Poultry farming is steadily and surely gaining ground in Kenya. This being a promising business enterprise, farmers need to be equipped with the right information to optimise yields.
However, chicken farming can be quite tricky. There are several challenges that poultry farmers face, with disease outbreaks being the most dreaded.
But sometimes even when all things within the farmer’s control are running all right, the farmer may notice a steady decline in the daily egg production of the flock. This is a common occurrence and is a critical setback to this otherwise profitable enterprise.
Typically, a hen will begin to lay eggs at 18-22 weeks of age and the egg production will peak about six to eight weeks later. A drastic change in this expected peak can be as a result of various factors. The upside of this is that most of these factors also have some quick-fixes.
REASONS
One of the primary reasons is stress and change. Most hens often are affected by sudden changes in their usual patterns. Change of position of nesting boxes often throws the laying hens off-balance and could result in reduced egg production. Farmers should avoid moving or handling these birds once they start egg laying.
Another factor is introduction of new flock members or removal of roosters from the flock. Often, this may cause some perceived “coup d’é·tat” and should be avoided at all costs.
Overcrowding, weather changes, change in feeds both in composition and time of feeding could ultimately also result to reduced egg production. Farmers should also watch out for drastic changes in temperature such as chilly and damp conditions especially in the nesting boxes. They should ensure daily change of the litter lining. Another key issue is frightening of the birds by dogs and noises from machinery. Clearly, these hens want to remain as undisturbed as possible, apart from the loud characteristic cluck announcing the arrival of a newly laid egg.
Decreased lighting conditions have an adverse effect on the perceived reduced day length. It has been scientifically proved that the length of exposure to daylight affects egg production. Egg production is stimulated by increased lighting and a farmer should strive to provide additional lighting in the coop. At least 14-16 hours of adequate lighting should be provided.
DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS
Improper diet also has detrimental effects on egg production. Laying hens require diets that are rich in energy, protein and calcium. Farmers should ensure that they give calcium supplements in the feeds.
The diet should be nutritionally balanced. Farmers may need to avoid just giving table scraps of plain maize grains to egg-laying hens. Most commercial layers mash feeds are well balanced and egg-laying boosters may be added in the hens’ drinking water to provide the necessary amino-acids and minerals required during this critical period.
Broodiness, a normal behaviour exhibited in laying hens, may trigger the decline in egg production. The challenge here is that this condition is innate. However, the farmer could discourage broodiness by increasing artificial lighting.
Last but not the least, occurrence of diseases and parasites in the flock can also cause a decline in egg production. If and when a farmer notes the drop in egg production, it is crucial to look out for any infections and attend to them as quickly as possible. Dusting of the birds for any ecto-parasites is important and deworming for endo-parasites.
Farmers, if you want to hear the characteristic clucking after a hen has just laid her coveted egg, just follow the drill.
