Chicken management for optimal egg production

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Managing layer chicks for maximum performance is the main objective for all egg producers. One challenge to egg producers or pullet farmers is how to successfully manage flocks to profitable egg production levels. The power of rearing, as the investment phase of layer production to shape the future of high egg production, should not be underestimated. With increasing pressure on egg producers to achieve sustainable egg numbers and maintain consumer confidence, primary farm-level targets represent an opportunity for every farmer to excel in their individual capacities. Here are the top six targets that farmers must achieve during the rearing period to guarantee a good flock performance.

1. Achieving Bodyweights profile during the rearing period.

The most critical period in the life of a pullet bird is the first 5 weeks of life and the ability to attain target weight to the end of this phase. This is the period when vital organs are developing, and skeletal structures are all maturing in preparation for a good laying phase. Any delay in growth rates will have a detrimental impact on body weight thus affecting productivity and ability to resist disease and response to vaccination. The pullets must be weighed weekly to make sure that proper weights are uniformly attained. By 5 weeks of age, your pullets' body weight must be on the breed target of 380 -400 g/bird, if you fail to achieve this body weight profile, production will be lower in later life.