1. Protection from cold and warmth
The cold and changeable climate in winter brings many inconveniences to chicken production, especially the impact of low temperature on laying hens.
Under normal circumstances, methods such as appropriately increasing the stocking density, closing doors and windows, adding straw curtains, drinking warm water, and stove heating can be used to keep out the cold and keep the temperature of the chicken house at a minimum between 3°C and 5°C.
2. Moderate ventilation
Due to the low temperature in winter, the doors and windows of the chicken house are tightly closed and the ventilation volume is reduced. However, the exhaust gas emitted by the chickens and harmful gases such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide produced by the fermentation of chicken manure still exist, which can easily induce respiratory and other diseases in chickens.
Therefore, it is necessary to effectively handle the relationship between ventilation and warmth, and promptly remove feces and debris in the chicken house. When the weather is good at noon, the windows should be opened for ventilation so that the air in the house is fresh and the oxygen is sufficient.
3. Reduce moisture
In winter, the ventilation in the chicken house is small, and the evaporation of water is reduced. In addition, the hot air in the house will condense into a large amount of water droplets when it comes into contact with the cold roof and walls, causing excessive humidity in the chicken house, creating an environment for the proliferation of bacteria and parasites. condition.
Therefore, we must strengthen management, pay attention to keeping the chicken house clean and dry, repair damaged water tanks in a timely manner, avoid overfilling when adding water, and it is strictly forbidden to splash water on the ground inside the house.
4. Regular disinfection
Disinfection should be carried out throughout the entire process of raising chickens. When the temperature is lower in winter, the frequency of bacterial activity decreases. However, the climate is cold in winter and the resistance of chickens is generally weakened. If disinfection is ignored, it can easily lead to disease outbreaks.
5. Supplementary lighting
In winter, when the nights are long and the days are short, the egg production rate of laying hens will decrease due to insufficient light. In order to overcome this natural defect, artificial supplementary lighting can be used to compensate. Under normal circumstances, the total lighting time per day should not be less than 14 hours, nor should it exceed 17 hours. For example, there are 12 hours of natural light during the day, and 2-5 hours of artificial supplementary light are needed every day.
6. Increase energy
Chickens obtain heat energy from the feed they eat to maintain their body temperature. The lower the outside temperature, the more heat energy the chicken consumes to keep out the cold. According to measurements, chicken feed consumption in winter is 10% higher than in other seasons.
Therefore, sufficient energy must be ensured in chicken feed in winter. In addition to ensuring a certain proportion of protein, high-energy feed containing more starch and sugar should be appropriately added to meet the physiological and production needs of chickens.
7. Enhance physical fitness
In winter, the resistance of chickens decreases, so special attention should be paid to epidemic prevention and disease prevention, and vaccinations should be carried out regularly. (Li Fei)
