AnSc 121 LESSON 9

Pullet chicks

Day-old to 8 weeks, fed on chick mash.

Growing stage

8-20 weeks, point of a cage at 12-14 weeks, point of lay at 14-16 weeks, fed on grower's mash.

Laying stage

20 to 72 weeks, fed on layer's mash.

Advantages of Battery Cage

More pullets can be kept, eliminates broodiness, eggs can be collected less frequently, culling is easier, requires less feed per dozen eggs.

Disadvantages of Battery Cage

Higher cost due to cages and house construction, higher percentage of blood spots in eggs, internal egg quality drops off quickly, fly problems are higher.

Management of layers

Provision of nest boxes for layers on deep litter, nest boxes lined up away from the sun, wood shavings placed on the floor for protection and cleanliness.

Signs of Onset Laying

Birds start to cackle, bright red combs and wattles, tendency to stoop when touched.

Light physiology

Never increase light during growing period, never decrease light during laying period.

Light and light programs

Two main factors to stimulate onset of laying - body weight and photoperiod.

Photoperiod and onset of lay

Stable or increasing photoperiods exceeding 14 hours stimulate early onset, stable photoperiods less than 14 hours delay onset.

Recommended male to female ratios

1 male to 12 females for light birds, 1 male to 10 females for medium-sized birds, 1 male to 8 females for meat-type birds.

Revaccination for IBD

Breeders may be revaccinated at 14-16 weeks of age.