Alternative / Growing Period
Management
Growing Period
Management
The first 18 weeks of a pullets
life are critical. Good management during this period can assure that she
reaches the laying house ready to deliver her genetical performance
potential. Mistakes made during the first 18 weeks generally cannot be
corrected in the laying house.
General
Recommendations
- Grow pullets in strict isolation from older birds.
Maintain good sanitation. Where possible, plan work routines so that
disease organisms cannot be carried from older birds to the growing
pullets.
- During the first six weeks, operate feeders to
provide feed twice daily, or more often. Weekly check feed consumption
and body weights against the chart on page 13. (Weigh 100 pullets to get
a meaningful average).
- Check water availability, raise drinkers as the
birds grow (nipples higher than the birds heads; cups or troughs level
with their backs).
- Plan and follow a vaccination schedule specific to
your area.
- Remove mortality daily and dispose of properly.
Examine for causes of excessive mortality.
- Ensure target body weights are achieved by weekly
check weighing (see Body Weight section).
- Minimum 80% uniformity necessary to achieve optimum
performance (see Body Weight section).
- Gradually increase light intensity to match laying
quarters 2 weeks prior to moving.
- Three days before moving pullets to the laying
house, begin using water-soluble vitamins and electrolytes in the
drinking water. Continue using for three days after housing. This helps
minimise the stress of moving. Gentle handling will pay big
dividends.