Egg production is an aspect of poultry farming that involves the keeping of laying birds for the eggs they lay. Some farmers choose to buy pullet chicks from day old and raise them to point of lay. This first phase of the chickens usually takes place in deep litter. At about 14-16 weeks, the hens are caged in preparation for egg production. On the other hand, other farmers buy point of lay pullets from reputable farms and then cage them to begin egg production. While the first choice is more economical, the risks and stress of raising chicks to point of lay are key factors that discourage farmers who do otherwise.
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The main product of keeping laying hens is egg production. Therefore, the success of this business depends on the number of eggs a farmer is able to get from his hens. It will also be right to say that farmers are always willing to do everything possible to increase their percentage productivity. Well, I have good news for you. What you will learn in this article will help you to maximize productivity beginning from now.
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Table of Contents
The Secret of The Business
It will interest you to know that most farmers keep the secret of their business to themselves. Those things they have battled and conquered remain their strength and most of them will not be willing to share. However, there is one place you can get all the secrets to the business for free.
Now let’s talk about the top 5 secrets that will make you a successful farmer.
1. Feed First Before Egg production
Any successful farmer who keeps laying hens will tell you that layers are selfish. And it will always be feed before egg production – not the other way around. As a matter of fact, laying hens must be fed beyond maintenance ration before they can lay optimally. It would have been easier to measure what a hen will eat all year round if we don’t have different seasons across the world. During hot periods, your hens will not eat as much as they would normally eat during the cold season. This is why it is best to have different feed formula for each season. For instance, because the birds will not eat much during hot periods, their feed is expected to be a little richer than normal.
2. Prevent Diseases for Better and Consistent Egg Production
Disease prevented is better than diseases treated, especially in egg production. This is because sick birds will either not lay at all or have a significant drop in egg production. The consequence of disease treatment is usually bad on the profit of a farmer. That is, disease treatment will increase the production cost, even though the production is lower than usual. Hence, an effort to keep diseases away with routine medication, hygiene, and sound biosecurity measures will benefit you.
3. Pilfering is Real in Egg Production
Even in the most secured farms, things still get out of record. Farm attendants and visitors may be able to steal your eggs if you are not extra careful and vigilant. As a matter of fact, any farm where the owner is not physically available will suffer pilfering in varying levels, depending on the number of shady vs trustworthy workers they have. To keep your profit on the high side, beware of pilfering.
ALSO READ: How to Clean Eggs or Keep the Bloom
4. Learn to Prolong Peak Egg Production
I don’t know if you have heard about peak egg production. It is the period when your hens product the highest quantity of eggs and it can last for a couple of months. Some farmers don’t know this fact. Laying birds at their peak must be treated with highest level of care. You need to pamper them. Show them some love. You must provide everything they ask for; cool water, quality feed, clean environment, quietness, and everything else. Let them feel good, and they will make you smile to the bank. Peak egg production is usually attained in the third month. During this time, you can record as high as 90-95% egg production which makes for a good return on investment (ROI). So, do everything in your capacity to prolong peak egg production and you will be your effort will be rewarded.
5. Say No to Credit Sales
Whether you like it or not, people will come to you with the request to take some eggs and pay later. And believe me, you cannot always say no. This is a hard thing for starters who do not have many customers. But let me inform you that egg is a community that is usually lower in circulation than the demand. And you will always have buyers for your eggs soonest. Don’t be intimidated by promises from those who are not ready to pay. You will have to decide whether you are in business or philanthropy. The easy way to handle this problem is to hire someone and put them in charge of sales. This way, buyers will not be dealing directly with you. This is automatically discourage many strange requests.
Yes, knowing what works best for your farm is good, but when it comes to the top secrets written above, it works on any farm. I hope that this article shows you where you need to tighten up and where you need to loosen up. The target is maximum egg production and you should make it happen on your farm too.
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