Decline phase.
After a period of egg production, laying hens enter the decline phase. Egg production gradually decreases as the hens age. During this stage, decisions may be made regarding the retirement of laying hens from commercial production. Some farmers choose to sell them for consumption, while others may use them for other purposes, such as meat production.
Recommended:
The importance of aviaries for rearing pullets: Ensuring welfare and success in the poultry industry.
Crossbreeding in birds: myths, realities, and curiosities
Avian hybrids: the surprising mix of species. The crossbreeding of birds is a phenomenon that has intrigued scientists, breeders, and enthusiasts for generations. Although avian hybridization may seem exotic or unusual, it is actually a natural process that has also...
Are chickens dinosaurs?
Are chickens dinosaurs?. A look at the surprising evolutionary connection. When we think of dinosaurs, we often imagine giants like Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops. However, did you know there is an evolutionary connection between these prehistoric creatures and the...
The black Ayam Cemani hen
The BLACK hen: One of the rarest poultry gems in the world. The poultry world is vast and diverse, but few breeds have captured the imagination and awe quite like the Ayam Cemani. Originating from Indonesia, this breed is an unusual specimen that stands out not only...
The main laying hen breeds.
There are several laying hen breeds commonly used in the poultry industry and on family farms, many of which have origins dating back to ancient times. From the classic Leghorn hens, known for their high production of white eggs, to the Rhode Island Red, valued for...
Study on lice infestation in hens in cage-free laying systems.
Study on Lice Infestation in Hens in Cage-Free Laying Systems and Its Relevance to Other Infestations. A recent study conducted by the University of California, Riverside, has revealed that laying hens in cage-free systems, such as floor and aviary systems, have a...
Growth cycle of laying hens
The path to peak production: Development of laying hens. The growth and development of laying hens is a complex and well-structured process that encompasses several key phases, each with its specific importance in ensuring that the birds reach their full productive...
