Commercial Poultry Production and Hatchery Management

LAYER MANAGEMENT

Points to be considered during layer management are,

• Proper cleaning and disinfection of layer house.
• Provide proper floor space, feeding space and watering space both in deep-litter and cage system
• In deep-litter system, floor space of 2 sq.ft. per bird and feeding space of 5” per bird are provided
• In cage system 3 birds/box of 18” x 15” cage floor space is provided (0.63 sq. ft per bird)
• 6 feet linear feeder can be used for every 30 layers or 18” diameter circular feeder of 4-5 no for every 100 birds.
• Provide 18” diameter plastic waterer of 2 numbers for every 100 birds.
• Spread litter material, in case of deep-litter system up to 6” thickness.
• Arrange feeder and waterer in the poultry house to the height of birds’ back.
• Grill size may be changed according to the size of the birds head.
• Provide nest box for every 5 layers about a week before the first egg is laid.

• There are three types of nest:
  • Individual nest – One nest box is sufficient for 4-5 birds.
  • Community nest – This will accommodate 50-60 birds.
  • Trap nest – This will accommodate 1 bird at a time and is used for academic and breeding studies.
• The nest should be provided with litter material. The litter material has to be replaced at least once in a week to prevent contamination of the eggs.
• During night hours the nest should be closed to prevent sitting of birds in the nest.
• In deep-litter system, the litter material should be racked in the evening daily after egg collection is over.
• The litter should be treated chemically at least once in a month or whenever necessary in case of wet litter problem to prevent ammonia emission in the house.
• Provide 16 hours light during laying period.
• Provide well-balanced layer mash. Phase feeding may be followed for layers according to age, level of production and climatic factors.
• The average feed consumption during laying period ranges from 100-110 gram.
• Feed consumption during winter increases and during summer, feed consumption decreases.
• Summer and winter management should be followed for better flock percentages.
• Deworming should be done regularly at an interval of 6-8 weeks depending on the worm load, especially when reared under deep-litter system.
• Collect the eggs at least 5 times a day in deep-litter system and twice a day in cage system.
• Cull the unproductive layers regularly.
• Broody hen may be separated and this broodiness may be eliminated by,
  • Providing diet containing more protein, vitamin and minerals.
  • Light may be provided throughout night.
  • Birds may be placed in cages
  • Birds may be subjected to stress
  • Liver stimulant may be provided.