The comfort of your hens is important
Practical tips for successful breeding
LOCAL
- Clean and desinfect local, hoppers and feeders.
- Heat the area to provide your hens, upon arrival, with a dry, moisture-free environment.
Add 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches) of bedding (straw or wood shavings) to the floor.
To:
- Absorb moisture.
- Reduce ammonia fumes.
- Minimize the presence of flies.
- Prevent injuries. Apply drying powder to eliminate moisture from the bedding.
3. Remove droppings and wet bedding regularly to prevent diseases.
4. Add bedding as needed.
LIGHTING
Duration | Provide a minimum of 14 to 16 hours of light per day. |
Intensity | A 25 to 40 watt bulb per 40 square feet. |
Arrangement | Above the hopper and the drinker. |
NOTE: When the day length is shorter (October to February), ensure to provide a minimum of 14 hours of light per day to maintain egg production.
The use of a timer is both economical and practical.
DRINKERS
Space | Allow 2.5 cm per bird. |
Height |
Adjust to the height of the hens' backs. Provide clean, fresh water every day. Clean the drinker regularly. |
Provide clean, fresh water every day. Clean the drinker regularly.
NESTS
It is important that the nests are very accessible for your hens and in sufficient quantities.
Quantity | 1 nest for for 4 à 5 hens. |
Size | 10 x 10 for white hens. 12 x 12 for brown hens. |
Height | Install nests 60 cm (24 inches) off the ground. |
Add a good amount of straw or wood shaving to the nests, about 4 cm (2 inches).
This laying area must always be clean and dry.
SMALL TIP Cat litter can be added to make cleaning above the nests easier. |
TEMPERATURE
20° C (68° F)
Back to the top
HOPPERS
Space | Allow 4 cm (3 inches) per hens. |
Height |
Ajust to the height of the hens' backs. |
Remove all droppings to minimize the risk of contamination of the feed.
Back to the top
ALIMENTATION
Offer your hens, VG layer Feed ou OM layer Feed Nature.
The feed should be available at all times. The average consumption under ideal conditions will be about 110 g/day/hen.
SMALL TIP A solid eggshell relies on a good supply of calcium. An oyster shell supplement can then be provided free choice. |
PERCHES
Length | 15 cm (6 inches)/hen. |
Diameter | 4 cm (2 inches). |
Height | Place at least 30 cm (12 inches) off the ground. |
CALCULATOR