In winter, the temperature difference between inside and outside the poultry house is large. Keeping chickens warm and protected from the cold is key to preventing colds and respiratory problems. This is particularly important for egg-laying hens. To reduce the impact of low temperatures, rain, snow, and freezing weather on egg production and ensure safe production, poultry farmers should take the following preventive and responsive measures:
1, Inspect and repair layer houses
Inspect layer houses and facilities and equipment such as water and electrical systems, and thoroughly check for safety hazards. For chicken houses at risk of collapse, especially greenhouse-style houses, reinforce the roof with ropes and supports, and promptly clear snow from the roof to prevent collapse. Wrap water pipes with insulation to prevent them from freezing, becoming blocked, or bursting and disrupting the hens’ access to drinking water. Also, take care with electrical safety to prevent broken power lines under heavy snow from causing electric shocks to poultry or people.
2, Keep laying hens warm and protected from the cold
Close the doors and windows of layer houses and hang additional door curtains. Seal wet cooling pads with plastic sheeting or other coverings to ensure effective insulation. Seal gaps and openings where drafts can enter, and take steps to prevent “sneak drafts.” Provide heating in brooding and rearing houses, promptly switching on electric heaters, biomass boilers, and other heating equipment to maintain a suitable indoor temperature. Also, insulate egg storage rooms and protect eggs from freezing. Cover eggs with blankets, quilts, or other insulating materials to prevent losses from cracked shells.
3, Strengthen layer flock management
Appropriately increase energy feed such as corn and oils in the laying hens’ diet to improve their ability to withstand cold; promptly supplement additives such as multivitamins and electrolytes to reduce stress responses in laying hens; pay attention to air quality and hygiene inside the poultry house. While maintaining adequate warmth, ventilate promptly once outdoor temperatures rise during the day to prevent ammonia poisoning and respiratory diseases; stock sufficient feed and fuel at the farm to ensure emergency supplies during extreme rain and snow weather.
4, Strengthen the Prevention and Control of Diseases in Laying Hens
In cold conditions, laying hens’ immune capacity declines. Strengthen biosecurity measures and disinfect and maintain hygiene around the poultry house to prevent the entry of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens; carry out immunization and booster vaccinations for laying hens, closely monitor disease outbreaks, and effectively prevent winter diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza and Newcastle disease; promptly dispose of laying hens that die as a result of disasters using harmless treatment methods, and strictly prevent the occurrence and spread of disease among laying hens.
5, Stay Informed of Weather Alerts
Make full use of various media, including the internet, television, and radio, to promptly obtain weather warnings and forecasts, market supply and demand, transportation, and feed ingredient supply information. Replenish feed ingredients and fuel in a timely manner, coordinate and plan the marketing of poultry and egg products, and scientifically organize laying hen production and egg sales.