Managing layers

reduced flock performance.
The department of Livestock Production and Development advises farmers that when feeding layers, the feed should change gradually after eight weeks over one week from chick mash to growers mash or concentrate mixed with maize meal as per the manufacturer recommendations.
l Farmers should avoid abrupt feed exchanges that may result in stress thereby setting back the growing process of the birds as they try to adjust to the completely new feed.
l The height of the feeders should be adjusted to the back height of the bird to avoid the wasting of feed through spillage.
l To avoid spillage, the feed trough should be half filled. A linear feeding space of 13-15cm should be allowed per bird for the growing period.
l Drinkers need to be cleaned on a daily basis without water spilling onto the litter.
l The distance between drinkers should be less than three metres and a drinking space of 2,5cm per bird is recommended.
l A floor space of four to five birds per square metre should be allowed for the housing.
l In the event of fleas or lice, farmers should dust the house with Malathion Powder or Cabarly 5 percent.
l The laying period is usually between 20 and 72 days.
l During this period, management is similar to the growing except that the feed type is different.
l Feed is changed gradually from growers mash or concentrates to layers mash or concentrate mixed with maize.
l A bird consumes about 3-4kg of feed during this period.
l Limestone grit should be provided at the rate of 200 grammes per 100 birds.
l Limestone grit is necessary for strong eggshell formation.
l Every five birds should be provided with a 30 by 30 by 40cm nest box. At this period, birds are given water in the same way as during the growing postage.
l Eggs are picked twice a day.