5 Essential Tips for Raising Healthy Pullets
5 Essential Tips for Raising Healthy Pullets
Raising
pullets, young hens destined for egg production, is a crucial stage in poultry
farming. Healthy pullets ensure optimal egg production, making it essential to
provide proper care during their development. In this post, we’ll share five
practical tips to help you raise strong and productive pullets.
1. Provide the Right Environment
Pullets
thrive in clean, spacious, and well-ventilated housing. Ensure the following:
- Temperature: Maintain
32–34°C during the first week and reduce gradually.
- Space: Provide at
least 1 square foot per bird to prevent overcrowding.
- Lighting: Use 24-hour
lighting during the first week, then adjust to 12–14 hours daily.
2. Feed a Balanced Diet
Nutrition
plays a vital role in pullet growth.
- Starter Feed: Begin with
high-protein (18–20%) chick starter feed.
- Grower Feed: Transition to
grower feed with moderate protein (16–18%) after six weeks.
- Calcium
Supplementation:
Introduce calcium in their diet at 16 weeks to prepare for egg production.
3. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Keeping
the environment clean reduces the risk of diseases.
- Daily Cleaning: Remove wet
bedding and droppings.
- Regular
Disinfection:
Sanitize feeders, drinkers, and equipment weekly.
- Biosecurity
Measures:
Limit visitors and prevent contact with wild birds.
4. Vaccinate and Monitor Health
Preventive
care is essential to ensure pullets reach maturity.
- Follow a
vaccination schedule for diseases like Marek’s, Newcastle, and Gumboro.
- Watch for signs
of illness, such as drooping wings, lethargy, or irregular droppings.
- Provide access
to clean drinking water with vitamins or electrolytes.
5. Prepare for Layer Transition
As
pullets approach 16–18 weeks, prepare them for the laying phase.
- Introduce Layer
Feed:
Switch to feed rich in calcium (3–4%) for eggshell formation.
- Lighting
Schedule:
Gradually increase light exposure to 16 hours per day to stimulate laying.
- Check Housing: Ensure nesting boxes are clean and accessible.
Conclusion
Raising healthy
pullets requires attention to detail, from diet to environment and health care.
By following these tips, you’ll set your pullets on the path to becoming
productive layers, ensuring a successful poultry farming venture.
Have questions or experiences to share about raising pullets? Let us know in the comments below!
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