Green shell egg chicken feeding and management points
2025-08-27 07:11:38
The Green Shell Layer chicken is a unique breed of black chicken known for its green-shelled eggs. These hens are small in size, highly resilient to stress, and efficient in feed conversion, making them an excellent choice for commercial or backyard farming with great breeding potential.
**Chick Rearing Management**
The brooding period for Green Shell Layers lasts from day 0 to day 60. To raise healthy chicks, it's essential to select strong, vigorous chicks, prepare the brooding area properly, maintain good hygiene, and implement strict management practices.
The first time chicks drink water is called the "first drink." This should be done before feeding, using cool water (20°C to 25°C). For every liter of water, add 50 grams of glucose, 1 gram of vitamin C, and 1000 units of penicillin. After drinking, ensure that water is always available to prevent dehydration. From 1 to 2 weeks of age, supplement water with antibiotics like gentamicin or streptomycin to prevent infections.
The first feeding occurs after the initial water intake. Once one-third of the chicks begin foraging, you can start feeding. The first feeding usually takes place between 24 and 36 hours. Feed should be fresh, nutritious, and easy to digest, such as cooked millet or crushed corn. To enhance nutrition, mix 4 egg yolks, 0.5 kg of milk powder, and 5 grams of multivitamins into every 10 kg of starter feed. The feed should contain 19% crude protein, 12 MJ/kg of metabolizable energy, and 0.8% calcium. Feed the chicks 6 times per day during the first two weeks, reducing to 5 times by week 3–4, and 4 times by week 5–6. From week 7 onward, feed 3 times daily. Provide sand once a week starting at week 2, not exceeding 1% of the diet to aid digestion.
Temperature is critical during the brooding phase. The ideal temperature for the first week is 33°C to 35°C, decreasing by 2°C to 3°C each subsequent week until reaching ambient temperature by day 60. In winter, extend the period slightly; in summer, shorten it. Keep the temperature stable and avoid sudden changes, which can increase disease susceptibility and mortality.
Humidity should be maintained at 65%–70% during the first week, dropping to 55%–60% in the second week, and 50%–60% from week 3 onward. Low humidity (below 40%) can cause respiratory issues, while high humidity (above 80%) may lead to white diarrhea and coccidiosis.
Stocking density is another important factor. For flat rearing, the recommended density is 45–50 per square meter for the first 3 days, gradually decreasing over time. Proper spacing ensures even growth and reduces health risks.
Ventilation is crucial to maintain air quality. Ensure fresh air circulation while controlling COâ‚‚ levels below 0.15% and ammonia levels below 20 ppm. Avoid drafts during resting periods to prevent cold stress.
Lighting plays a key role in chick development. For the first 3 days, provide 23–24 hours of light at 15–20 LX. Reduce lighting to 17–19 hours by week 4, and gradually decrease it to match natural daylight by week 150.
Disease prevention involves maintaining clean environments, regular disinfection, and following vaccination schedules. Avoid unnecessary stressors to keep the flock healthy.
**Broiler Chicken Management**
The rearing period for Green Shell Layers spans from 60 to 150 days. Focus on promoting body maturation, controlling sexual maturity, and ensuring synchronization between the two. After brooding, only healthy hens are retained for egg production, while others are sold.
Restricted feeding helps control weight gain, delay sexual maturity, and improve egg quality. Maintain a protein level of 14%–15%, metabolic energy of 10.66–10.87 MJ/kg, and calcium at 0.6%. Feed 3 times daily, mixing concentrates with green feed at noon.
Lighting management is vital. Light duration should gradually decrease or remain constant, never increasing. Use artificial lighting to supplement natural light if needed. Maintain a light intensity of 5LX.
Two lighting systems are commonly used: the Constant system for spring chicks and the Decrease system for autumn chicks. Both aim to synchronize natural light cycles and optimize egg production.
**Egg Production Management**
For laying hens, cage systems are preferred to maximize productivity. Ensure proper nutrition, clean environment, and strict disease control. Adjust feed formulations based on the laying stage:
- **Pre-laying (150 days old):** Metabolizable energy 10.87–12.28 MJ/kg, crude protein 15%–16%, calcium 2%.
- **Peak laying (>30% egg rate):** Metabolizable energy 12.28–12.30 MJ/kg, crude protein 16%–17%, calcium 3%.
- **Late laying (<20% egg rate):** Limit feed to 95% of normal, reduce protein to 15%, and increase calcium to 3.2%. Add vitamin AD3 at 0.1–0.2 kg per 100 kg of feed.
Increase lighting to 16 hours weekly, starting at 150 days. Maintain consistent lighting throughout the laying period. In rainy weather, use supplemental lighting at 25LX.
Maintain a stable environment with temperatures between 20°C and 25°C. Provide cooling in summer and heating in winter. Ensure proper ventilation, manage stress, and follow strict cleaning and egg collection protocols.
Regular sanitation and disinfection are essential to maintain flock health. Control pests, replace disinfectants, and enforce biosecurity measures. Prevent contamination of feed and water sources.
By following these detailed management practices, farmers can achieve optimal growth, health, and egg production from Green Shell Layer chickens.
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