What determines the egg production of chickens at home in winter and how to increase it

What measures should be taken to increase the egg production of chickens at home in winter? Many factors affect the number of eggs laid. The winter period is not the best time to increase this indicator, but you can deceive the bird by creating a microclimate for it that resembles summer. We should not forget about good nutrition, vitamins and trace elements. The choice of the breed of laying hens is also important.

What determines the egg production of chickens

Egg production is called the productivity of the laying hen, it is determined by the number of eggs laid per year. The productive period in chickens lasts from 2 to 5 years. Depends on the breed and weight of the bird, which should be at least 75% of the optimum for this species.

Important. In order for a chicken to regularly lay eggs, it must be properly and satisfyingly fed, kept clean, allowed to walk.

Breeds whose primary purpose is to lay eggs begin to lay at 4-5 months of age, mixed species and broilers later at 6-8 months. You can determine a chicken of good egg production by its appearance. She has a sturdy body, small head, arched chest, thick plumage, bright earrings, a powerful curved beak and clear eyes.

How to increase egg production in chickens in the winter at home

Providing hens with favorable living conditions, careful care and a proper diet, you can significantly increase the clutch of eggs, improve their quality and taste. Consider the factors affecting chicken egg production.

Suitable breed

The following types are classified as productive breeds in terms of egg production:

1. Leghorn. This shy breed produces up to 300 eggs per year. The absolute record is 371 eggs. Masonry starts from 5 months.
2. Highsek. This is a Leghorn hybrid, productivity is 300 eggs per year. The breed is resistant to disease and is not afraid of cold.
3. The Lohman Brown breed has a calm character and high egg production: the annual clutch is 320 pieces. The bird quickly adapts to changing living conditions. The disadvantage of the breed is a short productive period - after a year and a half, the number of laid eggs decreases sharply, and layers need to be changed.

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On a note. Choosing the right breed of chicken that does not require special care and has a high egg production will allow you to get the most out of your small poultry farm.

Forced molt

Usually, this procedure is used in poultry farms in order not to change an old hen for a young layer and to extend the egg production period. Using certain zootechnical techniques, they induce molt in chickens.Its duration is shorter than natural, it occurs simultaneously in the entire flock. The process contributes to rejuvenation, the emergence of a new cycle of egg laying.

Lighting

For regular laying, the hen needs 12-14 hours of daylight. Under natural conditions, this is possible only in the summer. In winter, you need to create the illusion of summer in the bird. For this, artificial lighting is used. In the poultry house, 100 watt lighting lamps are installed for every 10 square meters.

If possible, equip automatic lighting, which is adjusted to the required mode in terms of time and illumination.

It is important that there is an alternation of daylight and darkness.

Microclimate

In winter, it is cold and humid outside, so that the laying hens feel comfortable, you need to heat and ventilate the room. Humidity is kept within 60%, temperature - 10-12 degrees. It is best to install a forced air exchange system. The usual opening of the vents reduces the temperature and provokes drafts, which is not safe for the bird.

Walking

Poultry needs movement, otherwise it will become fat and stop rushing. Walks are also organized in winter, while the following conditions must be observed:

1. The air temperature outside is at least 10 degrees below zero.
2. There should be no rain, snow or strong wind.
3. On the promenade, a bed of hay, sand or sawdust is poured.
4. To prevent the delicate skin of the scallop and earrings from frostbite, they are smeared with petroleum jelly.
5. To combat parasitic insects, containers are installed with a mixture of sand and ash, the ratio of the components is 1: 1.

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Compliance with these conditions will make walks safe and rewarding.

Nutrition

It is possible to increase the egg production of chickens in winter at home with the help of a balanced diet of increased calorie content, because additional calories are needed to maintain an optimal body temperature in cold weather.

The following products are used for feeding:

• grain mixtures;
• vegetables:
• a mash of mixed feed;
• useful trace elements;
• vitamins;
• water.

What should these feeds consist of?

Corn

Various cereals are used for feeding, which are available in the poultry house. They can be mixed or given separately. Sprouted grains are useful - they contain a large amount of vitamins. Grain is given in the evening, due to its calorie content, it is necessary to warm chickens in a dream. It is useful to scatter it on the litter, which will entertain the bird, forcing it to look for food.

Vegetables

Vegetables are given fresh, chopping them beforehand. It can be: any beets, carrots, potatoes, pumpkin.

Vegetables are a source of carbohydrates and fiber, vitamins, amino acids.

Mash

The mash is made from mixed feed, stirring them in water. For enrichment with animal protein, milk or whey is used as a solvent. Rapeseed or sunflower cake, bone or fish meal are added to the mixture.

Healthy Supplements

It is recommended to include mineral and vitamin supplements in the winter diet of layers. It is better to purchase special complex preparations, which contain everything you need for good nutrition. Dried herbs are a good addition. These can be nettle or burdock brooms, harvested and dried in summer. Chickens love to indulge in such a delicacy.

Do not forget about minerals in the form of ordinary pebbles, pieces of shell rock or gravel.

Water

Without water, a bird simply cannot exist. Be sure to have a sufficient number of drinking bowls with clean water. It is necessary to top up liquid there in a timely manner and monitor its quality.

In winter, the chicken should have three meals a day. Decent care and compliance with all of the above recommendations will help maintain high egg production in chickens in winter.